National Association of Independent

“The organization has members. There shall be three categories of voting members of the association, and one category of non-voting members as follows: a) independent non-profit institutions of higher education that are located within the territorial jurisdiction of the United States, and that are recognized by a national or regional accrediting group that is recognized by the council on higher education accreditation, or are members of a state association of independent colleges and universities (hereafter referred to as "member institutions"); b) state associations of independent colleges and universities (hereafter referred to as "member associations"). Only one state association shall be recognized from each state for purposes of regular NAICU membership, which shall be the primary state association representing independent colleges and universities in that state, and; c) national, regional, or other special-purpose associations of independent nonprofit colleges and universities (hereafter referred to as "member associations"). d) colleges and universities that are located outside the territorial jurisdiction of the United States and meet NAICU's other membership requirements, i.e. the institutions are independent, nonprofit, and accredited by a national or regional group that is recognized by the council on higher education accreditation. These shall be non-voting members.”

“The board of directors shall consist of forty-four members (during the 2022-2023 fiscal year there was one vacant position); the president shall be an ex officio member of the board without vote. Twenty-four directors, who shall be chief executive officers of member institutions, shall be elected directly by the membership; twelve directors, who shall be chief executive officers of member institutions, shall be elected by the twenty-four directly elected directors; the chair of the secretariat shall be ex-officio member of the board with vote; one additional member of the secretariat shall be recommended to the board by the secretariat and ratified by the board with vote; three members of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities state executives shall be recommended to the board by the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities state executives and ratified by the board with vote; the chair of the board shall serve a fourth year on the board, and the past chair shall serve a fifth year. Three non-presidents from member institutions also participate in board deliberations without vote.”

“At any duly constituted meeting of the board of directors, a two-thirds vote of the present directors may amend the bylaws. Such amendment is subject to ratification by the members at the next annual meeting. The board also has the power to propose membership dues which are subject to the approval of the members.”

“A copy of the Form 990 shall be provided to the audit committee for review and approval prior to filing. Written review comments are forwarded to management and concerns were subsequently addressed by the CPA firm. Before filing, a copy is provided to all members of the board.”

“Before, at, or after the NAICU annual meeting, each board member receives NAICU's conflict of interest policy and is asked to review and stipulate (a) no conflict(s) exists or (b) possible conflict(s) exists. The statement is reviewed by NAICU's president, dated and initialed. If the president identifies a possible conflict, it is presented at the board meeting. If the majority deems a conflict, the board member is asked to recuse himself. To date, no conflicts have been identified.”

“Conducted by Quatt Associates, NAICU participates in an annual Washington higher education secretariat compensation and benefits survey. The survey is further broken down into a special cut, consisting of eight organizations which most closely resemble NAICU in structure, mission, and governance. The data and results from this cut are forwarded to NAICU's president who then forwards it to NAICU's compensation committee - the chair, vice chair, and past chair. This committee is tasked with the authority to determine compensation for the president and three vice presidents.”

“The organization does not make its governing documents, conflict of interest policy, and financial statements available to the public.”

“Founded in 1976, NAICU is the only national membership organization solely focused on representing private, non-profit higher education on public policy issues in Washington, DC. NAICU's membership reflects the diversity of private, nonprofit higher education in the U.S. our member institutions include major research universities, faith-based colleges, historically black colleges and universities, Hispanic-serving institutions and other minority-serving institutions, art and design colleges, conservatories of music, traditional liberal arts and science institutions, women's colleges, work colleges, two-year colleges and schools of law, medicine, engineering, business, and other professions. NAICU: - works regularly with Congress, the White House, and federal agencies on issues of greatest concern to independent colleges and universities - provides access to key congressional and administration leaders and staff - tracks, analyzes, and summarizes policy, legislation, and regulations - creates and provides tools, resources, legislative alerts, and the weekly Washington Update newsletter, to help members make the case for independent higher education - serves as a convener and coalition builder - creates tailored advocacy training for new and experienced presidents”

“The audit committee process for selecting an independent accountant has not changed.”