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 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 reviews nominations for membership and makes recommendations to the Board of Trustees, which elects 440 members-at-large on a rotating schedule. The Administrative Board of the Council may elect up to ten additional members each year. All Trustees, Trustee Fellows, Emeritus Trustees and Presidential Councillors are also Council members.

Criteria of Membership

To qualify for membership, a candidate must meet at least one of the following three criteria:

active involvement, work, and leadership 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 involvement in community, education, charitable organizations, or other humanitarian undertakings

Responsibilities of Membership

As a Council member, one agrees to meet the following responsibilities to the best of one's ability:

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
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
by invitation, serve on the Council's Administrative Board, and on Council committees
support, join or take leadership roles in one or more structured Cornell activities
represent and introduce Cornell University to prospective students and their parents, and to the general public
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

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. The Membership Committee recommends Life Membership candidates to the Board of Trustees for review and election.

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.

Council Member Service to the University

As a Council member, an individual may serve the University in a number of ways. It is important that one continue to provide leadership in those activities that were the basis for one's nomination. Other opportunities for service include:

Class projects
Club projects
College advisory councils
Fund-raising activities
Student recruitment
Regional activities
Regional area councils
Council Administrative Board
Council committees
President's Council of Cornell Women
Acting as an informed ambassador for Cornell