3.2.4 External influence

The governing board is free from undue influence from political, religious, or other external bodies, and protects the institution from such influence.

Judgment of Compliance

Compliance

Narrative of Justification

Bennett College board members are educated regarding their responsibilities by the Board Development Committee.  As stated in the Board of Trustees By-laws 2005 :

“The Board Development Committee shall be composed of not fewer than three members. It shall present to the Board of Trustees nominations for Trustees to be elected by the Board, and for Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer. The committee shall furnish information relating to the background and qualifications of all such nominees at least one month prior to the Board meetings at which an election or appointment is scheduled to take place. The Committee shall develop and administer a program of orientation for newly elected Trustees. The committee shall develop a program and procedures for evaluation of the performance of the individual board members and of the collective Board shall conduct such evaluation on an annual basis. The Committee shall also, subject to the requirements as set forth in these bylaws, nominate Honorary Trustees and Trustees Emeriti. It shall report to the Board of Trustees at the annual meeting. “

The Board is not controlled by a minority of its members or by organizations or interests separate from it. This is supported by the Board of Trustees By-Laws 2005, Article VIII (Section 5): 

“Twelve of the Trustees shall be necessary and sufficient to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and the act of the twelve Trustees present and voting at a duly called meeting of the Board or any committee shall be the act of the Board of Trustees or that committee, except as may be provided by statute or by the articles of incorporation, Constitution, or by these bylaws.”

The Bennett College Board of Trustees is free from political, religious or other external bodies and protects the institution from such influence.  Through the enforcement of the Conflict of Interest Policy, the college preserves its freedom from undue influence by individuals and other entities.  All of these features of the Board’s make-up and operation serve to protect the College from undue influence of special interest groups.

Supporting Documents

SOURCE	LOCATION/Special Instructions
Board of Trustees By-Laws 2005	Office of the President
Conflict of Interest Policy	Office of the President