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I.    Purpose

A.    The Purpose of the Policy on Trustee Emeritus Status is to confer Trustee Emeritus status to former Anne Arundel Community College (“College”) trustees in recognition of the member’s significant and lasting contributions to the College.

II.    Scope and Applicability

A.    This Policy applies to all eligible individuals who have formerly served on the Anne Arundel Community College Board of Trustees (“Board”). 

B.    Trustee Emeritus is an honorary designation conveyed by the Board upon a former trustee of the College to recognize exemplary service. The Board may bestow an individual as Trustee Emeritus to honor former trustees who have provided distinguished and meritorious service, outstanding leadership, and exceptional contributions to the College.

III.    Eligibility

A.    For a past member of the Board to be eligible and considered for Trustee Emeritus designation the member shall have satisfied as a minimum the following criteria during the member’s tenure on the Board:

1.    Appointed to serve at least two (2) terms or serve eight (8) years on the Board; and

2.    Served as the Chair of the Board; and

3.    Served as the Chair of at least one Board committee; and

4.    Provided extraordinarily significant contributions to the College’s mission and success during the member’s tenure on the Board which will continue to have a lasting impact on the College; and established record of exemplary commitment and service to the College, the local community, or the global community with distinction through personal leadership, high attendance, active participation, length of service, level of responsibility, service on committees, sustained personal philanthropy, or other significant accomplishments and exceptional dedication and commitment to the mission of the College. 

5.    Recognized by the Board as an outstanding member throughout the member’s tenure on the Board.

IV.    Nomination and Approval

A.    A current Board member or the President may nominate a former Trustee for Emeritus Status by submitting a written letter of recommendation to the Board Chair. This letter must state the intent to nominate and include a clear rationale for the nomination. The letter should be submitted no later than two weeks prior to the regular Board meeting at which the nomination will be considered for a vote.

B.    The Board member or President shall nominate the former trustee at a public meeting and present the foregoing criteria for the Board’s consideration. 

C.    An award of Trustee Emeritus shall be by majority vote of the Board.

D.    The Board shall confer and award Trustee Emeritus designation upon an eligible individual in public session, with appropriate recognition by the College community.

V.    Privileges and Responsibilities

A.    A Trustee Emeritus is not required to attend regular board meetings, serve on committees, or fulfill any of the usual duties of a trustee.

B.    A Trustee Emeritus shall not have the privilege of voting or holding office. A Trustee Emeritus shall not be counted in determining the number of trustees required to constitute a quorum at the meetings of the Board of Trustees.

C.    A Trustee Emeritus may be asked to provide advice and counsel on special matters, drawing from their experience and knowledge of the organization.

D.    Trustee Emeritus status is without financial compensation.

E.    A Trustee Emeritus may, on occasion, be invited by the President of the College or the Chair of the Board of Trustees to participate in other activities, committees, meetings, or special events.

F.    The name and title of Trustee Emeritus will be prominently displayed on the College's official website and included in the annually published College catalog, in perpetuity, as a lasting tribute to their contributions and service to the institution and to ensure their legacy is preserved as part of the College's history. 

VI.    Term

A.    The Trustee Emeritus designation is conferred for life. However, the designation may be revoked under exceptional circumstances, such as when the Trustee Emeritus' actions are contrary to the mission, values, or integrity of the College. 

VII.    Revocation of Trustee Emeritus Status

A.    At the sole discretion of the Board, Trustee Emeritus Status may be revoked at any time. 

B.    Without limiting such discretion, revocation may occur by majority vote of the Board, in accordance with the Board Bylaws, in cases where:

1.    The individual's conduct, before or after receiving the Trustee Emeritus designation, conflicts with the intent and spirit of the designation; or 

2.    The individual's conduct causes harm to the College's reputation or undermines its mission or values; or

3.    The individual requests to relinquish the Trustee Emeritus designation.

VIII.    Exceptions

A.    In its absolute discretion, the Board may consider a trustee for Trustee Emeritus Status who has not met all the eligibility requirements in Section III. Final approval shall be by a majority vote.


Policy Title: Board of Trustees Policy on Trustee Emeritus Status 

Policy Category: General 

Policy Owner: Chair, Board of Trustees  

Policy Administrator: Vice Chair, Board of Trustees

Contact Information: boardchair@aacc.edu

Approval Date: June 17, 2025

Effective Date: June 17, 2025

History: This Policy was first adopted February 26, 2008. 

Applies to: All eligible individuals who have formerly served on the Anne Arundel Community College Board of Trustees.

Related Policies: N/A

Related Procedures: Anne Arundel Community College Board Bylaws

Forms/Guidelines: N/A 

Relevant Laws: N/A