ARA Board Applications

Apply to Serve as a Director on the ARA Board

Applications are welcome at any time of the year, though the Board Nominations Committee meets during the fall and winter to determine candidates for the following year. Candidates are notified of their nomination to the Board in mid-March. Preference will be given to applicants who have not yet served on the ARA Board, however those who have already served are not precluded from serving a second term.

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

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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.

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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.