University Organization

Trustees

The Board of Trustees, a body of 38 members, has final responsibility for the conduct of the University. The President of the University is a member of the Board and an ex officio member of its standing committees including the Executive Committee.

The full Board has three regularly scheduled meetings each academic year, including one meeting that has a period of time set aside to permit faculty, students, staff, and alumni to address the Board. Questions about the Board of Trustees should be directed to the secretary of the Board.

Offices of the University

President

The President of the University is appointed by the Board of Trustees and is responsible for the general oversight and direction of University instruction and for discipline.

The Chief of Staff, Secretary to the Board of Trustees, provides executive support and counsel to the president on University-wide matters and institutional strategic planning, and serves as the Secretary of the Board of Trustees.

The Senior Advisor to the President is responsible for advising the president on various matters and assisting with special projects, and oversees legal affairs.

Academic Administration

The Dean of the Faculty and Provost is the chief academic officer of the University and has primary responsibility for faculty personnel, curriculum, and supervision of instructional budgets. As provost, the dean of the faculty is the chief officer of the University in the president’s absence.

The Associate Deans of the Faculty assist with general administrative areas under the dean of the faculty.

The Associate Provost has responsibility for academic budgets, federal regulations, and other duties assigned by the provost.

The Associate Provosts for Equity and Diversity are charged with fostering a climate of diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the University’s faculty, staff, administration, and student body.

The Dean’s Advisory Council, composed of the dean/provost, the five division directors, and the associate deans of the faculty, advises the dean of the faculty on matters of academic administration.

Divisions and Academic Departments. The five divisions into which the University’s academic structure is divided are listed below. Each division director is responsible to the dean of the faculty and supervises the various academic departments and programs in the division.

1. Arts and Humanities: Art and Art History, the Classics, East Asian Languages and Literatures, English, German, Music, Philosophy, Religion, Romance Languages and Literatures, and Theater
2. Natural Sciences and Mathematics: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geology, Mathematics, Physics and Astronomy, and Psychology
3. Social Sciences: Economics, Educational Studies, Geography, History, International Relations, Political Science, and Sociology and Anthropology
4. University Studies: Africana and Latin American Studies; Asian Studies; Environmental Studies; Film and Media Studies; Jewish Studies; Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Studies; Liberal Arts Core Curriculum; Linguistics; Medieval and Renaissance Studies; Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies; Native American Studies; Peace and Conflict Studies; Russian and Eurasian Studies; Women’s Studies; and Writing and Rhetoric
5. Physical Education, Recreation, and Athletics: Department of Physical Education

The Chief Information Officer has responsibility for management of information services, academic computing, administrative computing and networking, and for supervision of information technology staff.

The University Librarian is the chief administrative officer of Case Library and Geyer Center for Information Technology and of George R. Cooley Library, with primary responsibility for library services, collections, including the University Archives, technologies, and personnel.

The Registrar is responsible for keeping all student academic records, supervising the registration process, and certifying students for graduation.

Admission and Financial Aid

The Vice President and Dean of Admission and Financial Aid has responsibility for the admission of first-year and transfer students, and oversees the Office of Financial Aid which administers the university’s financial aid program to undergraduates and assists students and their parents with applications for aid from other sources.

Athletics

The Vice President and Director of Athletics has responsibility for the Department of Physical Education (under the Division of Physical Education, Recreation, and Athletics), the intercollegiate athletic program, intramural and club sports, recreation program, and management of athletic facilities.

Communications

The Vice President for Communications is responsible for strategic and integrated communications that advance and steward Colgate’s reputation, attract prospective students, and garner support for and engagement with the University, through print, web, and digital media. Among other responsibilities, the office manages marketing, visual identity and licensing, internal communications, media relations, filming requests, Colgate’s digital channels, and the public website (colgate.edu), and publishes the quarterly Colgate Magazine.

Advancement

The Vice President for Advancement is responsible for engaging the University’s alumni, families, and friends with a goal of maximizing lifelong connections and philanthropic support to Colgate. Within Advancement, the Office of Alumni Relations engages alumni across all eras, identities, geographies, and occupations through events, programs, and Reunion Weekend. The departments of advancement operations, annual giving, corporate, foundation and government relations, major gifts, planned giving, relationship development, and stewardship are responsible for securing annual and long-term financial support for Colgate through identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors and prospective donors.

Finance and Administration

The Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration leads the division responsible for Colgate’s financial operations, planning, and administrative services. This includes long-range financial planning, budgeting, investment management, capital project finance, accounting and control, risk management, physical plant, construction and renovation of facilities, purchasing, community affairs, document and mail services, bookstore, dining, and other miscellaneous auxiliary service enterprises.

