- GENERAL PROVISIONS
1.1. Status.
The Board of Directors (hereinafter referred to as the “Board”) is the supreme governing body of the Evangel Theological University (ETU). The Board operates on the principles of Christian ethics, collective governance, and personal responsibility.
1.2. Representation.
The Board is composed of authorized representatives from:
- The Ukrainian Pentecostal Church;
- The Assemblies of God USA;
- Other organizations and alliances that share the vision and educational activities of ETU.
- QUALIFICATIONS FOR BOARD MEMBERSHIP
Each member of the Board must meet the following criteria:
2.1. Spiritual Qualifications (Standard):
- Maintain a reputation of good standing.
- Share and adhere to the doctrinal views of the University.
2.2. Professional and Ethical Requirements:
- Possess an impeccable business and professional reputation.
- Be faithful in financial stewardship and participate in giving toward the development of the University.
- Possess competencies in one of the following areas: theology, education, law, finance, business, financial management, or administration.
- STRUCTURE AND OFFICERS OF THE BOARD
3.1. Chairperson of the Board.
Elected by the Board from among its members for a term of 4 years.
- Duties:
- Prepares the agenda for meetings.
- Conducts official correspondence on behalf of the Board.
- Restrictions: The President of the University cannot serve as the Chairperson of the Board.
3.2. Secretary of the Board.
Elected by the Board for a term of 4 years.
- Duties: Maintains minutes of meetings and ensures the safekeeping of the Board’s legal documents.
3.3. Additional Recommendation:
- To improve efficiency, the Board may elect from its members a Treasurer (responsible for financial oversight) and a Vice-Chairperson.
- COMPETENCE AND FUNCTIONS OF THE BOARD
4.1. Strategic Governance:
- Determination of the main directions of activity; approval of programs and plans.
- Making amendments to the University Statute (Bylaws).
- Decision-making regarding the reorganization or liquidation of the University.
4.2. Personnel Policy (Executive Level):
- President: Election and dismissal of the University President. The President is elected for a term of 5 years.
- Vice President (First Pro-Rector): Election and dismissal of the Vice President, as well as approval of their candidacy upon submission by the President.
- Key Positions: Approval or rejection of candidates for the positions of Dean and Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
- Supervisory Board: Election of the Chairperson and members of the Supervisory Board for a term of 3 years and approval of the regulations governing it.
4.3. Financial and Property Oversight:
- Resolution of property and asset-related issues.
- Approval of the President’s reports and the conclusions of the Supervisory Board regarding the targeted use of funds.
- Fundraising: Board members bear responsibility for assisting in fundraising (resource mobilization) to fulfill approved programs.
4.4. Working Bodies and Internal Structure:
- Determination of the organizational structure of the University.
- Creation of working bodies (committees) regarding: finance, construction, academic programs, etc.
- BOARD COMMITTEES (Working Bodies)
To ensure effective operation between annual meetings, the Board establishes the following standing committees:
- Executive Committee: Consists of the Chairperson, Secretary, and President. Resolves urgent issues between Board meetings (within the limits of its authority).
- Finance and Audit Committee: Controls the budget and salaries, and reviews reports from the Supervisory Board.
- Academic Committee: Oversees academic programs and faculty.
- Development Committee: (New, based on US standards) Responsible for the strategy of fundraising, grants, and partnerships.
- RULES OF PROCEDURE
6.1. Meetings.
Meetings are held no less than once per year, with planned meetings scheduled twice per year. Extraordinary meetings may be convened by the Chairperson or at the request of 1/3 of the Board members.
6.2. Quorum.
A meeting is considered valid if at least 2/3 of the Board members are present.
- Addendum: Participation via video conferencing is permitted, provided it does not contradict current legislation.
6.3. Decision Making.
- Simple Majority: Decisions are adopted by a majority vote of those present.
- Qualified Majority and Founder Approval: Required for amendments to the Statute, reorganization, or liquidation.
- ETHICS AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST (Compliance)
7.1. Board members act exclusively in the best interests of the University.
7.2. If a Board member has a financial interest in a matter under consideration (e.g., property issues under section 6.4.12), they are obligated to declare this and recuse themselves from voting.
7.3. The President is accountable to the Board but possesses autonomy in current management. The Board does not interfere in operational activities unless they violate the Statute or strategic plan.
CHARTER OF THE DEVELOPMENT AND FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE
of Evangel Theological University
- PURPOSE AND MISSION
The Development Committee is a permanent working body of the Board of Directors of Evangel Theological University.
Primary Goal: To ensure the financial stability and long-term growth of the University by attracting charitable contributions, grants, and partnership support. The Committee assists the President in implementing the “Great Commission” strategy through resource provision.
- COMMITTEE COMPOSITION
2.1. The Committee is formed by the Board of Directors and consists of 3–5 members.
2.2. The President of the University is a mandatory member of the Committee (ex-officio).
2.3. The Committee Chairperson must be a member of the Board of Directors with experience in business, marketing, or fundraising.
2.4. The Committee may engage external experts (donors, business people, alumni) who are not Board members but wish to assist the University.
- PRIMARY FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES
3.1. Leadership by Giving
- 100% Participation Principle: Every member of the Board of Directors (not just the Committee) must be a donor to the University. The Committee ensures that 100% of Board members make their annual contribution before soliciting external sponsors.
- Culture of Generosity: The Committee sets the tone for generosity among the leadership.
3.2. Strategic Fundraising Planning
- Develops, together with the President, an annual Development Plan, which includes targets for amounts (funding goals) and sources (churches, businesses, Western foundations).
- Identifies priority projects for funding (e.g., “Scholarship Fund,” “New Campus Construction,” “Library”).
3.3. Major Donor Relations
- Identification: Committee members compile a list of potential major donors (business people, pastors of mega-churches, foundations) from their own networks.
- “Opening Doors”: The primary job of a Committee member is to organize meetings between the University President and potential partners.
- Success Formula: Committee finds the contact -> President presents the vision -> Committee helps close the agreement.
3.4. Stewardship
- Oversees the acknowledgment process. Every donor must receive a thank-you note, a report on the use of funds, and prayer support.
- Committee members personally make phone calls or write to key partners to maintain warm relationships without asking for money (“Thank you calls”).
3.5. Event Organization
- Oversees the hosting of charity galas, breakfasts with the President, and conferences for Christian business people, with the aim of raising funds and promoting the University.
- POWERS AND AUTHORITY
4.1. The Committee has the right to request reports on donation receipts from the Chief Financial Officer (without disclosing confidential data if a donor wishes to remain anonymous).
4.2. The Committee recommends a Gift Acceptance Policy to the Board of Directors (e.g., whether to accept real estate, stocks, or contributions from questionable sources).
- KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPI)
The effectiveness of the Committee is evaluated by the Board of Directors annually based on the following criteria:
- Total amount of funds raised (compared to the plan).
- Percentage of Board member participation in giving (Goal: 100%).
- Number of new donors acquired during the year.
- Donor Retention Rate (percentage of donors who gave again).