University Organization

Trustees

The Board of Trustees, a body of 34 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 Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Secretary to the Board of Trustees connects and coordinates the strategic planning efforts undertaken through the Third Century Plan across various campus and Board governance committees and processes. The vice president also oversees federal and state government relations. The Secretary to the Board manages board matters and the relationship between campus administrative functions and board governance. Elected by the Board, the Secretary to the Board of Trustees is an officer and is responsible for recording and certifying its actions. The Secretary provides the Board with such services and support as may be necessary for its effective functioning.

The Chief of Staff provides executive support and counsel to the president on University-wide matters and oversees management of the president’s office.

The Vice President for Administration oversees human resources, risk management and insurance, legal affairs, and institutional analysis in addition to advising the president on various matters.

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 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 Institutional Analysis (OIA) oversees the University’s research and assessment activities in support of decision-making by University leaders. Reporting to the Provost and Vice President for Administration, the office also manages data governance and the routine reporting needs of University’s leadership team and external entities.

The Office of University Events (UE) manages major University events such as Family Weekend, Commencement, and Reunion.

The Vice President for Equity and Inclusion oversees the Office of Equity and Diversity, which currently guides hiring practices, Title IX cases, ADA concerns, affirmative action/equal opportunity, and the University’s nondiscrimination and anti-harassment processes.

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.

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 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 the management of information services, academic computing, administrative computing and networking, and the 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 and collections, including the University Archives, technologies, and personnel.

The University 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 is responsible 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, and the recreation program, as well as the management of athletic facilities.

Communications

The Vice President for University Communications is responsible for strategic and integrated communications that advance and steward Colgate’s reputation, attract prospective students, garner support for and engagement with the University, and help parents support their students in productive ways. Among other responsibilities, the office manages print, web, and digital media marketing; visual identity and licensing; the public website (colgate.edu); Colgate’s digital channels; internal communications; athletic communications; media relations; parent relations; and external filming requests. The office also publishes the Colgate Magazine; the Hello, Hamilton community newsletter; and 13, Colgate’s official podcast.

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, donor relations, leadership giving, major giving, planned giving, principal giving, and prospect management and research are responsible for securing annual and long-term financial support for Colgate through identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors and prospective donors. In 2022, Colgate publicly announced the Campaign for the Third Century, a $1 billion effort to provide support for the Third-Century Plan.

Finance and Administration

The Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration, Chief Investment Officer, and Treasurer leads the division responsible for Colgate’s financial operations, planning, and administrative services. This includes long-range financial planning, debt services, budgeting, investment management, capital project finance, accounting and control, physical plant, construction and renovation of facilities, purchasing, community affairs, printing 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, external financial reporting, 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, conference services and summer programs, and Colgate Camp located on Upper Saranac Lake.

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

The Investment Office, in collaboration with both the Investment Management Committee and the Finance Committee of the Board of Trustees, oversees Colgate’s endowment investment portfolio and long-term operating cash. The office works with and monitors existing managers, evaluates new investment opportunities, coordinates the use of external consultants and advisory firms, and manages investment performance reporting.

The Purchasing Office provides services, programs and applications to employees for the procurement of equipment, supplies and services. It also administers Colgate’s licensing program.

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 for Colgate’s endowment investment portfolio, planned giving assets, and capital budgeting. The office is also responsible for debt services and coordinating university-wide treasury services, including cash management and short- and long-term financing.

University Printing and Mail Services provides copying and offset printing services, type and graphic design, and manages campus mail. Additionally, it operates a U.S. Postal Service contract station.

Student Affairs

The Vice President and Dean of the College, Colgate’s chief student affairs officer, and is focused on the overall personal and educational growth of students. The vice president and dean of the college coordinates student development and support programs including the ALANA Cultural Center, Office of Administrative Advising and Student Conduct, Campus Safety, Career Services, Office of Student Involvement, Office of the Chaplains, Counseling and Psychological Services, Emergency Management, Environmental Health and Safety, First@Colgate, Fraternity and Sorority Advising, Office of International Student Services, Office of LGBTQ+ Initiatives, Office of Residential Life, Shaw Wellness Institute, and Student Health Services.

The University Corporation

The Officers

The Members

Terms expire 2025

Terms expire 2026

Terms Expire 2027

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 (1938-1973)

Era II (1974-1983)

Era III (1984-1991)

Era IV (1992-1999)

Era V (2000-2007)

Era VI (2008-2015)

Era VII (2016-2023)

At-Large Representatives

Regional Directors

Alumni Trustees

Life Members