Change is all around us. The pleasantly brisk weather and the colorful leaves remind us to everything there is a season.

However this breath of fresh air is not solely restricted to Mother Nature herself. Another breeze has visited the university in the persons of the four new appointees to the UD's board of trustees.

Who are the fantastic four?

According to a recent press release, they are an 'investment strategist, entrepreneur, accountant and public relations professional.' Namely, they are Robert Froelich, Richard Plfeger, Katherine Schipper and Catherine Babington, respectively.

Choosing these four new members was no easy task. Lynette Heard, M.Ed., executive director to President Curran, said the process of election and selection can take six to eight months. During this time, potential candidates are reviewed by the Committee of Trustees (COT). COT determines whether or not the candidates would be a good fit with the goals the university wishes to accomplish.

Other factors that determine a candidate's eligibility, Heard said, are the current needs of the board, areas that need to be advanced and whether or not the candidate has the university's best interests at heart and experience to take on the goals presented.

Areas of expansion, Heard added, include advocacy of higher education, governance of that education, philanthropic leadership, additional women on the board and better representation of people of color. Candidates who will most readily and best contribute to the expansion of the areas in question are selected. After six to eight long months of reviewing candidates, COT may have a chance to breathe freely. However for the new trustees, the work is just beginning. According to the Portable Trustee Manual, the trustee has many roles to fulfill. One such role is 'to promote the purposes of the University and ensure that there is a clear articulation of mission.'

Also, there is a perpetual orientation that occurs. Heard said there is a formal Orientation that lasts for a full day. However the process does not stop there. Members with more seniority are placed with novice members and help them to adjust to the board, Heard added. There is also Trustee Day, when trustees are paired with the President's Emissaries and attend class with them. President Emissaries are students that represent the President, participate in service projects and act as a mediator between students and teachers. The idea is to get a better feel for the students' experience. Consultation and conferences are also offered.

These trustees' term which starts in July and ends in June of the following year, is a three year long commitment. At the end of their term, trustees can opt to be reappointed and can serve a total of three terms.

The responsibilities of the trustees summed up in one little word: serve. To her the board of trustees is 'the most wonderful thing.' Emphasis is on 'caring not governing' in regards to our beloved institute. With 'thirty plus caring people' on staff it's not small wonder.

It is too early to tell where this particular breeze is going. Upon careful reflection, it appears to be headed in the right direction.