U of I Computer Science Advisory Board

Purpose

Board members support the department to help improve the quality of the department’s academic, research, and outreach programs.

Qualifications

• Board members should have an active interest in collaboration between their sphere of influence and the department and its faculty members.
• Members need not be alumni of the university, but should be motivated and have a personal interest in the department.
• Members should provide for a diversity of backgrounds and perspectives.  Members are recruited to ensure diverse representation in terms of discipline, geography, gender, and industry.

Responsibilities

Board members are expected to:

• Advise department leadership on program issues, particularly regarding industry needs and expectations.  Be a sounding board for new initiatives. Thoughtfully evaluate what we are doing and provide sound advice.  
• Advocate for the department and help promote the department to a variety of constituencies including alumni, donors, prospective students, and the general public.  Strategically represent the department to the UI administration.  
• Advance the department by identifying and acquiring additional resources to support the department.  Collaborate through internships and jobs for our students, equipment, and speakers as well as helping to secure financial donations.  Help us develop friends that can support the department in the same ways.  
  Assist in identifying and recruiting new board members.
• Cover own travel expenses for meetings.
• Serve on one of the standing committees.
  
  • Management: maintain membership; identify and vet potential members, oversee board operations and bylaws
  • Program: advise and support educational, research, and outreach initiatives
  • Development: advise on development planning and execution and participate in development activities and events.

Time Commitment

• Board members are expected to attend regular meetings of the board if at all possible (typically 1-2 meetings are held per year; spring and sometimes fall).
• Participate in conference calls and e-mail correspondence as the need arises.
• Each member is asked to serve on one board committee and participate as needed.

Advisory Board

Jason Dearien
Advisory Board Chairperson
Principle Engineer
Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories
Pullman, WA