Are you interested in giving back by joining the Alumni Leadership Council or Board of Directors? Then review the roles and responsibilities for each leadership group to see if it’s right for you. For more information, please contact Carrie Fediuk at cfediuk@umich.edu or 734.763.2452.
Role of the Alumni Leadership Council
The Alumni Leadership Council (ALC) is comprised of a broad and diverse cross-section of members who represent the interests and concerns of the Association’s constituencies. Council members are to stay informed of Association and University issues and shall promote the Association and its activities.
The Council’s purpose is to promote the general welfare and interests of the Association and the University of Michigan. Council members will review staff research of Association, University and/or alumni problems and make recommendations. Council members will also review the Association’s current and proposed initiatives; provide the board, the Association, and its staff with support and feedback regarding those initiatives; and make recommendations for future actions.
ALC Composition
The Alumni Leadership Council is composed as follows:
| NUMBER | SOURCE OF REPRESENTATIVES | MEANS OF ELECTION |
| 5 | Officers of the Association | Elected by the Board |
| 15-19 | Members of the Board of Directors | Elected by the Association membership |
| 18-24 | At-Large Members of the Alumni Leadership Council | Elected by the Association membership |
| 10 | Association Affiliates | Elected or selected by the Affiliate |
| 4 | University of Michigan-Dearborn Alumni Society | Elected or selected by the Alumni Society |
| 4 | University of Michigan-Flint Alumni Society | Elected or selected by the Alumni Society |
| 18 | Educational Affiliates except Dearborn and Flint Alumni Societies | Elected or selected by the Affiliate |
| 3 | Alumnae Council of the Alumni Association of the University of Michigan | Elected or selected by the Alumnae Council |
| 9 | Club Representatives — one from each of the nine geographic areas with the largest concentrations of Association members (as determined by the Association’s membership statistics) | Elected or selected by the club(s) in those areas. In areas where there is more than one club, if the clubs cannot agree on an election/selection process, the board (through Clubs Council) shall develop a process for election or selection |
| 6 | At-Large Club Representative — representative of groups of clubs outside the above nine geographic areas | Same as above |
| 4 | Student Leaders | Selected by the Alumni Leadership Council, based upon applications solicited by the Alumni Leadership Council |
| 2 | Faculty Representatives | Nominated by the president of the University |
ALC Eligibility
All council members must be members of the Alumni Association and able to attend council meetings held in the spring and fall (the fall meeting is held in conjunction with Homecoming).
ALC Time Expectation
The monthly time commitment from ALC members is minimal. Commitment can be increased with involvement in special committees. Council members are expected to provide two days of service to the Alumni Association at the bi-annual meetings.
ALC Financial Expectation
Council member travel and lodging costs are at one’s own expense. The Association typically provides meals during the meeting.
ALC Selection to the Council
Council members are elected, selected or appointed by their constituent groups, with the exception of the at-large members who are elected by the Association’s membership. A nominating committee appointed by the chair reviews candidate applications and presents a slate at the Association’s annual meeting.
ALC Terms of Service
Members of the council may serve up to two three-year terms.
Additional ALC Opportunities
Often many council members are interested in providing further service to the Alumni Association, in addition to the council meetings. Opportunities to serve on special committees occasionally arise, and council members should take a proactive role in expressing their interest in serving on such a committee.
ALC Leadership Possibilities
The Alumni Leadership Council is used as a proving ground for the board of directors. Council members interested in having a larger role in the Alumni Association with governing responsibilities should become involved in additional committees, seek out responsibilities and communicate interest.
Role of the Board of Directors
The board of directors is comprised of 20 to 24 members who have full fiduciary responsibility and accountability for detailed Association decision making. Board members will review and advise on personnel policy, staff development, and organizational structure; financial planning, including investments and setting the annual budgets of the Association; ensuring the proper maintenance and development of Association land, buildings, equipment, and other facilities, including the Alumni Center and Michigania; and for developing policies and recommending processes that ensure the Association remains a dynamic and efficient organization.
Officers of the Board of Directors
Officers of the board are elected to a two-year term. Officer positions include:
- Chair of the board of directors
- Chair-elect of the board of directors
- Treasurer
- Secretary
- Immediate past chair of the board
- President of the Alumni Association
Board of Directors Eligibility
All board members must be members of the Alumni Association and attend 75% of the meetings in each 12-month period. A member’s travel and lodging costs are at his or her own expense. The Association provides meals during the meeting.
Election to the Board of Directors
A nominating committee appointed by the chair reviews candidate applications and presents a slate of board members and officers for election at the Association’s annual meeting.
Board of Directors Terms of Service
Directors may serve up to two, three-year terms. Officers of the board shall serve two-year terms.
Board of Director’s Audit Committee
The audit committee consists of the chair of the board, chair-elect or immediate past chair, treasurer and five directors appointed by the chair of the board and serve two-year terms. Committee members will secure an annual audit of the Association’s books and accounts.
