Section V

Roles and Duties of Individual Governing Board Members

Table of Contents

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Orientation

Each new Member of the Governing Board participates in New Member Orientation (See Appendix 3).

Annual Commitment Letter

Each Member of the Governing Board will sign the Annual Commitment Letter, a copy of which is attached as Appendix 1.

Generally, a Member serves by working in collaboration with the other Members to perform the functions of the Governing Board.  The Annual Commitment Letter constitutes a code of conduct and provides more specificity on the role and the ethical duties and responsibilities of a Member.

Certain overriding expectations of a Member include the following:

  • Courtesy: Display civility and courtesy towards other Members, the President, CNM faculty and staff, and the public.
  • Preparation: Review the materials provided in advance of each meeting; be prepared to listen, discuss and evaluate the information provided, and then make decisions.
  • Priority: Ensure that CNM priorities are a personal priority.  Devote the necessary time and attention to the business of the Governing Board, and understand the Vision, Mission, and Core Values of CNM and the policies which support them.
  • Attendance: Attend all meetings of the Governing Board and assigned committees unless excused. Notification of absence should be given via email, telephone, or in-person to the Governing Board Chair or Committee Chair as soon as possible prior to any regular or special meeting.   In case of physical absence, a Member should make a good faith attempt to attend remotely via internet.  Notification of potential early departure from a meeting should be given as early as possible to permit avoidance of breaking a quorum prior to the completion of necessary business.   
  • Committees: Actively participate in each committee of the Governing Board to which the Member is assigned.
  • Independence: Maintain independence in representing the Member’s District and vote accordingly, realizing that unanimity of purpose often results in unanimous votes reflecting Governing Board cohesion.
  • Professional Development: Take steps to increase the Member’s professional growth. Members must attend scheduled Governing Board retreats, planning meetings, workshops, and other development activities. Members are encouraged to subscribe to suitable professional publications, participate in professional organizations and engage in continuous learning.
  • Community Engagement:  Members support and participate in CNM special events.  Members are encouraged to strengthen relationships with community partners. Community engagement is an ongoing, collaborative process in which Members work with the public to build understanding, guidance, and active involvement in higher education.