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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
    • Broad compositional 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 2026 Alumni Trustee Election are open July 1, 2024 through June 1, 2025. 

    1. Review the nomination criteria and position description. The position description includes information on additional eligibility criteria, desired skills, and duties if elected.
    2. Submit a nomination using the online form.
    3. Complete all required fields on the nominations form including name and class year of nominee, NetID (if known), your name and NetID as the nominator, and answers to the three required questions.
    4. Submit your nomination.