Administration

New guidelines for granting Trustee Emeriti status approved by board

MONACA, Pa. -- The roles and responsibilities of Penn State Board of Trustees emeriti members were considered at a special meeting of the Governance and Long-Range Planning Committee on June 30, with the committee voting to recommend changes for granting emeritus status and associated rights and privileges. The board agreed with the committee’s recommendations today (July 17).

Emeritus status is an honorary position that is granted to former board members, and currently only Board members who have served with distinction for 12 years or more may gain that status. Trustees who have served for 20 years are automatically granted trustee emeritus status, as are those who have served as chair of the board. Trustee emeriti do not make motions, vote or hold office, but are entitled to all other privileges of Board members. Emeriti trustees are believed to serve a valuable role as mentors and consultants to the board, providing the benefit of their previous experience as trustees.

Under the committee’s proposed amendments to the board’s standing orders, Trustees need to serve with distinction for six years to be considered for the emeritus title. The Governance and Long-Range Planning committee would be responsible for reviewing a board member’s service after they retire or resign, considering such things as offices held, attendance, participation record, length of service, or other significant accomplishments. Each former chair of the Board is entitled to automatic trustee emeritus status upon retirement or resignation. 

Emeriti trustees will be invited to attend public meetings, but not executive sessions, standing committees, or any meetings where attorney–client privileged discussions are held, according to amendments. The presiding officer may grant special exceptions and the chair of the Board can appoint emeriti trustees to serve as non-voting members of certain committees.

Under the amended bylaws, a member would have trustee emeritus status for six years. After that time, the member retains the title and may be invited to participate in certain University activities, but would not retain any other privileges.

With the approval of the board, the six-year time period starts immediately for Trustees who already have emeritus status.

Last Updated July 21, 2015