Information for Organizations

Information for Organizations about Rice Business Board Fellows

We're thrilled that you're interested in the Rice Business Board Fellows program. Please let us know how we can help guide you through the application process. We look forward to working with you.

Selection Process

Applications are evaluated on the organization’s mission and proven community impact, identification of a mentor from the organization’s board, and an established communication plan between the board and a potential Board Fellow. Once selected to the program, organizations and Board Fellows are matched through a mutual selection process, which uses the application to align the interests and needs of both. 

Program Coordination and Support

The board fellows leadership team and the board fellows staff liaison oversee the program. They are committed to providing a valuable experience to both the organization and the board fellow. Each organization should establish a point of contact between the board fellow and a mentor from the leadership board who will serve as the primary contact.

This point of contact should be prepared to provide feedback, request assistance from the appropriate party, and address issues that arise. Board Fellows are required to attend board sessions and relevant committee meetings. If class schedules conflict with board meetings, the board fellow is expected to communicate that to the organization board.

Organization Expectations

Organizations must be prepared to integrate board fellows into their board. Board and committee meeting dates and times should be communicated to students within three weeks of the match between a board and their board fellow.

As hosts, nonprofits should expect to:

• 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 fellow's mentor (a member of the board who will serve as the fellow’s primary contact and guide)
• Provide a formal introduction to the 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
• Recognize that board fellows are non-voting members of the board and are encouraged to contribute financially, but are not required by the program

Mentorship

Selecting a board mentor for the board fellow is a critical aspect of the program. The mentor will:

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

Contact

At any point in the process of this application, please contact us with your questions or concerns at Juliana.Bernal.Martinez@rice.edu.