Cornell University Council
Membership Information
Terms of Membership
Members serve a four-year term which starts on July 1. A two-year break at the conclusion of each term is mandatory. At the conclusion of the break the former member will automatically be considered, along with all new nominations, for another four-year term. One may serve an indefinite number of terms, each separated by a mandatory two-year break.
The Membership Committee annually reviews nominations for membership and makes recommendations to the Board of Trustees. The Cornell University Council includes 440 elected members and over 250 life members. In addition, Trustees, Trustees Emeriti, and Presidential Councillors are also Council members. Total membership is over 850 alumni, parents, and friends.
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Criteria for Membership
To qualify for membership, a candidate must meet at least one of the following three criteria:
- demonstrated leadership and involvement in Cornell activities for 5 or more years
- achievement of a major leadership role in business, profession, or other fields of endeavor
- significant contribution to the betterment of society through leadership in community, education, charitable organizations, or other humanitarian undertakings
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Responsibilities of Membership
As a Council member, one agrees to meet the following responsibilities to the best of one's ability:
- make an annual contribution to Cornell at a level appropriate to one's circumstances
- become better informed about Cornell's strengths, programs, challenges, and successes by attending the Council's joint Annual Meeting with the Trustees and taking part in other Cornell activities and affairs
- support, join or take leadership roles in one or more structured Cornell activities
- volunteer one's services on ad hoc committees or as a consultant wherever one's interests and expertise would make one a special asset to the University
- attend and support local Cornell activities whenever possible; bring new ideas and concepts to the attention of the Cornell community
- represent and introduce Cornell University to prospective students and their parents, and to the general public
- enhance the flow of communication between Cornell and one's own community, familiarize others with Cornell, and keep the University aware of developments in one's region that may affect Cornell's interests
- by invitation, serve on the Council's Administrative Board, and on Council committees
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Life Membership
The honor of Life Membership may be granted to members who have reached their 65th birthday, have served at least twelve years on Council, and have given distinguished service to the University on an annual basis. The Membership Committee recommends Life Membership candidates to the Board of Trustees for review and election. Criteria must be met by July 1 of the year the term begins.
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Friends of the Council
The designation "Friend of the Council" is an honor bestowed on special friends -- mainly emeritus Cornell faculty, staff, and administrators -- who have a longstanding and active relationship with Council. Friends have shown long-term loyalty to the University or have made a continuing and substantial contribution to Cornell alumni. Friends are considered members and are eligible for committee membership. They will be invited to participate in the Annual Meeting as distinguished guests.
Service to the University
You may serve the university in a number of ways. First, it is most important that you continue to provide leadership in the types of activities that were the basis for your nomination. In addition, you may explore other opportunities for service at Cornell by logging on to http://www.alumni.cornell.edu/volunteer.htm, or taking time to investigate the following alumni organizations:
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