Board of Directors Statement of Understanding

(Roles & Responsibilities)

As a Director of the Sonoma State University Foundation, I am fully committed to the mission, purpose, and goals of the Foundation. I understand that in accepting this position I agree to the following:

1. Believe in the mission of Sonoma State University and remain fluent in the University’s achievements, needs, strategic priorities, challenges, opportunities, and the overall vision for its growth and improvement.
    
2. Serve as an ambassador and advocate for Sonoma State University and the Foundation by developing a working knowledge of the University’s mission, strategic priorities, challenges, opportunities, and its impact on students and the North Bay region.
    
3. Actively attend and participate in all meetings of the Foundation Board and assigned committees, with an expectation of at least 75% attendance, either in person or via Zoom; prepare for Board and committee meetings; attend selected campus and Foundation events when possible; and avail myself to the University leaders and volunteers to provide candid counsel and assistance. Participate as a member of at least one committee..
    
4. Recognize that the Foundation Board is a working board and contribute my time, talent, relationships, and expertise in ways that advance the Foundation’s philanthropic purpose and the University’s priorities.
    
5. Demonstrate good moral character and recognize my role as a volunteer leader to advise in the setting of fundraising goals and programs, provide strategic counsel in support of the President and University leadership, and entrust the University leadership to effectively manage operations in support of these goals and programs.
    
6. Recognize that I may have access to confidential information. Agree to safeguard such information and avoid actual and/or perceived conflicts of interest in accordance with applicable guidelines.
    
7. Diligently steward the private gift assets that are managed by the Foundation in support of Sonoma State University, and recognize that as a Director, I am legally and ethically responsible for such stewardship.
    
8. Be responsible, with other board members, for increasing the engagement of all University constituencies in ways that lead toward private gift support
   
   
9. In coordination with the University, actively assist in identification and introduction of potential new Board Directors and Committee member prospects, including candidates who strengthen the Board’s diversity of professional experience, community connections, philanthropic capacity, and regional influence.
    
10. In coordination with the University, actively assist in identification, cultivation and solicitation of principal-level prospective donors. Identify individuals, make introductions, and facilitate relationships while acting as an advocate for the University and its priorities. Help connect SSU with prospective donors, alumni, community leaders, corporate partners, and other external partners who may advance University priorities. Participate in periodic fundraising campaigns on behalf of specific projects for the University.
     
11. Willingness to contribute annually each fiscal year to a Sonoma State University program of my choice, at an amount meaningful to me, with the understanding that the SSU Foundation is a philanthropic organization and seeks full Board giving participation.
     
12. Willingness to work with Foundation and University Advancement leadership on a personal engagement plan to most effectively utilize my “time, talent and treasure.”
     
13. Commit to serving a minimum three-year term, with the understanding that service may be renewed for two additional three-year terms, consistent with the Foundation's governance documents.
     
14. Remain open, as appropriate, to future Board, committee, or other Foundation leadership roles that support continuity, engagement, and philanthropic impact.
     
15. Should I be unable to meet my obligations, I may be asked to step down from the Foundation leadership and seek other forms of engagement at Sonoma State University.

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Director Name

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Director Signature

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Date

Board of Directors Statement of Understanding.pdf

_{approved by the SSU Foundation Board on 9/27/24}