Information for Students

Information for Students about Rice Business Board Fellows

We're so glad you're interested in Rice Business Board Fellows. The benefits will go way beyond the time you serve on the nonprofit board. Not only will you be helping your community and spreading the good reputation of the business school, but you will be making connections with other like-minded people.

Informational Videos:

• Introduction to the Rice Board Fellows
• The Board Fellows Experience
• Nonprofit Stages

Benefits for you:

• Gain an in-depth understanding of the role of business leaders on nonprofit boards
• Develop professional knowledge and skills in board governance
• Offer a high-impact way for you to serve your community using your business knowledge
• Develop the skills for effective and thoughtful community leadership

Application Process

The 2023-2024 Rice Board Fellows Application will open on August 7. Below is a timeline of important dates in the application process, and we will also share application tips on our Instagram page (@ricebusinessboardfellows) throughout the summer. If you have specific questions about the application process, please reach out to Karla Arriaga, at Karla.d.arriaga@rice.edu.

Expectations of a Rice Business Board Fellow

• Participate in board meetings and on board committees
• Support the work of the organization for which you are a board fellow
• Maintain ongoing and regular communications with the board of your organization, mentor, and Rice staff liaison to ensure a positive experience with the organization  
• Attend Board Fellows orientation, trainings and complete relevant surveys
• Communicate with mentor, board chair or organizational contact regarding inability to attend meetings

What you can expect from your organization:

• Integrate board fellows into their board
• Communicate board and committee meeting dates and times within three weeks of being matched

What we expect from your organization:

• Create a supportive and stimulating learning experience for the board fellows 
• Help board fellows develop an understanding of the organization’s goals and challenges
• Respond to emails and other communications in a timely manner
• Secure board and organizational support for hosting a board fellow
• Identify the board fellows mentor (a member of the board who will serve as the fellow’s primary contact and guide)
• Provide a formal introduction to organization which includes but is not limited to sharing financials, minutes, committees, board meeting dates and times, and any pertinent information of the board and organization
• Mentor or organization contact person must attend the Board Fellows Orientation and Closing ceremonies
• Invite board fellows to meetings and introduce them to board members
• Set outcomes that can be completed and respect students’ academic commitments  
• Conduct a final meeting with the board fellows and, if applicable, transition to new board fellow
• Provide feedback to the board fellow as needed and submit two feedback surveys to the board fellows staff liaison Michelle Kaltenbach throughout the duration of the fellowship

Mentorship

You will be assigned a mentor from the board of the organization you are paired with. You should take a proactive role in maintaining ongoing communication with your mentor. The mentor will:

• Guide you through his or her participation on the board
• Act as a resource for questions about the organization
• Educate you about board service and governance

Time Commitment

You should anticipate spending 2-5 hours per month attending board and committee meetings, and working on committee projects for you assigned organization, as appropriate.

Fellows are selected based on the following:

• Submission of a thoughtful and thorough application
• Successful completion of an interview with business school staff
• Interest in nonprofit and board service work
• Professional and relevant skills
• Good academic standing
• Commitment to the time required (2-5 hours per month, varies by organization)

Nonprofits are selected based on the following:

• Submission of a thoughtful and thorough application
• Commitment to developing new leaders
• Organizational stability
• Identification of mentor who is available two hours per month
• Clarity of the board fellow role and secured organizational buy-in
• Clear articulation of board fellow’s committee, project scope and deliverables
• Good communication skills