RESPONSIBILITIES OF BOARD COMMITTEES AND TASK FORCES
UPDATED 10-19
Standing committees play a vital role in the effective operation of OLLI at Duke. Although the Director is the ultimate decision maker for most matters (especially those related to finances and contracts), standing committees and task forces provide much of the energy to coordinate OLLI events and “make things happen.”
​
The responsibilities of our current slate of standing committees are shown below. These descriptions cover the major responsibilities of each committee but are not meant to be all- inclusive.

The chair of each committee sits on the Board of Advisors and is responsible for
  • Ensuring that the committee develops an annual plan to be presented for approval at the second Board meeting of the year, and
  • Implementing programs to achieve committee goals,
  • Recruiting additional committee members, as needed, and
  • Reporting on committee activities to the Board and compiling adequate documentation of these activities.

For larger committees, the chair should appoint a vice chair who can assist in fulfilling committee duties and who can lead the committee in the absence of the chair.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
  • Consists of the President, Past President, Vice President, Recording Secretary and Director
  • Plans the Board meeting agendas
  • Assists the Director and the Board in implementation of the Strategic Plan
  • Periodically updates the Board regarding progress toward achievement of the Strategic Plan and, if needed, recommends changes required to achieve it
  • Advises Director on an “as requested” basis

ADVISORS AT LARGE
  • Actively participate on the OLLI at Duke Board of Advisors
  • Represent the general membership on issues of interest or concern, particularly those that arise outside of the committee structure
  • Participate on committees and/or task forces as requested by the President or the Director
  • Conduct special projects to further the goals of OLLI at Duke as requested by the President and Board
  • Support the President in identifying candidates to fill open leadership positions as vacancies occur

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
  • Promotes opportunities for involvement in and service to Durham and the wider community for OLLI members, working in ways that support priorities and needs identified by the community/community partners
  • Fosters social networking and a sense of community among OLLI members
  • Works in collaboration with the OLLI Director and the Board, other OLLI Committees (e.g., Member Engagement, Curriculum), selected offices at Duke University (e.g., Duke Office of Durham and Community Affairs), and the community partners
  • Key activities of the Committee include courses with a Community Engagement component, consultative projects with community-based organizations, traditional volunteer opportunities, and special events (e.g., work days, lecture series)

CURRICULUM
  • Provides and develops a broad array of interesting, stimulating and attractive courses to be offered in each of the OLLI at Duke terms
  • Recruits potential instructors, assists them in all aspects of developing classes, and works with the Director in scheduling classes

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
  • Supports the work of all OLLI committees with software and hardware expertise and training

INSTRUCTOR RELATIONS
  • Enhances OLLI at Duke’s relationship with existing and potential instructors. Key activities include instructor appreciation / recognition, instructor resources / faculty development, instructor communications, instructor advocacy and new instructor integration

LEGACY
  • Works with the Director and Third-Party Consultant to develop a “Legacy campaign” to support OLLI initiatives (as determined by Board).
  • Coordinates with the Director to build awareness within OLLI membership of Legacy opportunities
  • Advocates and encourages members to consider OLLI in their charitable planning.
  • Develops a committee of “Raving Fans” to support Legacy activities
​
MEMBER ENGAGEMENT
  • Produces the OLLI Spotlight and other member communications
  • Manages the OLLI Member Website
  • Produces interim communications at the request of the Director or Board of Advisors
  • Keeps members informed about volunteer opportunities across all OLLI committees

NOMINATING TASK FORCE
  • Working with the President and the Director, prepares a slate of nominees (President, Vice President and two At-Large Advisors) for election
  • The Chair conducts the election via email or at the annual meeting
  • Identifies candidates to fill open committee chairs and At-Large Advisor positions if they occur during the year

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES AND HOSPITALITY
  • Fosters a friendly, welcoming and open OLLI community by planning opportunities for our members to connect and socialize, enjoy local events and learn about the Triangle
  • Especially focuses on orienting and assimilating new members
  • Is responsible for catalog distribution
  • Hosts the new member Meet and Greet and the OLLIday party in December
  • Recruits volunteers for OLLI events
  • Coordinates monthly Member Socials and other activities

SPACE
  • Investigates possible new classroom and activity space that might be suitable for use by OLLI at Duke
  • Works closely with the Director to secure new space
  • Maintains a database of spaces considered with their pros and cons

STRATEGIC PLANNING TASK FORCE
  • Prepares and updates the OLLI at Duke Strategic Plan. Major revisions to the Strategic Plan are expected every five years; minor revisions are made as needed to keep the plan fresh and relevant