Contents
Cal Poly Pomona

University Educational Trust

Mission Statement

The University Educational Trust champions excellence in public higher education at Cal Poly Pomona by partnering with public and private sectors to generate and manage resources thus providing its students an unparalleled education. Adopted 2/2/98

What is it?

The Cal Poly Pomona University Educational Trust (UET) is a 501 (c)(3), tax exempt organization designed to provide support and services to California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. Originally structured as a separate "arms length" organization, UET is recognized as a Title V auxiliary organization of the California State University (CSU). Such recognition allows the utilization of the University's name, resources and personnel, and formal authorization by the Board of Trustees of the CSU. The UET is insured and has legal counsel.

Design:

The UET is a corporation with a president, officers, executive committee, secretary, minutes, and all other legal requirements. The Board currently numbers about two dozen members on its way to a full membership goal of 30 (with possible expansion to 35) primarily business and professional community executives. There is an executive committee, finance committee, membership committee, and development committee.

Membership:

Our goal of membership is to benefit from the input of senior/executive level management officials. Title V regulations require university staff, faculty, and student representation. Three campus administrators (including the president) have been selected. Faculty and student representation will consist of one Board member each from these groups.

Responsibilities of Board Members:

Board members are required to: (1) advise the university on its programs and services to ensure they connect well with the world of work, (2) advise on the investment of funds acquired in support of the university, (3) assist the schools and colleges of the university with their development?related outreach, corporate networking, and capital campaign initiatives, (4) develop UET?organized fund-raising and resource development initiatives, and (5) advise on and assist the university to develop more functional executive?level outreach, marketing, and targeted activities (e.g., workshops, dinner events and industry briefings).

Time Commitment:

The UET Board meets approximately four times yearly with committees meeting separately, when possible during the same day as the board meeting. Members will commit additional time, as they can, to assisting and giving guidance to any projects of interest among the university's schools and colleges.

UET Board Member Job Description

Board members of the Trust are links to the community and as such are essential and important volunteers. A commitment to serve on the board carries with it some informal expectations, Our commitment is to make your board service rewarding and enjoyable and to help you exercise your special skills and talents on behalf of Cal Poly Pomona.

Board Member Expectations:

  • Attend board meetings
  • Participate on one committee
  • Review agenda and supporting materials prior to board/committee meetings
  • Know the Trust's mission, goals and programs
  • Participate actively in fund raising by direct contact with current and prospective donors and attending special events
  • Contribute annually from your personal resources
  • Understand the budget, budget process, and finances (annual budget, financial reports, internal controls)
  • Participate in annual planning for the organization
  • Determine policy for the organization
  • Be aware of and execute the formal, legal responsibilities of boards
  • Support the organization
  • Fulfill commitments within agreed-upon timelines
  • Participate in board orientation to ensure organizational knowledge
  • Provide candid, open, and honest feedback and evaluation as needed
  • Take initiative informing the organization about opportunities for funding or program development
  • Identify individuals in the community for volunteer participation or funding support
  • Exercise loyalty towards the organization and confidentiality regarding its internal affairs discussed at board meetings
  • Provide leadership within the board and local communities on behalf of the UET and its programs
  • Follow the conflict of interest policy
  • Assist with recruiting board members

UET Officer and Committee Responsibilities

UET President responsibilities include:

  1. Ensuring the board carries out those tasks and responsibilities consistent with its mission statement and authority.
  2. Ensuring the issues addressed by the board are relevant and within the scope of its responsibility.
  3. Ascertaining that the board and its committees have the information needed to carry out assigned work.
  4. Keeping all the meetings running smoothly while allowing time for discussion and deliberation.
  5. Acting as the UET's chief liaison between the board and the university.
  6. Above all, ensuring that the needs and interests of the University, as determined by the President of the University, serve as the exclusive focus of the UET.

Executive Committee responsibilities:

  1. Enforcing membership responsibilities including attendance policy and committee appointments.
  2. Frequently monitoring the progress of the board and staff in addressing the specific, current year performance goals.
  3. Providing the same level of scrutiny for budget performance.
  4. Maintaining a close and candid working relationship with the President of the University.
  5. Assisting the UET's Executive Director utilize the UET to the benefit of the University.
  6. Evaluating board performance by recognizing superior results or levels of service and arranging for the departure of unproductive members.
  7. Acting on behalf of the board in times of emergency or necessary expediency.

Membership Committee is responsible for determining:

  1. The process by which nominations may come forward to the committee.
  2. The minimum amount and kind of information required on each candidate.
  3. The evaluation method to be used to judge a candidate's qualifications.
  4. The procedure by which committee recommendations are advanced to the full board for discussion and action.
  5. The manner in which a successful nominee will be notified and invited to serve on the board.
  6. The information, briefings, and data needed by new members and by all members throughout their tenure on the board.
  7. The development of any presentations, visitations, training, activities, or events considered important for the membership in its understanding of roles, issues, opportunities, initiatives, and campaigns.

Finance Committee responsibilities:

  1. Oversee the UET's budget activities of revenue and expenses.
  2. Manage the UET's long?term fiscal condition through management of an investment portfolio.
  3. Prepare and review all budget activity.

Development Committee responsibilities:

  1. Implementing the philanthropic donation process for the UET including: prospect
    identification, cultivation, solicitation, and recognition.
  2. Promoting partnerships between the university and its external publics.
  3. Assisting the colleges and schools in reaching their fund raising goals.
  4. Developing and administering fund-raising efforts in support of projects of interest to board members that advance the needs of the university and/or that meet the operating needs of the board.
  5. Developing and maintaining a positive image of the UET within the university's internal and external constituencies.