Alumni Council

Started in the fall of 2006, the UNC Kenan-Flagler Alumni Council serves as an advisory and working group, providing our alumni with leadership opportunities and meaningful connections to the Business School.

The council consists of a select group of alumni representing all degree programs, reflecting the alumni community in regards to geography, industry, diversity and years of work experience. Council members serve as ambassadors and advocates for the School, providing philanthropic support, as well as advice and counsel on alumni relations to the dean and the Advancement Office. All activities are designed to continually increase the level of alumni engagement and support of the School and our community.

Council members take an active role in engaging and supporting the School and our alumni community through participation in council meetings and by serving on a council committee. School and council leadership provide productive and meaningful interaction at council meetings and during the intervening periods. Meetings provide a balance of social and business opportunities geared to create a continued sense of pride and a strong sense of ownership in the future direction of the School.

Roles and Duties

Membership Expectations

Council members are expected to commit to the following activities in order to effectively serve on the Council:

Attend two Council meetings in Chapel Hill each year (fall and spring) and up to two virtual calls in-between or as needed.
Make an annual gift commitment at a minimum of $2,000 to any fund at Kenan-Flagler each fiscal year.
Participate in Council activities such as serving on a committee or project, attending Schoolwide events including Kenan-Flagler Day and Alumni Weekend, and participating in other engagement opportunities as you are able.

Meetings

Council members are expected to attend two meetings in Chapel Hill each year (fall and spring) and up to two virtual calls in-between or as needed. Council members cover the cost of their travel to the meetings and their own room accommodations. Travel and related expenses may be tax deductible for such volunteer activities. UNC Kenan-Flagler provides food and beverages the night before or after the meeting, as well as breakfast and lunch on the day of the meeting.

Committees

Annual Giving

Liaison

Membership Application & Terms of Service

The Council seeks engaged alumni who are committed to attending meetings, participating in the meetings and giving their time and support to the School. These are critical considerations for successful membership.

Applications for membership are solicited through council members, the alumni community, Advancement Office, the dean and from departments and programs within the School.

Candidates for council membership are reviewed by the council executive committee and approved by the dean, Advancement Office and chair of the council.

The term of membership is three years, with a two-year extension if approved by the dean, Advancement Office and chair of the council.

Council Governance

The council chair is approved by the dean and alumni community team with input from the Alumni Council.

The council chair serves for two years and must have served as a committee chair for at least one year. They also serve as a member of the School Board of Visitors during the course of their tenure as chair.

The council vice-chair is approved by the dean and alumni community team with input from council. They are the likely successor to the current council chair. They must have served as a committee chair for consideration.

The chair and Advancement Office appoint committee chairs.

The council executive committee consists of the chair, vice-chair and committee chairs.

Council members rank preferred committee membership, which the committee chairs use to assign committee membership.

An annual review of membership participation takes place during each fall meeting.

The council will work in coordination with the goals and objectives of the School advancement team.

Become a Member

Thank you for your interest in serving on the UNC Kenan-Flagler Alumni Council. Before applying, make sure you review the above roles and duties. Please make sure you have the following ready for your application:

Your contact and employment information
Why you wish to serve on the Alumni Council
Description of your leadership style and the leadership roles you have experience in or currently perform in your work/life
How you want to see UNC Kenan-Flagler support its alumni
Why you support UNC Kenan-Flagler with a financial contribution
Your LinkedIn profile page link, professional headshot and bio

The application is open two times a year:

Fall Application – Opens Aug. 1 and closes Sept. 1 – Apply Now
Spring Application – Opens Feb. 1 and closes Feb. 15

Once we receive your application, the process will be as follows:

Your application will be considered by the Alumni team at UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School.
If approved, your application will be sent to the Alumni Council Executive Committee for review.
If approved in step 2, you will be offered a position on the Alumni Council.

You can expect to be contacted by UNC Kenan-Flagler Alumni team within 15 business days after the application date closing. Questions? Please contact Jessa Nelson at Jessa_Nelson@kenan-flagler.unc.edu.

FAQs

What is the new member selection process?

How long do I serve on the council?

How many meetings per year do you have and what is the time commitment?

Council members are expected to attend and participate in two in-person meetings each year – fall and spring. These meeting are historically on campus, but virtual access is available as well. These are generally half day meetings. You also will become involved in one of the Alumni Council committees. The committees have different schedules and time commitments. You should expect that outside of the two semi-annual meetings, you will contribute 10-20 hours per year to the council.

What are my financial commitments?

What are the different subcommittees within the council and what is the role of each subcommittee? How can I learn more?

What kind of opportunities for social/networking do I have?

What kind of industries are represented within the Alumni Council?

Does the Alumni Council interact with the dean?

Does the Alumni Council set policy of direction for the School?

Does the Alumni Council interact with the students?

Are BSBA and MBA alumni represented equally?

Does the Alumni Council interact with business school professors?