What is a fiduciary? In what ways does a Board of Trustees demonstrate a fiduciary responsibility to the college?
According to the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges, a trustee of a college or university, “[…] must act in accordance with the fiduciary duties of care, loyalty, and obedience. […] Legally, a fiduciary relationship is one of trust or confidence between parties. A fiduciary is someone who has special responsibilities in connection with the administration, investment, monitoring, and distribution of property—in this case, the charitable or public assets of the institution. These assets include not just the buildings and grounds and endowment, but also intangibles, such as the reputation of the institution and its role in the community. A college or university board member or officer has duties to the institution under the law that a faculty member, a student, or an administrator does not.”
(AGB Board of Directors’ Statement on the Fiduciary Duties of Governing Board Members)
How does someone become a member of the Board of Trustees?
A number of factors contribute to someone being considered for the Board of Trustees. While there is no specific criteria used to identify potential board members, generally, individuals with a strong affiliation and record of engagement are considered—often alumni or parents of a current or graduated student. The Board of Trustees strives to reflect the diversity of the student and alumni body, and hopes to recruit individuals who will make extraordinary contributions to strategic level conversations, will embrace and create opportunities for engagement individually and with others, and will advocate on behalf of the college—telling the Dickinson story.
How do I contact the Board of Trustees?
The college’s practice is to maintain the confidentiality of our board member’s contact information. If you would like to direct a question or concern to the Board of Trustees or Young Alumni Trustees, you may send an email to the Office of the President, at presofc@dickinson.edu.