Nuts and Bolts for New Trustees
Accommodations: Lodging arrangements can be made individually or through the President's Office (see Reservations below), though the trustee is billed. Some of the Trustees stay at the Hilton Garden Inn on Staten Island, while others prefer their own accommodations in Manhattan. The College has become affiliated with the University Club and these arrangements can be made through David Martin’s office. (See below)
Benefits: It is important that you try to participate in campus events as much as your schedule allows. As a Trustee you will have the opportunity to receive the following:
1. A Wagner College Identification Card, which will authorize you for privileges at the Hormann Library,
2. 2 complimentary tickets to all sporting events,
3. use of Wagner College facilities; including meeting rooms, computer center, and class rooms,
4. attend all academic events and programs,
5. use of the Spiro Sports Center,
6. a Wagner College parking pass that allows you to park in any lot on campus,
7. 2 theater tickets to every Main Stage production of the Wagner College Theater.
Board Meetings: As per the Bylaws, there are four regular meetings of the Full Board, to be held in the months of October, December, February and May. All Trustees are expected to be in attendance for the entire Board of Trustees Meetings which begin at approximately 9:00am and conclude by 3:00pm with a lunch break included.
Committee meetings: All Trustees are expected to be a member of at least one Committee with all first year Trustee's serving on the Development Committee. All committee meetings are generally held on the day before the meeting of the Full Board. The Committee Chairperson, in conjunction with the senior staff member assigned, is responsible for setting the meeting date and agenda.
Expenses: Except where meals are provided, expenses of attending meetings and retreats are the trustee's responsibility, so as to hold down Wagner's costs. Such expenses are tax deductible.
Meals: Meals are served for Trustees and spouses throughout meeting weekends. Staff will be happy to provide information about other dining options, however. Also, Dr. and Mrs. Guarasci host a dinner in their home for Trustees and their guests each night prior to the Full Board meeting.
Point of Contact: Chief of Staff/Secretary to the Board of Trustees, David Martin, 718.420.4341 or the President's Office main number, 718.390.3131. The president’s administrative assistant is Pat Fitzpatrick.
Schedule during meetings: On-campus meetings generally include the following:
Thursday morning: Committee meetings
Thursday lunch: Lunch is provided in the Faculty Dining Room
Thursday afternoon: Committee meetings
Thursday evening: Dinner at the Nicolais House (President’s residence)
* Trustees are welcome to attend classes and meet with faculty/students in between committee meetings.
Friday morning: Trustee meeting (in Board Room)
Friday lunch: Lunch served
Friday Afternoon: Breakout sessions
Spouses: Spouses and guests are encouraged to accompany Trustees to the October meeting. Meals and receptions are joint events and spouses are welcome to attend.
Time Requirements: It is expected that a Trustee will attend all of the Board meetings and Committee meetings. Trustees are strongly encouraged to arttend as many College related events as possible. Trustees are allotted tickets for sporting events, lectures, theater performances, Homecoming events and Family Weekend, Reunion and Commencement. A concerted effort has been made have one of these events coincide with the Trustee meetings so that Trustees who are traveling a long distance may be able to enjoy one of these activities while he/she is on campus for the meeting.
Transportation: For those Trustees that drive to campus you have parking privileges for any lot on campus. If you are traveling in from Manhattan, the Wagner College shuttle van transports students, faculty and staff from the College to the ferry and back. It runs a constant loop to the ferry (and back) from 6:30 am until 11:30pm. Also, public safety will drive into Manhattan to pick up any Trustees that are staying at The University Club.
Term: A Trustee is elected to the Board during the May meeting and his/her term begins at the first meeting in October. A full term is three (3) years and then the Trustee is up for reelection. The Trustee Affairs Committee reviews and recommends Trustees for re-election to the Board. A Trustee may serve for four consecutive terms and then must leave the Board for at least a year before being nominated again.
University Club: Dr. Guarasci has become a member The University Club in Manhattan and now we have another location for trustees to stay when traveling to Staten Island for Board meetings. The University Club is located on One West 54th Street (corners of 54th and Fifth Avenue). The University Club is centrally located in Manhattan and is very close to the Museum of Modern Art, Rockefeller Center, and Saks Fifth Avenue. The rooms are spacious and include cable television, wireless Internet access, mini bar, robe, valet service and a limited room service. The Club offers a few dining areas, athletic facilities and an extensive library.
