Board of Trustees - Responsibilities

1. Provide stewardship of the university’s privately-held assets through managing and investing of gifts, grants, and properties; providing financial advice and counsel, and approving all major budgets and expenditures of the foundation.
2. Represent UB and UBF to the university’s many constituencies, regionally, nationally, and globally; and advocate on behalf of the university’s interests with individuals of influence in the public and private sectors. Increasingly, UBF trustees shall take responsibility for protecting and growing the critically important assets of UBF.
3. Provide business assistance to the university. Less than 35% of the university’s operating budget comes from New York State. Accordingly, it is increasingly necessary for UBF trustees to offer business acumen in management, flexibility and securing of private sector opportunities.
4. Assist the university in acquiring resources, and in promoting a culture of philanthropy. Personal annual giving is expected at a minimum level of $5,000, whether through direct giving or through participation in and support of applicable university events. As appropriate to means and circumstances, trustees are requested to arrange at least one major gift and a planned gift to the university. Support for major university-wide campaigns is expected and encouraged.
5. Be knowledgeable of UB and its programs, strengths, and aspirations. Participate actively in the alumni and development programs of the university and engage in campus events as time permits.
6. Attend, either in person or by conference call, a minimum of two of the three board meetings per year (Fall, Winter, and early Summer). Actively participate in person or by conference call on at least one of five primary committees, most of which meet four times annually. Provide experience and special expertise as abilities and time permit.