ASOR’S MISSION AND TRUSTEE PLEDGE
MISSION
ASOR, founded in 1900, is an international organization whose mission is to initiate, encourage, and support research into, and public understanding of, the history and cultures of the Near East and wider Mediterranean, from the earliest times, by:
Fostering original research, exploration, and archaeological fieldwork;
Encouraging scholarship in the region’s languages, texts, traditions, and histories;
Disseminating research results and conclusions in a timely manner, through a robust publication program, annual meeting, and other venues;
Adhering to the highest ethical standards of scholarship and public discourse;
Upholding the highest academic standards in interdisciplinary research and teaching;
Promoting educational opportunities for undergraduates and graduates in institutions of higher education around the world;
Developing engaging programs of outreach for the general public; and
Supporting and participating in efforts to protect, preserve, and present to the public the historic and cultural heritage of the Near East and the wider Mediterranean and to raise awareness of its degradation.
TRUSTEE PLEDGE
I, (please print) agree to the following during my tenure on the ASOR Board of Trustees:
Affirmation of ASOR Mission
I affirm and support the Mission of the American Schools of Oriental Research.
ASOR Advocate
I will strive to be a passionate advocate and vigorous spokesperson for ASOR’s Mission, programs, work, governance, and members, and for the organization itself.
Understanding of the Organization
Concurrent with beginning my tenure on the Board, I will study the ASOR website and all other materials provided to me, including the ASOR Bylaws and Policies, to gain a thorough understanding of the organization, its Mission, its operations, and its governance. During my time on the Board, I will stay current in my understanding of ASOR’s work and the issues facing the organization.
Attendance at Board of Trustee Meetings
I will strive to attend and actively participate in all regularly scheduled Board meetings except in the case of a family or business emergency. I further agree to prepare for all Board meetings by reviewing the Committee reports and other materials posted on the ASOR website in advance of the Board meetings. I also agree that I will cast my votes in a manner reflecting the best interests of the organization.
Role as a Board Member
I understand my role as a Board member is to set organizational policy and hold ASOR’s Officers and Executive Director accountable to such policy in accordance with the ASOR Bylaws and Policies. As a representative of ASOR and the Board, I will strive to conduct myself in an appropriate and professional manner and work actively to complete any tasks assigned to me. I also will work to identify and nominate viable Trustee candidates, Officer candidates, and standing and ad hoc committee members. I further agree to refrain from contacting ASOR staff with requests or matters of concern that might interfere with their work and tasks as assigned by the Executive Director.
Committee Participation
I will be an active member of any ASOR standing, ad hoc, or unofficial working committee to which I am elected or appointed or for which I volunteer.
Confidentiality
I will keep Board matters confidential, and not discuss them with non- Board members.
Legal and Ethical Obligations
I will abide by the ASOR Articles of Incorporation (link), ASOR Bylaws (link), ASOR Policies and procedures (both formal and informal; link), and all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing the organization.
Financial Commitment/Fundraising
I will make annual financial contributions to ASOR. I understand that ASOR Individually-elected and Institutionally-elected Trustees strive to contribute at least $500 per fiscal year, and ASOR Board-elected Trustees strive to contribute $5,000 or more per fiscal year. I further agree to solicit others to join ASOR and/or make financial contributions to the organization.
Conflict of Interest
I will abide by the ASOR Conflict of Interest Policy (link), and file the annual disclosure form (link) on a timely basis so ASOR’s Officers and Executive Director will be aware of any potential conflicts of interest.
Notification and Response (on-going)
I agree to accept notices and other Board materials via email or through the ASOR website. I also agree to meet electronically or over the Internet should such be required. I understand that it is my responsibility to stay in touch with ASOR’s Officers, Executive Director, and other Board members. If ASOR’s Officers, Executive Director, or another Board member contacts me, I will strive to respond in a timely and professional manner.
UNDERSTOOD AND AGREED:
Signature:______________________________________________
Date: _______________________
