Standing Committees of the Board

Academic Affairs

The Committee on Academic Affairs assists the Board with respect to the oversight of the educational administration of the University, including its libraries, and the University’s educational, athletics and research policies, plans and programs. 

Alumni Relations and Development

The Committee on Alumni Relations and Development assists the Board with respect to the oversight of all issues concerning alumni relations, development, and Trustees Emeriti.

Audit

The Committee on Audit assists the Board with respect to the oversight of the University’s accounting, internal controls, auditing, and financial reporting practices; compliance with legal, regulatory, and other applicable requirements; the independent auditors’ qualifications; internal auditing function; the assessment and management of risk and the promotion of ethical conduct in the execution of the University’s business activities.

Compensation

The Committee on Compensation assists the Board with respect to the determination of the compensation of the President and other senior executive officers.

Finance

The Committee on Finance assists the Board with respect to the oversight of the University’s financial affairs, including financial policies and planning; investing (including socially responsible investing); technology transfer and licensing activity; and human resources, including employee benefits.

Subcommittee on Shareholder Responsibility

The Subcommittee advises the Board on ethical and social issues that arise in the management of the investments in the University's endowment.

Health Sciences

The Committee on Health Sciences assists the Board with respect to the oversight of the Health Sciences schools and programs, including its Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, College of Dental Medicine, School of Nursing, and School of Public Health and the graduate programs located at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center.

Officers

The Officers Committee may exercise the authority of the Board between meetings subject to specific limitations.

Physical Assets

The Committee on Physical Assets assists the Board with respect to the oversight of the construction, operation, maintenance, acquisition, long-term leasing, and sale of University facilities and grounds, information technology, and public safety and emergency response.

Public Affairs

The Committee on Public Affairs assists the Board with respect to the oversight of public affairs matters affecting the reputation of the University, including government affairs and general communications policies.

Student Life

The Committee on Student Life assists the Board with respect to the Board’s oversight of matters affecting student life.

Trusteeship

The Committee on Trusteeship assists the Board with respect to Board affairs, including Trustee nominations, orientation, and education, and Board evaluation.