Board of Trustees
Trustee Orientation Policy
EMU's Trustee Orientation is designed to ease the transition of new members onto the board, introduce new trustees to Eastern Mennonite University, their board responsibilities, and the changing context of higher education, and ensure effective board and individual performance.
New trustees will complete a one-day Trustee Orientation program in June, prior to beginning their terms on July 1. New trustees will complete Year One Orientation activities during the first year of their term. Current trustees are encouraged to actively engage with new trustees in transitioning to the board and committee assignments.
The Executive/Governance Committee of EMU's board has responsibility to periodically review and update the Trustee orientation program.
ONBOARDING
Onboarding activities of new trustees include:
- Receive a briefing packet of critical governance information: EMU Trustee Handbook, bylaws, board meeting agendas and minutes from the past year, last audit / financial statement, strategic plan, organizational information (e.g., board roster, committees, administrative organization), executive summary of most recent accreditation report
- Gain access to EMU's Board portal (Moodle)
- Confirm Board Committee assignments
- Receive assigned mentor
- Sign Conflict of Interest policy
- Complete personal data sheet and provide professional photo
- Observe June Board meeting (optional)
YEAR ONE ORIENTATION
Orientation activities for new trustees include:
- Participate in one-day EMU Trustee Orientation program in June
- EMU Board responsibilities, expectations and policies
- Overview of EMU's mission, strategic plan, academic programs, services, and finances
- Meet Cabinet members and other leadership staff
- Campus tour
- Meet with EMU's President, Board Chair, and Assigned Committee Chairs
- Complete and debrief Intercultural Assessment (e.g., Intercultural Development Inventory)
- Connect with mentor before, during, and / or following board meetings
- Participate in select EMU activities (e.g., alumni/donor events, Homecoming Weekend, Commencement)
Trustee Orientation Policy
Page 2
- Review selected readings on EMU and higher education governance:
- Eastern Mennonite University: A Century of Cross-Cultural Education (Kraybill, 2017)
- Governance as Leadership: Reframing the Work of Nonprofit Boards (Chait, Ryan & Taylor, 2005)
- Association of Governing Boards Statements: Governing Board Accountability for Campus Climate, Inclusion and Civility (2016); The Fiduciary Duties of Governing Board Members (2015); Consequential Boards: Adding Value Where It Matters Most (2014); External Influences on Universities and Colleges (2012)
Board of Trustees
Approved June 2017