| Policy Title | Emeritus Trustee Policy |
|---|---|
| Policy Category | Board of Trustees |
| Original Policy Approval Date | June 28, 2016 |
| Policies Superseded | None |
| Responsible Office | Office of the University Secretary |
| Related Policies | None |
| Frequency of Review | 5 Years |
| Date of Next Review | October 2028 |
I. Scope
This Emeritus Trustee Policy (“Policy”) applies to all eligible individuals who have formerly served on the Arcadia University (“University”) Board of Trustees and have served the University with distinction.
II. Policy Statement
Emeritus Trustee is an honorary title conveyed by a governing board upon a former trustee of an institution to recognize exemplary service. The University’s Board of Trustees may elect individuals as Emeriti Trustees in order to honor retiring trustees who have provided distinguished and meritorious service, outstanding leadership, and exceptional contributions to the University over a period of years. Other individuals who have served the University with distinction may be granted honorary trustee status as set forth in the Bylaws of the University but only former trustees may be honored with Emeritus Trustee status in accordance with this Policy.
III. Policy
A. Designation
Individuals who have previously served the University as a trustee with distinction may be elected as Emeriti Trustees.
B. Criteria and Nomination
Emeritus Trustee is a status that is granted to individuals who have demonstrated significant dedication to the University. All former trustees are eligible for nomination provided that they meet the stated distinguished and meritorious service requirements for Emeritus Trustee status as set forth below.
- Three (3) terms of service on the Board of Trustees, as defined in the Bylaws of the University; and
- Established record of exemplary commitment and service to the University, the local community, or the global community with distinction through personal leadership, high attendance, active participation, length of service, level of responsibility, service on committees, sustained personal philanthropy, or other significant accomplishments and exceptional dedication and commitment to the mission of the University.
The Board of Trustees may consider trustees who have served less than twelve (12) years, in its absolute discretion.
All nominations must be accompanied by a letter of recommendation and submitted to the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees. The Executive Committee will review each candidate’s qualifications and present recommended candidates to the full Board for a vote. Any candidate receiving at least two-thirds (2/3) vote in favor by the trustees present and entitled to vote will be awarded Emeritus Trustee status.
C. Privileges and Responsibilities
Emeriti Trustees will be invited to participate in the life of the University, attend public sessions of Board of Trustee meetings, join the President’s Advisory Council, and march at commencement.
Emeriti Trustees may, on occasion, be invited by the President of the University or the Chair of the Board of Trustees to participate in other activities, committees, meetings, or special events.
Emeriti Trustees shall not have the privilege of voting or holding office. Emeriti Trustees shall not be counted in determining the number of trustees required to constitute a quorum at the meetings of the Board of Trustees.
D. Term
All Emeriti Trustees shall serve for life, provided, however, that Emeriti Trustees may resign from the Board or be removed from office in accordance with the University’s Bylaws.
V. Effective Date
This Policy is effective on the date that it is signed by the Board Chair.
VI. Date of Approval
June 28, 2016
Reviewed and Updated by the Governance Committee on May 5, 2021; Changes approved by the Board of Trustees on May 13, 2021; Changes approved by the Board of Trustees on October 5, 2023.
