A Board member will:

1. Comply with the ethics laws for public officials provided in state law;
2. Understand that the Board sets the standards for the College through Board policy. Board members do not manage the College on a day-to-day basis;
3. Understand that the Board makes decisions as a team. Individual Board members may not commit the Board to any action nor direct staff;
4. Respect the right of other Board members to have opinions and ideas which differ;
5. Recognize that decisions are made by a majority vote and should be supported by all Board members;
6. Make decisions only after the facts are presented and discussed;
7. Refer problems or complaints to the president;
8. Recognize that the Board must comply with the Public Meetings Law and only has authority to make decisions at official Board meetings;
9. Insist that all Board and College business is ethical and honest;
10. Be open, fair and honest, harboring no hidden agendas;
11. Understand that confidential information cannot be divulged;
12. Recognize that the president is the Board's adviser and will be present at all meetings, except when excused or the Board is considering the president's evaluation, contract or salary;
13. Take action only after hearing the president's recommendations;
14. Refuse to use the position for personal or family gain or prestige. Announce conflicts of interest before Board action is taken;
15. Refuse to bring personal problems into Board considerations;
16. Give the staff the respect and consideration due skilled, professional employees;
17. Direct personal criticism of College operations to the president, not to College staff or in a Board meeting;
18. Respect the right of the public to attend and be heard at Board meetings; and
19. Respect the right of the public to be informed about College decisions and operations as provided by law;
20. Remember that content discussed in executive session is confidential.

END OF POLICY

Legal Reference:
ORS 162.015 - 162.035
ORS 162.405 - 162.425
ORS 192.630
ORS 244.040
ORS 244.120
ORS Chapter 341