Board Approval Date: Jan. 7, 2026

ASI Student Government members are elected or appointed to serve as representatives and advocates for the Cal Poly student body. The corporate responsibilities of Student Government members are defined within the ASI Bylaws. This responsibility guide provides an overview of the key duties and expectations for the Chair of the ASI Board of Directors. Specific responsibilities and levels of involvement may vary throughout the term of office. 

 

Chair of the ASI Board of Directors  

The Chair of the Board is responsible for the efficient operation of the Board of Directors and its standing committees. Specific to the provisions of applicable law and the ASI Bylaws, the Board of Directors under the administration of the Chair of the Board shall conduct annual corporate reviews, establish corporate and student policy, and respond to issues requiring action by the Members of the Corporation. The Chair of the Board ensures that the Board of Directors exercises its ultimate management responsibilities for fiscal, operational, and personnel policies. 

The Chair of the Board is responsible for providing input regarding corporate operations and student advocacy for the entire term of office and shall be available to fulfill the responsibilities of their office beginning August 1st to include meeting attendance, in-office work, retreats, and other affiliated responsibilities. 

The Chair of the Board holds an active and highly visible role within the organization and across the university. This position requires a weekly time commitment of 30+ hours, including nights, weekends, and occasional required travel. The role involves regular collaboration with university partners, students, ASI staff, and community leaders to represent and advance the collective interests of the student body. 

 

Officer Responsibilities  

• Serve as an Officer of the Corporation. 
• Provide input to the ASI Executive Director regarding corporate operations and student advocacy as appropriate. 
• Complete performance evaluation of the ASI Executive Director in collaboration with the ASI President, Chair of the University Union Advisory Board, and Vice President for Student Affairs and Strategic Enrollment Management. 
• Participate in organizational strategic planning and assessment processes, contributing to the development, execution, and evaluation of ASI’s strategic initiatives and goals. 
• Provide general oversight of the ASI Student Government annual budget, including budget planning and serving as a signature authority. 
• Coordinate with the other ASI Officers and ASI staff to ensure the efficacy of all training programs and any professional development activities that occur internally in ASI Student Government including diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice training for general student government members. 
• Author an appropriate and relevant transition report in collaboration with the Vice Chair of the Board to be directed at the Chair of the Board’s successor and provide this report by reasonable means to the ASI Executive Director prior to the end of the Chair of the Board’s ordinary term, unless serving in the role for the succeeding term. 

 

Committee Responsibilities 

• Serve as an ASI representative on the Academic Senate. 
• Serve as a voting member of the ASI Business and Finance Committee.  
• Serve on ASI internal committees, Cal Poly committees, or other community committees as requested. 

 

Board of Directors Responsibilities 

• Serve as the administrative officer of the Board of Directors. 
• Appoint a Vice Chair of the Board, subject to approval by the Board of Directors. 
• Provide general oversight of the Vice Chair of the Board. 
• Ensure compliance with the meeting notice requirements of the Gloria Romero Open Meetings Act.  
• Convene and chair all Board of Directors meetings and approve agenda items. 
• Provide oversight of the Board of Directors in day-to-day activities.  
• Author and distribute follow-up communications regarding Board of Directors’ actions to relevant stakeholders, as required. 
• Ensure continuous development of Board of Directors members.  
• Step down as Chair of the Board for any discussion item if speaking pro or con. 
• Cast tie-breaking votes for the Board of Directors when required. 
• Appoint and oversee chairs and directors of all standing and ad hoc committees of the Board of Directors, ensuring effective operation and alignment with Board objectives. 
• Appoint a Board of Directors representative to the UUAB. 

 

Summary of Typical Involvement 

• Meet regularly with the ASI Executive Director, ASI Officers, ASI Leadership Team, Board of Directors members, Vice Chair of the Board, and Board of Directors Advisor to ensure alignment of goals and initiatives. 
• Meet regularly with university administrators, including the President, Vice President for Student Affairs and Strategic Enrollment Management, and Senior Vice President for Administration and Finance, to support collaboration and uphold the principles of shared governance, as well as with other university leaders as needed. 
• Regularly engage with students to gather feedback, promote transparency, and strengthen engagement across the university. 

 

Mandated Reporter 

The Chair of the Board is considered a mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in ASI Policy as a condition of their volunteer assignment. 

 

Conflict of Interest 

It is a conflict of interest for ASI to employ members of ASI Student Government and require those individuals to have the responsibility of governing and making decisions regarding the organization by which they are employed.  Because of this conflict, it is necessary to separate the roles by not allowing a student to simultaneously hold a position in ASI Student Government and be employed by ASI. 

 

Term of Office 

The ordinary term of office for ASI Student Government members shall be one year, commencing on the day after the close of spring term and ending on the last day of the following spring term. The Chair of the Board is responsible for providing input regarding corporate operations and student advocacy for the entire term of office and shall be available to fulfill the responsibilities of their office beginning August 1st to include meeting attendance, in-office work, retreats and other affiliated responsibilities. 

 

Professional Development/Mentoring 

Professional development/mentoring to the Chair of the Board will be provided by the ASI Executive Director or designee. As a mentor, the ASI Executive Director or designee will provide constructive feedback and guidance on a regular basis to assist the Chair of the Board in their personal and professional development. 

 

Qualifications for Office 

During their term of office, the Chair of the Board must maintain compliance with all CSU and ASI requirements as outlined in the ASI Bylaws. 

 

Scholarship and Support Resources 

The Chair of the Board receives a scholarship each academic term during their term of office equal to 75% of the cost of education, as well as priority registration and ASI vehicle privileges, if eligible. Refer to the ASI Student Leader Scholarships Policy for additional information regarding eligibility terms, scholarship details, and the availability of summer scholarships.