Alumni Board self-nomination

Join the Alumni Board

Each fall, the Ford School issues a call for Alumni Board nominations. You can put your name on the ballot for one of six open seats by submitting your self-nomination. Four seats are reserved for MPP/MPA or doctoral alums, and two for alums from our bachelor’s program. Terms last for three years.

In your self-nomination, describe your career achievements, professional experience, and policy areas of expertise. Also, share how you could add value to the Alumni Board and what additional skills or experience you could bring to the board. Lastly, include your reasons for wanting to serve on the Alumni Board.

What is the Alumni Board?

The Alumni Board is comprised of eighteen alumni and two student representatives who support a variety of Ford School activities, including career services, student recruitment, and fundraising. In recent years, Alumni Board members organized Worldwide Ford School Spirit Day events, provided feedback on the school’s new website design, supported student internships, and conducted mock interviews, resume reviews, and office hours with current students.

What are the board's responsibilities?

The Alumni Board is a service board. Ideal board members are looking for ways to connect with the students, faculty, staff, and alumni of the Ford School through activities like resume reviews and office hours for current students, engaging fellow alumni through events and communications, and supporting the staff at the Ford School in their work.

Responsibilities include:

• Acting as a resource and sounding board for the departments handling career services, development and alumni relations, outreach and communications, and student and academic services
• Serving as key volunteers and goodwill ambassadors of the school with alumni, current and prospective students, current and potential employers, and other constituents of the school by making phone calls to admitted students, attending student recruitment activities, organizing events, and more
• Attending two in-person meetings in Ann Arbor (travel expenses are the responsibility of board members) in the fall and spring, two remote online meetings per year, and joining at least one working committee, as well as making a meaningful (as defined by each individual) donation to the Ford School.

The Alumni Board bylaws outline the board's structure and responsibilities.

What expertise and experience does the Alumni Board need?

We're always looking for enthusiastic leaders from a variety of policy fields and graduation years to join the Alumni Board. Highly functioning board members are available, responsive, and engaged.

Who is eligible to serve on the Alumni Board?

Candidates must have a minimum of three years of professional work experience, as determined by the nominations committee, prior to the nomination deadline.

Need additional information about board activities and responsibilities?

Contact the Alumni Board vice-chair, Jim Potter, MPP '89, [email protected], or Elisabeth Johnston, [email protected], with your questions.