According to the National Center for the Non-Profits Boards, Volunteer Boards or Council members are presented with an interesting paradox:

“On the one hand, members of the Board of Directors as individuals have no special privileges, prerogatives, or authority; they must meet in formal session to make corporate decision. On the other hand, individual board members are expected to meet higher standards of personal conduct on behalf of their organization than those usually expected of other volunteers.”

Clearly, the effectiveness of the board is dependent upon the synergy created by the exemplary performance of the outstanding individual Board or Council members. To this end, Board and Council members should be committed to the following:

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS

• Know and embrace the University's mission, goals, policies, programs, services, strengths, and needs
• Know and embrace the Organizations' mission, goals, policies, programs, services, strengths, and needs
• To the extent possible, participate in the Organization's programs and activities
• Suggest possible nominees to the Board and Council who are clearly women and men of achievement and distinction and who can make significant contributions to the Organization's progress
• Ensure that the composition of the Board and the Council are representative of the diversity of the University of Houston, its alumni, and its current students
• Serve in leadership positions or undertake special assignments willingly and enthusiastically when asked
• Avoid prejudiced judgments on the basis of information received from individuals and urge those with grievances to follow established policies and procedures
• Follow trends in higher education and alumni relations to be able to make informed decisions about new directions in programs and policies
• Have fun and bring a sense of humor to the Board's or Council's deliberations

MEETINGS

• Prepare for and participate in Board (usually 4-6) and/or Council meetings (2)
• Ask timely and substantive questions at meetings, consistent with your conscience and convictions, while enthusiastically supporting the majority decision
• Respect the diversity of opinions represented by each Board or Council member according to their ability and talent.
• Maintain confidentiality of the Board or Council sessions, and to speak for the Board, Council, or Organization only when authorized to do so
• Suggest agenda items periodically for Board, Council, and general meetings to ensure that significant matters are addressed

RELATIONSHIP WITH THE HAO STAFF

• Counsel President as appropriate to offer support in his or her often challenging relationships with groups or individuals • Provide support and feedback based on individual experiences and talents to the President, or to other staff members as requested by the President • Avoid asking special favors of the staff, including special requests for information, without at least prior consultation with the President, the Board, or the appropriate committee chairperson

AVOIDING CONFLICTS

• Serve the organization as a whole, not just the interest of any specific constituency
• Avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest that might embarrass the Board, the Council, the Organization, or the University, and disclose any possible conflicts to the President or the Board in a timely manner
• Maintain independence and objectivity and do what your sense of fairness, ethics, and personal integrity dictate
• Never accept (or offer) favors or gifts from (or to) anyone who does business with the Organization

FIDUCIARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Approve and monitor the Organization's budget and exercise prudence in the control of the transfer of funds to ensure that the Organization is being a good steward of funds provided by its members and donors
• Read and understand the Organization's financial statements
• Understand and follow all Board and Organization financial policies

FUND-RAISING

• Make an annual membership, life membership, or sustaining gift to the Organization according to individual ability
• Assist the membership committee, fund-raising committees, and staff through the personal access and influence with others (individuals, corporations, and foundations)