Board Charter & Bylaws
Cross Life School of Divinity

Cross Life School of Divinity

Established 2019

Office of the Registrar

support@crosslifeschoolofdivinity.org · crosslifeschoolofdivinity.org

October 29, 2026

Board Charter & Bylaws

Cross Life School of Divinity

The Board of Trustees provides governance, fiduciary oversight, and strategic direction for Cross Life School of Divinity. The Board establishes institutional policy while the President manages daily operations. This structure satisfies the governance requirements of our accreditation pathway and ensures the long-term integrity of the institution.

Board Positions

A minimum of five members; up to nine.

Board Chair

Leads board meetings, sets the agenda, and serves as the primary liaison between the board and the President.

Vice Chair

Succeeds the Chair and leads the Academic Affairs Committee when formed.

Secretary

Maintains minutes, bylaws, and official records. This role is critical for accreditation documentation.

Treasurer

Oversees financial policy, reviews the annual budget, and ensures fiscal accountability.

Member-at-Large

Represents the community and brings an independent perspective to board decisions.

Bylaws

Article I — Name AND PURPOSE

  1. The name of this governing body shall be the Board of Trustees of Cross Life School of Divinity (hereafter "the Board").
  2. The Board exists to provide governance, fiduciary oversight, and strategic direction for the institution in keeping with its Statement of Faith and mission to equip Christian leaders for ministry.
  3. The Board's authority covers all academic programs, campuses, finances, and institutional policies of Cross Life School of Divinity.

Article II — BOARD COMPOSITION

  1. The Board shall consist of no fewer than five (5) and no more than nine (9) members.
  2. An independent majority (at least two-thirds) of Board members shall not be employees of or related by family to employees of the institution.
  3. Members serve three-year terms, staggered so that approximately one-third of terms expire each year. Members may be reappointed.
  4. The President of Cross Life School of Divinity serves as a non-voting, ex officio member of the Board.

Article III — OFFICERS

  1. The Board shall elect from its membership a Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer. A Member-at-Large may be appointed as needed.
  2. Officers serve one-year terms and may be reelected.
  3. No single person shall hold more than one office simultaneously.

Article IV — MEETINGS

  1. The Board shall meet at least quarterly (four times per year).
  2. A quorum shall consist of a simple majority (more than half) of voting members.
  3. Meetings may be held in person, by video conference, or by telephone. Action may also be taken by unanimous written consent between meetings.
  4. The Secretary shall record minutes of every meeting and retain them as part of the institution's official records.

Article V — DUTIES AND POWERS

  1. The Board holds ultimate fiduciary responsibility for the institution, including approval of the annual budget, tuition schedule, and major financial commitments.
  2. The Board approves all degree programs, academic policies, and institutional credentials.
  3. The Board hires, evaluates, and may dismiss the President. The President manages day-to-day operations.
  4. The Board shall adopt and review institutional policies including but not limited to admissions, refund, academic integrity, and student grievances.
  5. The Board may establish standing or ad hoc committees as needed.

Article VI — CONFLICT OF INTEREST

  1. Every Board member shall disclose any financial, familial, or personal interest that could conflict with the institution's interests.
  2. A member with a conflict shall recuse themselves from discussion and voting on the matter in question.
  3. An annual conflict-of-interest disclosure shall be signed by every Board member and filed with the Secretary.

Article VII — AMENDMENTS

  1. These bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the full Board at any regular or special meeting, provided written notice of the proposed amendment is given at least fourteen (14) days in advance.

Article VIII — ADOPTION

  1. These bylaws are adopted by the founding Board of Cross Life School of Divinity and shall take effect on the date of adoption recorded in the Board minutes.

Adopted by the founding Board on the date above.

Board Chair

Printed name & signature

Secretary

Printed name & signature