BOARD MEMBER ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

THE ROLE OF A BOARD MEMBER

The primary role of a board member is 1.) to contribute to the defining of the organization’s mission and governing the fulfillment of that mission, and 2.) to carry out the function of the office of board member and/or officer and/or affiliate as stated in the bylaws.

The role as a board member will focus on the development of board policies that govern the implementation of institutional plans and purpose.  This role is separate and distinct from the role of administrator, who determines the means of implementation.

  1. Understand and abide by all the Articles of the Student Television Network, Inc. Bylaws. 

  2. Attend all meetings, annual, regular or special, of the board and committees on which I serve.

  3. Come prepared to discuss the issues and business to be addressed at scheduled meetings, having read the agenda and all background material.

  4. Participate in annual performance reviews.

  5. Work with and respect the opinions of my peers who serve this board, staff, and to leave my personal prejudices out of all board discussions.

  6. Act for the good of the organization and represent the interest of all people served by STN.

  7. Represent this organization in a positive and supportive manner at all times.

  8. Observe Robert’s Rules of Order and display courteous conduct in all board, advisory, and committee meetings.

  9. Avoid conflict of interest between my position as a board member and my personal life.  This includes using my position for the advantage of my friends, business associates, students, teachers and parents.  If such a conflict does arise, I will declare that conflict before the board and refrain from voting on matters in which I have conflict.

  10. Support in a positive manner all actions taken by the board of directors even when I am in a minority position on such actions.

  11. Keep information confidential at all times.

BOARD OFFICER ROLES (IF APPOINTED)

PRESIDENT

  1. Presides at board meetings

  2. Creates a purposeful agenda in collaboration with the Executive Director

  3. Appoints people to board committees and assigns committee chairs

  4. Serves as the contact for board issues

  5. Sets goals and objectives with the board and ensures they are met

  6. Holds members accountable for attending meetings

VICE PRESIDENT

  1. Prepared to assume the office of the board chair

  2. Oversees the Advisory Council and reports back to the board

  3. Fulfills the board chair’s duties when the presiding officer is absent or if that office becomes vacant

  4. Assists the board chair in the execution of his or her duties

  5. Serves on committees as requested to learn the operations of the board

  6. Works closely with the board chair to transfer knowledge and history to prepare for leadership

SECRETARY

  1. Assures that an agenda has been prepared by the board president and/or Executive Director and that the agenda is distributed in advance of the meeting

  2. Oversees the distribution of background information for agenda items to be discussed

  3. Prepares the official minutes of the meeting and records motions, discussions, votes, and decisions

  4. Prepares and provides the previous meeting’s written minutes to board members before the next meeting and records any changes or corrections

  5. Assures that documents (bylaws, Form-990, roster of board members) are accessible to members

  6. Schedules and notifies board members of upcoming meetings

  7. Holds members accountable for their tasks

TREASURER

  1. Presents financial statements and balance at board meetings.

  2. Serves as chair of the finance committee and financial officer of the organization

  3. Manages, with the finance committee, the board’s review of and action on its financial responsibilities

  4. Assists the Executive Director in preparing the annual budget and presenting it to the board

  5. Reviews the annual audit and answers board members’ questions

BOARD MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES

THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL YEAR:

  • Register as an STN affiliate or associate and select pay by check; STN will waive the cost

  • Commit to an average of 2-5 hours/month for meetings and work on behalf of STN

  • Contribute to the functions of the organization by continually being aware of opportunities that may positively affect the organization.

  • Stay current on all functions of the organization by reviewing documents, website updates, and discussions.

  • Contribute to discussions and initiatives of the organization with timely research, input and comment.

  • Provide leads for new affiliates, sponsors, supporters, and judges.

  • Actively participate in all STN correspondence, including conference calls, meetings, email threads and other communication.

  • Be supportive of the STN staff and volunteers.

  • Attend convention, board meetings (in person and remote) and other required events.

  • Participate in committee meetings and assigned work of committee. 

ANNUAL STN CONVENTION

  • Attend the annual convention.

  • Provide leads for exhibitors and sponsors.

  • Provide leads for speakers and professional sessions

  • Provide input on contests

  • Provide a minimum of 5 hours of volunteer time at the convention on a specific assignment

  • Be available for emergency situations that might arise.

ANNUAL BOARD MEETING

  • All board members are expected to attend the annual board meeting.

  • Board members who miss more than one annual meeting may be removed from their position as a board member.

  • Board members will be assigned topics to research or plan in advance of the meeting.

  • Board members must attend the entire meeting and the evening events planned.

  • STN will pay airfare and hotel costs as well as lunch meeting and dinner social meeting costs.

  • Board members who elect to come early or stay late after the published meeting dates will be responsible for all costs associated with that alteration including flight expenses, hotel rooms, etc.