Board of Trustees
Orientation
New Board Member Orientation
Welcome to the Florida Polytechnic University Board of Trustees Orientation
We’re honored to welcome you to the Florida Polytechnic University Board of Trustees. Thank you for your commitment to serving the state of Florida and our university by bringing your time, insight, and leadership to our innovative and forward-thinking institution.
Your orientation experience is designed to reflect the spirit of Florida Poly’s academic approach rooted in innovation and efficiency. Modeled after our “flipped classroom” concept, this blended learning format allows you to explore key information through a series of eight concise, self-paced modules prior to your in-person orientation.
This structure ensures that when you arrive on campus, your time is focused on meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and a deeper understanding of your role and impact as a trustee. We’re confident this approach will make your orientation experience both engaging and productive.
We look forward to partnering with you as we continue to shape the future of STEM education in Florida and beyond.
Our Strategic Foundation
Everything we do is driven by a powerful mission, an ambitious vision, and guiding principles that shape our identity, fuel our innovation, and direct our path forward.
Mission
We serve students and industry through educational excellence and the discovery, advancement, and application of knowledge in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Vision
Highly desirable graduates and solutions for a resilient high-tech economy
Guiding Principles
Excellence & Opportunity
To pursue the highest quality of academic and institutional success while ensuring access to opportunities for all students.
Student-Focused
To prioritize the needs, success, and well-being of students in every aspect of the institution.
Steadfast Integrity
To demonstrate an unwavering dedication to honesty, ethical behavior, and transparency in all aspects of the institution.
Community Collaboration
To work together within and beyond the institution to create mutual support, leverage strengths, and achieve collective success.
Fearless Curiosity
To inspire a relentless drive to explore new ideas and take bold, innovative steps, particularly in areas of uncertainty.
Forward Thinking
To prioritize a deep commitment to innovation, growth, and readiness for the future.
Getting Started as a Trustee
New Board Member Information
In order to best serve you throughout your term(s) on the Board of Trustees and before you advance any further in the orientation modules, please complete the Board Orientation Form. This information will reside solely within the Board of Trustees office and will help us serve you to the best of our ability.
Top Five
Of all the materials in these modules, there are five key documents that are critical to understanding university operations and your role as trustee of a public higher education institution. These “top five” are a great place to start familiarizing yourself with your trustee responsibilities:
Communication
The University Board staff communicates information to each trustee in several ways:
- Email (as needed)
- Microsoft Teams (meeting agendas and documentation)
- Phone calls/texts (as needed)
Prior to each regularly scheduled Board meeting, you will be given the opportunity to engage in a private briefing of the upcoming meeting materials. This is especially helpful for new trustees and any trustee who has in-depth questions about specific agenda items.
In addition to the communication methods listed above, you may receive direct communication via email or phone from the University president to discuss items of key importance to the University.
Board Calendar
The Florida Poly Board of Trustees officially meets four times each calendar year. In addition, the Board holds a one-day retreat which coincides with the November Board meeting. Additional meetings of the Executive Committee (EC) or full Board may be called in between regularly scheduled meetings in order to conduct business that is of an immediate nature. These additional meetings are typically held virtually.
Travel Reimbursement
According to Article III, Section 3.5 of the Board of Trustees bylaws, trustees may be reimbursed upon request for travel and per diem expenses in accordance with state law.
Whether you travel a distance to attend regularly scheduled Board meetings or are traveling on University Board business, our Board staff will process your travel expenses for reimbursement, and, if requested, can make your travel arrangements for you. Please contact your Board staff for additional parameters and information.
For Further Information
- Download a contact list of key University staff
- University Organization Chart
- FAQs: Governance Basics for Public Institutions
- FAQs: Fiduciary Duties for Institutional Board Members
- Follow our official social media accounts.
Contact Information
Kristen Wharton
Corporate Secretary, University Board of Trustees
863-874-8614 | kwharton@floridapoly.edu
Essential Reading for Trustees
Statement of Free Expression
Since January 2022 when the Board of Governors approved their Civil Discourse Final Report, it is recommended that the leadership of each university board of trustees, faculty senate, and student government annually review and endorse the Board’s Statement of Free Expression and commit to the principles of civil discourse. The Board of Trustees conducts this review annually at its September meeting.
Strategic Plan 2025–2030
Titled Strategy for Impact, the Florida Poly 2025-2030 strategic plan was approved by the Board of Trustees at their November 20, 2024 meeting, and by the Board of Governors at their March 26, 2025 meeting.
Campus Master Plan 2021–31
Florida Statute (§ 1013.30 Fla. Stat.) requires campus master plans to be updated every five years. The statute also requires that plans contain elements relating to future land use, transportation, housing, general infrastructure, conservation, recreation and open space, intergovernmental coordination, and capital improvements.
Annual Accountability Plan
The Accountability Plan outlines the university’s top priorities, strategic directions, and specific actions for achieving those priorities, as well as progress towards previously approved institutional and system-wide goals. The Board of Governors requires each university’s Board of Trustees to review and approve the Accountability Plan annually.
SACSCOC Accreditation Letter
On June 15, 2017, the SACSCOC Board of Trustees awarded initial accreditation to Florida Poly at Level III with the Southern Association of Colleges and School Commission on Colleges. The University’s accreditation status was reaffirmed by SACSCOC on December 4, 2022.
ABET Statement of Accreditation
In August 2019, four Florida Poly bachelor’s degrees were accredited by the Computing and Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, the global accreditor of college and university programs in applied and natural science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology.
In the 2024–2025 academic year, four programs underwent ABET campus visits for continuing accreditation—Mechanical, Electrical, and Computer Engineering (ABET-EAC), and Computer Science (ABET-CAC). Environmental Engineering underwent its initial accreditation review. Final decisions will be made at the July 2025 ABET meeting, with notifications in August. All programs, except Environmental Engineering, are currently ABET-accredited.
For Further Information
About Florida Poly
