National Advisory Board for the Thomas J. Dodd Research Center

About the Board

Since its establishment in 1995, many aspects of the work of the Thomas J. Dodd Research Center have undergone substantial change. The nature of research at the Dodd Research Center and its accompanying public programs will continue to change in the 21st century. In particular, the Dodd Research Center will assume a larger public role, increase in national and international recognition, and more effectively integrate it collections, programs, and services into the work of the University and the wider community. An effective partnership between the Dodd Research Center and a National Advisory Board will encourage the growth of significant national research collections, their preservation and use, as well developing outstanding public educational programs for University, state, and national, and international audiences.

Current Board Members

I. Partnership Principles

The Dodd Research Center will keep the Advisory Board fully informed about its plans, priorities, resources, and performance on a regular basis. Operating within the relevant policies, regulations and guidelines of the University of Connecticut, the Advisory Board and the Dodd Research Center will address their shared goals through coordinated planning, regular communication, joint programming, and ongoing consultation.

II. Roles and Activities

The Dodd Research Center and the Advisory Board have core roles essential to achieving a common mission and shared goals.

The core roles of the Advisory Board are as follows:

To provide counsel and advice for the development and operation of the Thomas J. Dodd Research Center.
To seek the support and cooperation of institutions and individuals where these will strengthen the programs of the Dodd Research Center.
To seek private financial resources that supplement state and grant funding to carry out Dodd Research Center programming.
To support grants to individuals and organizations in support of research and education consistent with the mission and priorities of the Dodd Research Center.
To sponsor events, such as awards and ceremonies, to recognize public and private leadership consistent with the mission and priorities of the Dodd Research Center.

The core roles of the Dodd Research Center are as follows:

To identify documents, publications, and other materials supporting the research and educational mission of the University of Connecticut.
To acquire, preserve, describe, and make accessible the use of such materials for research and education.
To develop and offer public and educational programs relevant to the mission of the Dodd Reserch Center, including lectures, exhibits, conferences and seminars, teaching materials, tours, and other special programs, and to cooperate with others in developing and offering such programs.

III. Shared Goals

To achieve its mission, the Advisory Board seeks to:

Support effective public and educational programs that reflect the Dodd Research Center's areas of collecting interest.
Ensure a strong, continuing infrastructure of board members and supporters.
Develop financial and other resources to achieve national excellence in research and educational programs.

IV. Membership

The President of the University of Connecticut shall appoint board members upon recommendation of the Director of the Thomas J. Dodd Research Center. All least one member shall be chosen from the Board members of the UConn Foundation and shall serve concurrently with his/her membership on that board. The Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor for Information Services and Director of University Libraries, the Director of the Dodd Center, and the Director of Library Services shall serve ex-officio. All members will be expected to contribute to the Thomas J. Dodd Endowment Fund and to maintain membership in the University of Connecticut Founder's Society.

V. A Vision for the Partnership

There are many opportunities for the Dodd Center to enhance and strengthen its role and function that would benefit from a partnership with a strong National Advisory Board. These include:

Suggest and encourage speakers with national or international reputations to participate in the public programs supported by the Dodd Research Center.
Provide funding for existing or new public programs at the Dodd Research Center which support the Center's collections and research interests.
Suggest, develop, and support award or honorary programs that contribute to the Center's collections or research interests.

Composition

Not less than nine nor more than 18 distinguished members shall serve on the Board at any time. Members will be selected for their support of the University of Connecticut and the Thomas J. Dodd Research Center and reflect specific Dodd Research Center collections and public programming constitutencies.

VII. Terms of Appointment

Terms shall be for two years, renewable for up to three terms. University employees appointed by title shall serve as long as they hold the titled position.

VIII. Duties of Membership

Board members are expected to:

Actively embrace the goals of the Center, its strategic plans, and the University of Connecticut and work to assist in achieving those goals.
Help in the identification and cultivation of major gift prospects who share a mutual commitment to advancing the Thomas J. Dodd Research Center to a position of leadership in research and public programs.
Respond in a timely fashion to requests for assistance from the Director of the Dodd Center regarding the advancement of the Center and its mission.

IX. Privileges of Membership

All board members will be invited as honored guests to attend all conferences, lectures, and public programs sponsored by the Dodd Research Center. Their support and involvement will be recognized in Dodd Research Center publications. Members will receive written agendas and briefings prior to all board meetings. Members' votes will be considered by the Director of the Dodd Research Center in discussions with staff and administration regarding goals and strategic plans and securing the necessary resources for their successful accomplishments.

X. Meetings and Organization

The board will be led by a President, Vice-President, and Secretary. Members will elect officers, organize themselves into committees and conduct business as they deem appropriate including procedures for making recommendations to the director. For the two official meetings, attendance by seven or more members shall constitute a quorum.

This page is maintained by B. Pittman