For a list of all Project and Standing Groups at the Alliance, see Group Overview.
Alliance Groups are charged with specific tasks by Program Managers or other sponsors, such as Council.
- Standing Groups: These Groups serve a similar function each year. Members will be appointed each year.
- Project Groups: These Groups serve for fewer than 12 months and conduct specific, limited tasks.
This chart identifies the differences between Standing Groups and Project Groups.
| Standing Group | Project Group | |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Perform ongoing tasks that support a program area | Complete a time-limited discrete project in support of a program area |
| Number of Members | Varies according to need | Varies according to need |
| Expertise Level of Members | Interested and have some experience, but not experts | Varies according to need |
| How are members recruited? | Posted on announce list and relevant community lists | Discretion of Sponsor |
| How Appointments are Approved | Program Manager | Sponsor determines |
| Member Term | 1 year, up to 3 consecutive terms | Length of group |
| Who do they report to? | Program Manager | Sponsor |
| Level of Authority | All levels | Operational / Functional OR Recommend only |
Criteria for Serving on Groups
- Group members do not represent their institution, but rather use their background and experience to inform efforts to work for the good of the entire membership.
- Group members are expected to manage workload at their member institution so that the work is not seen as “extra,” “volunteer,” or “as time allows,” but rather an important formal assignment. Thus, local member work should be adjusted by their institution so that consortial work is not an infringement on personal time.
Nominations for Group members are considered and chosen using the following criteria over their term:
- Be different. Provide diverse perspectives among Group members. Diversity includes, but is not limited to, professional experience or expertise, institution type, geographic distribution, and personal diversity.
- Have some experience in the Group’s area. The individual should have relevant experience and/or expertise in functional areas associated with the Group and program prior to appointment. However, the individual need not be an expert, and people new to Alliance work are welcome.
- Be available and committed. The individual must be available for and interested in serving on the Group. This is confirmed directly with the individual unless they self-nominate. The Group Chair and Program Manager may also eliminate candidates if they are known to have current limitations on their ability to be active participants. Chairs may spend up to 8 hours a week on their duties; other members may spend up to 4 hours per week.
- Be a strategic thinker. The individual must be able to think big picture and long-term, in addition to addressing the present day.
- Know the Alliance. The individual must understand the Alliance’s strategic agenda and the program’s goals.
- Be willing to represent the whole membership. The individual must use their background and experience to inform the Group’s efforts to work for the good of the entire membership rather than represent their own institution.
- Enable equitable participation in the Alliance. To enable a Collaborative Workforce, we must monitor member participation in the Alliance and support the service of qualified members when their participation is otherwise below expectations.