Founded in 1872, CAA has grown into one of the largest associations of alumni in the world; we represent 500,000 Cal alumni, including 100,000 CAA dues-paying members. Our mission is to advance and promote the interests of the University of California, Berkeley by connecting alumni with each other and our alma mater. Together with our campus partners, we play an integral role in informing, engaging, and inspiring alumni to support the university by:
1. Participating and volunteering in university programs and alumni activities
2. Acting as ambassadors and advocates on behalf of the university; and
3. Giving to the university
Read CAA’s Strategic Plan in full.
CAA Board of Directors
The CAA Board of Directors is a policy governance board, which governs with an emphasis on vision, encouragement of diversity, strategic leadership, distinction of Board and Executive roles, and proactive decisions. The Board strives to serve and connect with the broad constituency of Cal alumni and future alumni. It is the responsibility of the Board to develop policies for the Association for which the CAA Executive Director and staff are responsible for attaining.
The Board adopted the policy governance model in June 2004 and has worked diligently on transitioning from a hybrid governance/volunteer model to a policy governance model, which provides more clarity in roles and responsibilities between Board members and staff.
For more details on policy governance, please check out the John Carver model of policy governance.
Board of Director Role and Expectations
- Exercise fiduciary responsibility for the Association
- Develop high-level Association policies
- Be aware and educated on the Association’s goals, issues, priorities, and major programs
- Represent and advocate on behalf of CAA as informed ambassadors of the University, and be willing to utilize personal networks to enhance the Association and University goals
- Be able to represent the broad constituency of alumni and future alumni, not just a single constituency
- Support CAA’s philanthropy priorities
- Commit to the Board of Directors’ annual giving (100% participation expected) by making a meaningful financial gift to CAA that is consistent with Board-determined fundraising goals
- Attend Board of Directors New Member Orientation
- Participate in Board of Directors Meetings
- Serve on Board committees
Directors are volunteer positions, CAA does not provide financial compensation for the Directors’ services or reimburse for travel expenses except under special circumstances as determined by the President of CAA.
Application due Friday, March 3, 2023.
Meet the Board of Directors
The Cal Alumni Association’s Board of Directors guide the association and serve the UC Berkeley alumni community.
