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Consider these skills, attributes, and experiences expected of trustees when making a nomination. Nominations are welcome year-round. Follow the nomination instructions below.

Nomination criteria

  • Potential contributions to the board of trustees
    • Recognized level of success
    • Demonstrated commitment to Cornell
    • Acknowledgment of the importance of higher education
    • Strong integrity and exemplary conduct
    • Diversity
    • The satisfaction of both broad and specific needs of the board
  • Personal skills and characteristics
    • Interpersonal ability in both one-on-one and group settings
    • Good judgment and strong analytical aptitude
    • Fervent yet not dogmatic convictions
    • Proven leadership
    • Vision and perspective, and the ability to articulate them
    • Common sense and pragmatism
  • Effectiveness as a prospective trustee
    • Ability to put the university ahead of special interests or constituencies
    • Undivided allegiance (e.g., concurrent service on another Ivy board would probably not work)
    • Availability to attend all the meetings and participate in committee work
    • Collegiality (i.e., shares ideas and decision-making)
    • Ongoing commitment to offering financial support to Cornell

Nomination instructions

  • Nominate a Cornellian

    Nominations for the 2025 Alumni Trustee Election are now closed, and candidates will be announced in January 2025. Nominations for the 2026 Alumni Trustee Election are open July 1, 2024 through June 1, 2025. 

    1. Review the nominations criteria and position description in CUVolunteer.
    2. Submit a nomination with the red NOMINATE button available when nominations are open.
    3. Enter the name of your nominee. If they are already in CUVolunteer, their name will appear in a dropdown list. If they do not appear in the dropdown list, type it in and enter the nominee's NetID. NetID lookup is available.
    4. Enter your name as nominator.*
    5. Answer the three required questions.
    6. Click SUBMIT.

    *Please note that you will need to have created a profile within CUVolunteer in order to submit a nomination. You will need your NetID and password to create a profile.