BECOME A TRUSTEE

 As effective members of the Board, trustees individually have a duty to:

• act as a spokesperson for The African Meta University and higher education, enhancing the visibility of both the System and each individual institution.
• Make sure that the mission of The African Meta University is up to date and in line with the needs of the general audience.
• Keep up-to-date on regional and national economic trends and social needs, as well as any potential effects they may have on higher education.
• Establish the board-level priorities and policies for The African Meta University, and, where necessary, give the chancellor and presidents responsibility for putting them into action.Implement fiduciary obligations through the creation of policies and administration of The African Meta University, ensuring sufficient funding to carry out the institutional missions.
• Exercise power in a way that fosters agreement for the benefit of The African Meta University, while respecting opposing viewpoints, balancing competing goals, and enabling majority rule even in the face of dispute.
• Serve in a way that supports and is consistent with The African Meta University's Charter and Bylaws.
• Conduct the board's business in a manner that is both exemplary and transparent, in accordance with the highest ethical standards, and in compliance with any applicable open-meetings and public records legislation.
• Serve as a bridge between The African Meta University and each institution, the corporate community, social and service organizations, and alumni associations. Support fundraising and other development efforts.
• Follow the word and spirit of the Board's conflict of interest policies and procedures, which have the effect of prohibiting TAMU from conducting business with or having a financial relationship with any TAMU Trustee or any organization they own or control.

• Participate in the creation and adoption of the mission statements for the system and institution.
• The Chancellor and the Presidents are chosen, their salaries are determined, and their performance is monitored, supported, and evaluated.
• Maintain the System's and its component institutions' commitment to high standards of education by
  • reviewing current academic programs, encouraging academic excellence, and preserving program quality
  • Promotion and tenure are given based on the Chancellor's and Presidents' recommendations.
  • requiring each institution, as a part of the institutional strategic plan, to create and maintain a long-term academic plan
  • requiring every institution to create and maintain efficient procedures for the addition, modification, removal, and routine evaluation of all kinds of academic programs.
• Determine the cost of tuition and establish a difference between it for all domestic and international students based on legislative policy.
• Promote financial viability by ensuring that institutional finances are properly handled through budget and financial oversight. For instance:
  • Review and approve:
    • Financial statements for the year
    • Expense budget
    • Requests for capital appropriations
    • Ideas for capital investments
  • Monitor:
    • University System investments
    • Auditing process
• Approve the staff and academic remuneration plans.
• To make sure that the board's structure and functions are effective, engage in self-study or self-evaluation.
• Purchase or receive property as a gift.
• Set long-term objectives. Long-term strategic plans are examined and approved to ensure continuity and growth of the System and institutional missions.

 Despite the fact that our board is partially made up of volunteers, it is expected that trustees will attend all board meetings (there are two regular meetings per year) and special sessions (e.g. orientations, graduations, or retreats). Additionally, trustees may be invited to participate in ad hoc committees or task forces as needed, as well as lead or serve on one or more standing committees. The reading and review of items (such as reports, motions, white papers, etc.) that are sent ahead of meetings must be considered when estimating the overall time commitment necessary for board service. Trustees typically devote at least 10 to 12 hours per semester, excluding travel. It is highly recommended that you attend the commencement exercises held by TAMU as well as any other special events or activities hosted by our universities. 

 Membership in the Board of Trustees is on a volunteer basis. There is no salary for this position. However, we shall make efforts to provide an allowance to each board member who is present at each board meeting.  

 In order to maintain the highest standards of accountability and create equal opportunity, the Board of Trustees shall be reconstituted every two years.