Board Member Roles and Responsibilities

In order to carry out its mission to build a reciprocally beneficial relationship between Rice University and its alumni, the ARA Board members commit to enthusiastically advocate and support its activities and also take an active role in the life of the university. While the Board understands that its members will have varied interests and strengths, members are expected to meet the standards of participation outlined below.

Required Duties

• Attend three Board meetings per year
• Attend the President's Town Hall at Alumni Weekend
• Attend the Laureates Awards Dinner
• Attend regional presidential visits
• Serve on one task force per year
• Complete post-Board meeting surveys
• Contribute financially to Rice, no matter the amount or designation
• Serve as or recruit hosts for OwlEdge externships
• Recruit alumni to apply to the Board
  

Applications are accepted year-round; however, the Board Nominations Committee reviews applications in the fall and winter, selecting seven candidates and one alternate for the following year. Candidates are notified of their nomination in mid-March. Preference is given to applicants who have not previously served on the ARA Board, though prior service does not preclude a second term.

If you have any questions regarding the nominations process, please see our frequently asked questions below or contact alumni@rice.edu.

APPLY NOW

ARA Board Application

Have you connected with someone familiar with the Board (e.g., a current or former board member, staff or faculty member) to learn more about its work? While not required, this context can help you craft a thoughtful application that highlights your strengths and reflects the Board’s goals and member commitments. Letters of recommendation are optional and will be considered with the rest of your application.

Applicants are encouraged to respond to each of the prompts below and consider responses of 150-200 words per question. For more information, contact alumni@rice.edu, or please see our frequently asked questions below.

Frequently Asked Questions

How competitive is the ARA Board nomination process?
The ARA Board Nominations Committee reviews up to 70 applications each fiscal year. Because the process is highly competitive, not being selected in the first year does not mean a candidate is not a strong fit for the board. Nominations remain under consideration for up to three years, and committee membership changes each year, giving nominations fresh consideration.

What makes a strong ARA Board candidate?
The committee considers a range of factors when evaluating candidates, with particular emphasis on recent involvement with Rice and demonstrated leadership. Strong candidates often demonstrate:

• Meaningful engagement with Rice after graduation. This can include serving on career panels, mentoring students, hosting an Owl Edge Externship or participating in other alumni, academic, athletic or affinity programs.
• Diversity and representation. Because the board serves all Rice alumni, the committee considers diversity of gender, race, ethnicity, geography, class year, degree type, course of study, profession and other experiences when evaluating candidates and the overall composition of the 28-member board.
• Ongoing financial support of Rice. Regular financial support, regardless of the amount or area of the university supported, demonstrates continued commitment to Rice. The ARA Board is not a fundraising body, and the committee does not evaluate candidates based on the amount they give.
• Student leadership and involvement. Leadership and involvement as an undergraduate or graduate student can demonstrate dedication to Rice. However, because alumni have different opportunities to participate as students, involvement after graduation carries greater weight.
• Professional and community accomplishments. Professional honors, career accomplishments and community involvement can demonstrate a candidate’s ability and willingness to contribute as a board member, particularly when those experiences relate to the board’s work.

Does a candidate need to live in Houston?
No. Alumni outside the Houston area can demonstrate strong engagement through regional involvement and other ways of supporting Rice.

What can nominators do to strengthen a nomination?
Provide specific examples of the candidate’s recent Rice involvement, leadership and impact. Rather than simply listing accomplishments, explain how the candidate has contributed to the Rice community and how their experience and perspective would benefit the ARA Board.