UGAA

University of Guelph Alumni Association (UGAA)

All U of G graduates are members of the UGAA and are eligible for many great services and benefits, networking events and lifelong learning opportunities.

Board of Directors

The UGAA is governed by a ten-member volunteer board. The role of the board is to:

Represent the interests of the alumni population as a whole
Promote opportunities for lifelong relationships
Encourage communication among alumni and with the University community

The board seeks competencies and diversity that will contribute to effective governance and represent our alumni body. Diversifying the board is a priority for our nomination process. The alumni we serve are diverse in many ways. By better reflecting this diversity in the makeup of our board and committees, we will increase our understanding of how to best serve all of our alumni. Nominations close March 30, 2024.

Nominations are now closed

*Self nominations are encouraged

What's in it for you?

When you join the UGAA board, you are seizing a great opportunity to develop your skillset, connect with like-minded alumni, and engage in strategic planning on behalf of the alumni community. As a board, we work together to affect change and implement opportunities at U of G — individually, we develop our own skills and experience in board governance, community involvement, strategic planning, communications, marketing, finance and fundraising. It's a win-win!

Board Director Responsibilities

Term of Office: Three Years

Responsibilities

Increase the awareness of alumni and their involvement, contributions and interactions with the University
Act as a strong ambassador for the University of Guelph
Motivate fellow alumni to be active in University advancement and alumni outreach
Seek out new affinities that will expand the connection alumni have with the University
Provide information, best practices and ideas for the UGAA and Alumni Affairs and Development
Contribute to the good governance and ethical behaviour of the UGAA
Be an active participant in at least one UGAA subcommittee
Be prepared for all meetings by reviewing the past minutes, committee reports, and any other information provided in advance
Contribute to the governing of the UGAA, which includes proposing, debating, approving operations as well as short- and long-term strategic planning

Qualifications include, but are not limited to:

Graduate of the University of Guelph
Commitment to the advancement of the University of Guelph
Ability to meet time and length of term commitments
Commitment to the mission and role of the UGAA board
Understanding of the operation of the UGAA and Alumni Affairs & Development
Ability to contribute ideas and opinions openly and to build a climate of trust and teamwork
Objectivity and absence of conflict of interest
Prior board experience
Ability to work with a diverse alumni population and other university stakeholders
Results orientation
Systems-level planning and thinking
Understanding organizational and team dynamics

Time Commitment

Approximately 9 board meetings per year
Attend weekend retreat and/or an annual orientation session
Annual General Meeting (June)
Occasional teleconference calls
Homecoming Weekend (September)
Alumni Weekend and Gala (June)
In addition, time is required for reading and preparation for board and committee meetings
Participation in at least one board sub-committee with meetings held 6-8 times per year, representing 4-6 hours per month
Attendance at University and alumni functions as required
All meetings (executive & board) begin at 6:00 p.m. and are held either virtually, at Alumni House, University of Guelph or occasionally an off-campus location. Dinner and beverages are provided for each in person meeting. Normally available at 5:30 p.m.
Duration of meetings: regular board meetings last for approximately 2 hours while committee meetings are approximately 60 minutes.
Correspondence between board members is frequent and encouraged.

UGAA Standing Committees

EXECUTIVE: Provides leadership for the board.
NOMINATIONS: Ensures sound leadership and continuous development of the UGAA by recruiting a succession of dedicated alumni with appropriate skill sets.
FINANCE AND AFFINITY: Provides the UGAA with predictable, stable, and expanding financial resources.
GOVERNANCE: Reviews the UGAA bylaws with a focus on keeping processes and policies current, efficient and in line with the board goals.
ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT/PROGRAMMING: Advises and supports AA&D staff in planning and executing successful engagement opportunities