Northwestern State University
Department of Health & Human Performance
2023 Advisory Board Guidelines

Appointment
Advisory board members are appointed by the HHP Department Head to serve a 2-year term. Subsequent terms may be renewed by the HHP Department Head. Prospective board members will participate in an application process.

Personal Characteristics

• Willingness to listen, analyze, think clearly and creatively; work well with people individually and in groups; and provide constructive feedback.
• Willingness and ability to prepare for and attend board meetings; ask questions; share ideas, opinions, and experiences; open doors in the field for students.
• Possess the following characteristics: honesty; openness to differing views; a friendly, responsive, and patient approach; engagement skills; personal integrity; a developed sense of values; concern for and interest in the program’s development.

Guidelines

Introduction
Vision: The Department of Health & Human Performance (HHP) at Northwestern State University prepares the next generation of global leaders in health science, kinesiology, and sport.

HHP’s academic programs provide a foundation for our students to leave Northwestern State University as innovative, contemporary leaders prepared for a variety of career opportunities in health, kinesiology, and sport. Our faculty provide a collaborative, supportive learning environment in which students discover, explore, and practice the knowledge, movement, and values that will help ensure a healthy, productive lifestyle and successful career.

Students are part of a program where they:

• work with practitioners in the field to gain professional experience
• conduct research to solve current problems related to health, kinesiology, and sport management
• apply knowledge in real-world situations
• participate in innovative and collaborative learning environments

To support this effort, we have prepared the following set of guidelines. These guidelines are intended to offer recommendations for the structure, format, and function of an effective and successful advisory board.

Role and Responsibilities of Program Advisory Board Members
The program advisory board, as well as HHP faculty, staff, and students, will work together to ensure that the program delivers learning that is up to date and relevant to current business, industry, labor, and professional employment practices in health, kinesiology, and sport. The board will provide support and advice to academic programs, assist in the development of new programs, and identify best-practice standards. Board members will also serve as ambassadors to the program, providing a connection to and ongoing exchange of information and ideas with members of a broader society.

Responsibilities
Certain responsibilities will be required of all board members to ensure that the advisory board is impactful. Board members will participate in the following:

1. Attend board meetings and other activities of the department. Review agenda and supporting materials prior to board meetings and give feedback.
2. Understand and be able to articulate details about HHP programs, students, curriculum, services/supports, and other activities, and spread that information to others.
3. Serve as an ambassador for the HHP department. Advocate for the program.
4. Assist the HHP department in developing external relationships with entities to support students and the department.
5. Identify, present, and/or provide experiential learning opportunities for students (e.g., internships, fieldwork, observation).
6. Share developments in the field with faculty members in the HHP department and other board members.
7. Provide support and advice to program, assist in the development of new programs, and identify best-practice standards.
8. Realistically assess the labor market demand for program graduates and advise the program to ensure graduates with the skills required to meet employment needs.
9. Work with departmental faculty, staff, and other board members to ensure that the program is delivering timely and relevant information and training, while using modern teaching methodologies and technologies.
10. Assist with department and program marketing and promotion.
11. Assist in the identification and acquisition (when appropriate) of external funding and resources to support the students and program (e.g., scholarships, program materials, and other resources).
12. Assist in the identification and recruitment of new board members.
13. Provide mentorship to current students as needed.

Membership
Advisory board members will represent a cross section of business, industry, labor, and/or professions relevant to health, kinesiology, and sport and related areas. Diversity of perspectives is an important aspect of the board’s functioning, and diverse perspectives and experiences based on veteran status, gender, race, ethnicity, geographic location, age, and other related qualities will be an important factor when selecting members. Prospective advisory board members are identified by existing advisory board members, HHP faculty, or the HHP Department Head. Their names will be submitted to the program planning committee for input.

The suggested number of board members is from 12 to 15 people. Advisory board members will serve two-year terms with the possibility of renewal for additional terms based on their interest and involvement, at the discretion of the program planning committee which serves as a resource to and oversees the board. Dedicated board positions will also be established for one current student and one program graduate working in the field. In addition, current students and program faculty will be invited and encouraged to attend meetings.

The advisory board is non-voting and does not engage in decision making related to program personnel, budget, or internal policy-development within the partner institutions.

Officers and Duties
A new chair will be identified and appointed each (calendar) year from the advisory board membership. Members will be solicited each year for interest in serving in this role. A co- or vice-chair may also be identified. If no board member is able to serve as chair, an HHP academic director may function as an interim chair until an advisory board member is identified. There are no other elected officers.

The advisory board chair facilitates effective functioning of the advisory board meetings with support from the HHP Department Head. Conducting meetings is the prime role of the chair. The advisory board chair will also assist the HHP Department Head in preparing meeting agendas and represent the advisory board at other meetings, as needed.

The HHP Department Head and advisory board chair will plan the meetings; ensure effective preparation, distribution, and archiving of the advisory board meeting minutes, and take follow-up action as required. The HHP Department Head and advisory board chair will also establish and maintain a viable pool of prospective new board members, maintain a current list of members, monitor terms, and manage the membership to include maintaining consistent and effective communication.

Advisory Board Meetings
Advisory board meetings will be held on a quarterly schedule with at least one meeting per year in person. The meeting will be of appropriate length to maintain the support, interest, and involvement of advisory board members. Effective and efficient meetings are critical to the success of the advisory board. Typical agenda items include introductions, general program updates, campus reports, updates from the field, and primary discussion topics.

Meeting locations will be determined by the HHP Department Head with input from board members. When necessary and available, WebEx Meetings or an alternative online platform will be used to allow members to participate who are unable to attend in-person.

Advisory Board Member Compensation
There is no formal compensation for advisory board members. NSU HHP will cover all site costs associated with the advisory board meetings, such as space rental, technology costs (conference call/video conferencing, equipment rental, technicians, etc.), food services, and parking. Costs related to travel (mileage, accommodations, and other expenses) are the responsibility of each board member.