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Board of Directors

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• Duties of the Board
• Time commitment
• Duties of a board member
• Board committees
• Management committee
• Education/ Publicity
• Fees committee
• Application and Job Description
  Board of Directors application (PDF)

The University Student Legal Service (USLS) was established upon the recommendation of the Twin Cities Student Assembly and approved by the Board of Regents on May 14, 1976, to aid students in dealing with legal problems that disrupt their lives and to educate students about their rights and responsibilities in an increasingly complex (legal) world. The Service operates as a department of the Office for Student Affairs under terms of its own Constitution and Bylaws.

Duties of the Board

The USLS Board provides policy guidance to USLS, and ensures that USLS is responsive to the current needs and wishes of the students at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. The USLS Board of Directors is a student-run board composed of representatives of the University and legal communities, and includes students, faculty, University administrators, and practicing lawyers.

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Time commitment

The USLS Board meets once a month, October through June. Board Meetings last approximately one hour. Committee meetings usually immediately precede the Board Meeting (see below).

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Duties of a Board member

Active participation of all members is crucial to USLS. If a member must miss a meeting, s/he should call USLS. Board membership may be terminated upon a third unexcused absence. Members are strongly encouraged to participate in USLS-sponsored programs as they are created with Board participation and approval.

If you are interested in serving as a Board Member, call USLS at 624-1001 and ask to speak with the Director, or download a Board of Directors application (PDF).

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Board committees

Each Board member belongs to a committee. Committees generally meet once per month for an hour or two. There are two standing committees, the Management Committee and the Education/Publicity Committee. The Board occasionally forms other committees to address special issues.

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Management Committee

The Management Committee oversees the policy and financial aspects of USLS. Policy matters include reviewing and approving the types of cases USLS handles and the fee schedule for users of the service, among other issues. Financial matters include reviewing and approving the fee request submitted annually to the Student Services Fee Committee and approving the budget.

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Education/Publicity Committee

The Education/Publicity Committee plans programming including mock trials, panel discussions, and occasional lectures on topics of current interest to University students and community.

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Fees Committee

The Fees Committee is not a standing committee, but is formed each year to ease the burden on the Management Committee. The sole purpose of this committee is to handle the fee request project. USLS is funded solely by the Student service fee charged to U of M students.

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