Advisory Board Guidelines
Georgia Institute of Technology
College of Computing
Dean’s Advisory Board Guidelines
You may download a copy of this document here.
Purpose and Objectives
The Advisory Board of the College of Computing serves to advance the mission and strategic direction of the College by offering guidance and advocacy on matters related to education, research, outreach, alumni relations, and resource development. The board advises the dean and leadership team, acts as ambassadors for the College in external communities, and provides sources for philanthropic funding and partnerships.
Board objectives include:
- Advise the leadership team on matters aligned with members' expertise in industry, government, philanthropy, education, and community affairs.
- Advocate for and support Georgia Tech and the College's vision, priorities, and reputation among alumni, peers, and external stakeholders.
- Meet the required Dean’s Advisory Board giving commitment of $25,000 over each 3 year board term.
- Assist in recruitment of faculty, students, and staff, and identify potential board members.
- Promote the College through advocacy for public funding, private gifts, partnerships, and outreach.
- Support publicity and public relations efforts that elevate the College’s profile.
Membership
Board members are appointed by the dean and may include alumni and non-alumni of Georgia Tech. Membership selection prioritizes diversity in thought through, professional background, geography, discipline, sector (corporate, public, nonprofit), gender, race, and ethnicity.
The board will consist of approximately 40 to 50 members, and may include up to three student members. Student members represent undergraduate, graduate, or professional development populations and provide unique perspectives that connect the board to the student experience. Student members are appointed by the dean for a term of one or two years.
Term Length and Renewal
Members are appointed for a term of three (3) years, renewable for a second three-year term. After serving two terms, former members may return after a one-year break. Terms begin July 1 and end June 30. Members serving as chair or vice-chair roles may have their terms extended accordingly as approved by the dean.
Officers
The board includes a chair and a vice chair, both appointed by the dean.
- Chair: Convenes and presides over meetings, coordinates with the dean on agendas and board priorities, changes of board governance, communicates board perspectives to College leadership, and leads board fundraising participation.
- Vice Chair: Supports the chair and serves in their absence. Typically succeeds the chair after two years and supports board fundraising participation activities.
Officer terms are typically three years. If officer service extends a member beyond six total years, their term is extended accordingly in discussion with the Dean.
Meetings
The Advisory Board will meet in person twice per year (fall and spring) at Georgia Tech. Each board meeting will take place over two days. Additional meetings may be scheduled by the dean and chair as necessary.
Task Forces
Task forces may be formed to address emerging priorities or provide focused guidance in specific areas such as but not limited to fundraising, student mentoring, academic excellence, communications & marketing, or career services. These will be on an ad hoc basis and will operate between full board meetings but should not exceed three months.
With the dean’s support, center or school directors may convene advisory councils within the board to support specific units. These meetings may align with full-board sessions or related events.
Expectations of Board Members
Board members are expected to:
- Attend the majority of scheduled board meetings.
- Participate in an orientation session to understand the College’s structure, programs, and strategy.
- Commit to a multi-year funding agreement totaling $25,500 ($8,500 per year), in support of the College of Computing—or a designated school or area within it—with the agreement formalized and the first annual payment made by the end of the current fiscal year (June 30) marking the start of the membership term.
- Attend, in person, at least 4 of the 6 board meetings in a three-year term.
- Serve as advocates for the College within their personal and professional networks.
- Stay informed about the College’s mission, programs, and opportunities.
- Prepare for and engage in board discussions.
- Serve on committees or task forces as needed.
- Identify opportunities for future engagement based on their skills and passions.
- Share suggestions for prospective board members.
Board Member Financial Commitment
Board members will commit at a minimum $25,500 level (can be payable over board term at $8,500 per year of term, a term is three years) in support of the College of Computing, or school or area within the College of Computing, payable by the close of the current fiscal year (June 30) of membership term.
Exceptions can be made for members with an existing pledge of $50,000 or more to any area of the Institute. Financial contributions to the College of Computing not only provide critical resources but also underscore the Advisory Board’s collective influence—linking philanthropic leadership with administrative, operational, and educational impact in both concept and practice.
If your financial situation does not allow your board financial responsibility to happen, board members should discuss with the Board Chair. Student board members are exempt from this expectation.
Board commitment discussions will be led by the Senior Director of Development and or Board Chair and commitments should be completed within the first six months of the board term.
Former Members
Upon concluding service, members may be recognized as "Friends of the College of Computing," receiving ongoing updates and invitations to select events. This designation honors their service and encourages continued engagement.
Legal and Financial Considerations
Board service is voluntary. Members cover their own travel and lodging. These expenses may be tax-deductible, as permitted by law.