The Alumni Association exists to promote the general welfare and success of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and its graduates.  The Association is committed to furthering the development of the University by actively cultivating support and involvement among alumni, students, faculty, staff and the community.

What is its role?

The Alumni Association Board of Directors acts as an advisory body to University staff and, to the Office of Alumni Relations which oversees the programs and activities of the Alumni Association.  The Board is also asked to assist with the planning, promotion, and conducting of alumni programs and activities.

The Board consists of a minimum of 18 and a maximum of 28 alumni who are elected to serve two-year terms. Elected directors may serve no more than three consecutive two-year terms or a total of six years.  After serving three consecutive terms, a person is eligible to be re-elected to the Board after an absence of six years.

[Note: In addition to elected alumni, the Association Bylaws also provide that the Chancellor, the Alumni Association liaison, three designees of the Chancellor, a member of the UW-EC Foundation Board, and two students serve on the Board in various capacities.]

Alumni are encouraged to apply to be a member of the Association's Board of Directors via a call for nominations which is published in the Alumni Association publication “BluView” at least 60 days prior to the Association's Annual Meeting in April/May. That article contains a link to an application form as well as directions for submitting applications. Completed applications are compiled by the Secretary. Current Directors view all applications prior to the Annual Meeting and create a single slate of candidates for the Secretary to present at the Annual Meeting. Nominations may also be made from the floor at that meeting. A majority vote of the alumni present at the Annual Meeting is required for election to the Alumni Association Board of Directors. New Directors are seated at the July meeting of the Board.

The Board of Directors holds at least four regularly scheduled meetings each year – usually in March, April/May, July, and December/January. Special meetings may be called by the President upon ten days notice.  Meetings are typically held on campus Friday afternoons and usually last for 3-4 hours.  Directors are expected to attend all regularly scheduled meetings.

In addition to the time required to travel to and participate in meetings, Directors are expected to read materials that are sent prior to each Board or committee meeting, including, but not limited to, the meeting agenda, committee information and reports, program updates prepared by staff, and other pertinent information. Directors are expected to attend and participate in Homecoming weekend and other Association events (e.g. graduation activities and the Awards Dinner) as needed.  Participation in Association events that are scheduled in the vicinity of a Director's home or business is also recommended as personal time permits.

As leaders of the Alumni Association, Directors have opportunities to interact with the campus community, meet with the Chancellor and other senior administrators, be identified as Association leaders to alumni at Alumni Weekend, Homecoming and through the BluView, and maintain close ties to UW-Eau Claire.

A description of each standing committee and any ad-hoc committee, subcommittee, or task force of the Board of Directors is included in the Board of Directors Handbook. The Director of Alumni Relations is responsible for appointments to these committees and will poll new Board directors prior to their first Board meeting as to their committee preference. Preferences will be honored so long the numerical needs of the various committees are met.

Directors are asked to cover the costs associated with their Board membership including, but not limited to, transportation to and from Board meetings and Association events, lodging, and meals. However, the Office of Alumni Relations will pay for tickets to events that are associated with Board activities (e.g. the annual Awards Dinner). Directors also participate in the Association's fundraising activities and provide personal financial support to the University on an annual basis as circumstances permit.

Your spouse or guest is welcome to attend Board social functions.  Generally, those occasions are luncheons and dinners that are not “working” meals.

Directors provide advice on alumni programs and activities, share ideas for new initiatives, and work on the enhancement and development of Association programming.  In addition, they serve as representatives of the Association and the University in their businesses, industries, and communities. Directors also help shape the future direction of the Alumni Association and influence the quality the University as a whole. 

As leaders of the Alumni Association, Directors have opportunities to interact with the campus community, meet with the Chancellor and other senior administrators, be identified as Association leaders to alumni at Alumni Weekend, Homecoming and through the BluView, and maintain close ties to UW-Eau Claire.