Overview

A 13-member volunteer Board of Directors oversees the governance and affairs of the corporation. The Members' Council (representatives of ARCUS organizational members) elects board members to three-year terms, and the Executive Director of ARCUS also sits on the board as an ex-officio member.

Qualifications and Responsibilities

ARCUS does not have board seats officially designated for particular disciplines or organizations. The primary qualification is an interest in and commitment to Arctic research and education and a willingness to commit time and effort to developing and promoting ARCUS' mission. Board members, once elected, must be employed by organizations that are members of ARCUS and/or be individual ARCUS members. Board members are not required to be US citizens or affiliated with a US organization.

The essential responsibilities of the board are to:

  • Develop, and advocate for, ARCUS’ values, mission, goals, and activities
  • Hold fiduciary and legal responsibility for the corporation
  • Promote the interests of its member institutions and the larger Arctic research community

Board members are expected to:

  • Participate in virtual board meetings (approximately six times/year)
  • Stay informed about the organization’s mission, policies, and programs
  • Attend one in-person meeting per year (dependent on COVID travel restrictions; travel expenses will be paid by ARCUS)
  • Serve on committees or volunteer for additional board tasks
  • Make an annual donation at a personally meaningful level

Board Powers and Bylaws

A formal description of the board powers, drawn from the bylaws, follows:

Article IV, Section 1 - "The Board of Directors is charged with governance and oversight of the affairs, powers, funds, and property of the corporation, except as otherwise provided by law or by these bylaws. To this end and without limitation of the foregoing or of the board's powers expressly conferred by these bylaws, the board shall have power to authorize others to act on behalf of the corporation, to make rules and regulations for the corporation's management, to create such additional offices or committees as it deems appropriate, and to select, employ, or remove such of its agents or employees as it shall deem best."

Additional guidance for the Board of Directors' composition, election, meetings, officers, committees, and indemnification can be found in Articles IV–VIII of the bylaws.

Job Descriptions for Board Officers

Board President Job Description (PDF - 57 KB)
Board Treasurer Job Description (PDF - 63 KB)
Board Secretary Job Description (PDF - 53 KB)