The Office of Accounting and Control is responsible for receipt and disbursement of operating funds, payroll, student accounts, financial control systems, and grant, contract, and endowment accounting.

The Colgate Bookstore sells and rents textbooks, course materials, trade books, Colgate memorabilia and clothing, and general merchandise. In addition, the bookstore sells and services computers and software. The bookstore coordinates a series of readings, community programs, and faculty and alumni publication events throughout the year.

The Office of Budget and Decision Support coordinates Colgate’s planning process for annual and multi-year operating budgets and supports long-range planning efforts.

The Office of Community Affairs and Auxiliary Services manages Colgate’s relationship with and investments in the local and regional communities. The office also oversees the operations of various auxiliary service enterprises including dining services, summer programs, and Colgate Camp located on Upper Saranac Lake.

Document and Mail Services manages university printing and campus mail, and operates a U.S. Postal Service contract station.

The Facilities Office develops and supervises major construction projects, provides for renovation, repair and maintenance of buildings and building systems, grounds maintenance, custodial services, the vehicular fleet, and operates and maintains campus utilities.

The Office of Human Resources provides development and support for a diverse, quality workforce to create a positive workplace that helps Colgate attract and retain the talent necessary to accomplish its goals. Serving as internal consultants and partners with employees, the office offers expertise and guidance in the areas of employment, compensation and benefits administration, training and development, recruitment, student employment, employee/labor relations, and workplace wellness.

The Investment Office, working with the Endowment Management and Finance Committee of the Board of Trustees, is responsible for overseeing Colgate’s endowment investment portfolio, planned giving assets, and long-term operating cash. The office works with and monitors existing managers, evaluates new investment opportunities, coordinates the use of outside consultants and advisory firms, and is responsible for investment performance reporting.

The Purchasing Office is responsible for purchasing services, central receiving, and administering Colgate’s licensing program.

The Office of Risk Management is responsible for securing and overseeing the risk management and insurance policies of the University. The office plays a key role in pre/post-loss efforts in order to minimize adverse outcomes.

The Office of Sustainability is responsible for achieving Colgate’s commitment to sustainability through innovative projects and programming that enhance teaching and learning, create long-term economic resiliency, build and restore robust ecological systems, and support a healthier and more just society.

The Treasurer’s Office provides analytic and operational support services for Colgate’s endowment investment portfolio, planned giving assets, and capital budgeting. The office is also responsible for external financial reporting and coordinating university-wide treasury services including cash management and short- and long-term financing.

Student Affairs

The Vice President and Dean of the College is Colgate’s chief student affairs officer is focussed on the overall personal and educational growth of students. The vice president and dean of the college coordinates student support programs including the ALANA Cultural Center; Office of Administrative Advising and Student Conduct; Campus Safety Department; Career Services; Center for Leadership and Student Involvement; Office of the Chaplains; Counseling and Psychological Services; Emergency Management; Environmental Health and Safety; Fraternity and Sorority Advising; International Student Services; Office of LGBTQ+ Initiatives; Office of Residential Life; Shaw Wellness Institute; Student Health Services; Thought into Action; and Undergraduate Scholars Programs.

The University Corporation

The Officers

The Members

Terms Expire 2022

Terms Expire 2023

Term Expires 2024

Emeritus Members

* Alumni Trustee

Colgate University Alumni Corporation

The Colgate University Alumni Corporation, formed in 1919, is the successor to “The General Association of Alumni” established in 1825. Its members are the 34,000 living graduates and former students of Colgate University. The executive offices are currently at 10 Utica Street in Hamilton, New York.

The corporation has an elected board of directors, known as the Alumni Council, which also has representation on the University’s Board of Trustees.

The Board of Directors of the Alumni Corporation

The mission of the Alumni Council is to support the University; advance Colgate’s Third-Century Plan; promote dialogue among alumni, students, faculty, University administration, and the Board of Trustees; and to promote alumni engagement. The Alumni Council convenes three times per year and is available to share updates with and hear perspectives from the alumni body year-round. The council’s membership is listed below. To learn more, visit colgate.edu/alumnicouncil.

Officers

Era Representatives

Era I (1939-1971)

Era II (1972-1980)

Era III (1981-1988)

Era IV (1989-1996)

Era V (1997-2003)

Era VI (2004-2011)

Era VII (2012-2019)

At-Large Representatives

Regional Directors

Alumni Trustees