1. The board shall be a volunteer, advisory organization of the university. 
2.  In this role, the association shall have the following functions:

1. 1. To advise the Chancellor on matters related to maintaining and enhancing the quality and excellence of ECSU

   2. To assist the university in achieving its mission

   3. To provide feedback to the Chancellor, vice Chancellors, and deans of the major academic units on matters including, but not limited to, program development, curriculum development, student development, employment opportunities for graduates, governmental affairs, external partnership opportunities, etc.

   4. To assist ECSU in obtaining needed resources for the continued enhancement of the university

   5. To serve as advocates for the university in the larger community, the county, state, region and nation

1. The board members shall be selected from a local, regional and national pool based on the following criteria:

   1. Their knowledge and experiences in specific academic fields or their broad expertise

   2. Their ability to influence financial support 

   3. Willingness to give time and commitment to ECSU 

   4. A member is not required to be an alumnus of ECSU 

2. Members shall be selected for the board by the Chancellor. Nominations to the board may be made by the members of the board, members of the Board of Trustees, cabinet members or deans of the major academic units of the university and the Chancellor. 

3. There shall be a maximum of 30 members on the board. The Chancellor of the university (or a designee) shall be an ex-officio member of the board and shall be invited to all meetings. 

4.  Each member of the board shall be appointed to a term of three years and is limited to a maximum of two full consecutive terms. After a break in service of one year or longer, a person is eligible to serve on the board again. In the interest of continuity, the Chancellor of the university may, in the Chancellor’s sole discretion, appoint from those members of the board whose terms are expiring, one or more individuals to serve one additional year as a sustaining member. The year as a sustaining member does not count as a year break in service. 

5. Any vacancy on the board shall be filled for the balance of the unexpired term by the Chancellor. 

1. There shall be a chairperson, vice chairperson and secretary of the board. The Chancellor will appoint an employee of ECSU to provide clerical support for the board.

1. Meetings of the board shall be called by its chairperson in consultation with the Chancellor.

2. The board shall meet twice per calendar year on dates approved by the Executive Committee. Special meetings of the board may be called by the Executive Committee. Written notice of any special meeting, to include the date, time and location, shall be sent to all members no less than 48 hours in advance of the meeting.

Amendments to these By-Laws may be made at any time by the Chancellor.

The Executive Committee of the board, the chairperson of the Board of Trustees and/or the Chancellor have the right to dismiss any board member for cause. “Cause” shall include, but is not limited to, the following: (a) failure to attend at least four scheduled meetings; (b) failure to meet the annual financial contribution; (c) a financial conflict of interest with the board or university; and, (d) conduct by a member which reflects negatively on the board or university. The Executive Committee of the board, the chairperson of Board of Trustees and/or the Chancellor may reconsider a recommendation of dismissal based on a written appeal, with supporting documentation. Written appeals and documentation may include, but are not limited to, medical, professional or personal crisis. Written appeals must be received within 30 days of receipt of the dismissal.