Introduction

In fall 1999, the Department of Physics and Astronomy established an Advisory Board to more formally seek advice from a wide spectrum of individuals. It's composed of respected alumni, industrial leaders and friends of the Department of Physics and Astronomy. The Board has a strategic benefit to the faculty, staff and students in the Department by providing different perspectives on issues that impact our ability to carry out our missions of education, research and service. These partnerships help foster our relations with key constituents and provide valuable information for our faculty leaders.

Goal:

To promote partnerships and establish networks that will help the Department of Physics and Astronomy carry out its strategic plan.

Through these partnerships and networks, we aspire to:

• provide high quality community outreach activities;
• develop business/University partnerships that facilitate the formulation of research projects of mutual interest and benefit;
• build a network of community advocates to help promote the Department;
• strengthen relationships with alumni and friends; and
• market our students to potential employers.

Committees:

• Leadership -- The Board will select a chairperson from among its regular members. The chairperson presides at meetings of the Board and will serve a 1-year term, which is renewable.
  
  
• Working Committees -- The Advisory Board may create committees, subcommittees, and special task groups as needed. The chairperson may also create subcommittees and special task groups, with a committee chair being appointed. Committee members do not need to be members of the Advisory Board.

Meetings:

• There will be one meeting each year on The University of Iowa campus in Iowa City.
• Meetings will be devoted to agenda items prepared by the DEO and Chair of the Advisory Board. A member of the Board may also suggest agenda items.
• To help members prepare for the annual meeting, the agenda will be distributed in advance.
• A departmental representative will be responsible for taking minutes at the meetings. These minutes will be distributed to all members, as well as other designated faculty and staff.
• Since the Board is intended to be advisory in nature, no rigid rules for procedure are necessary.