It's Easy to Be Part of the CRA!

The Cornell Rowing Association began on August 27, 1976. It's By-Laws state that particular friends and supporters of Cornell Rowing, and all alumni and alumnae who participated in Cornell rowing are eligible to be Members of the Association. Eligible members of the Association who contribute to Cornell rowing shall be Active Members during the Cornell fiscal year in which their contribution is received. So, if you rowed for Cornell and have contributed - you are a member!

Annual Meetings

The CRA meets annually at a time and place established by he CRA Board of Trustees. This Annual Meeting has recently taken place in late winter or early spring - usually in Ithaca or in New York City (where it has preceded the CRA's Annual Fund Award Dinner). Any eligible member is welcome to attend, and Active Members can vote on any issues that are brought up at these meetings - including elections of CRA Board members.

CRA Board of Trustees

The CRA Board of Trustees consists of 18 Active Members, Life Members, the Cornell Athletics Director, and three ex-officio (non-voting) members appointed by the Athletics Director. Trustees serve three-year terms, with a maximum of two consecutive terms (though Trustees can be re-elected to subsequent terms after a hiatus of one year). Typically, there are 6 Active Members from each of the three rowing programs. Active Member terms are typically staggered so that 6 new Active Members are elected (or re-elected) each year. The Officers of the CRA Board include a Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer and Vice-Chairperson who serve three year terms and are eligible for reelection. Members who have made outstanding contributions in their role as Active Members can be nominated and elected as Life Members. For a list of the current Board of Trustees, refer to the Board of Trustees page. The Board of Trustees of the CRA meets at least twice a year - one meeting coincides with the CRA's Annual Meeting. The second board meeting typically takes place in the fall at Cornell and often coincides with Schwartz Cup Races and sometimes the Mullestein Dinner.

Committees

Most of the work of the CRA is done through committees. The CRA Board determines what committees are needed and elects a chairperson for each. The chair of each committee is typically an Active Member of the Board and is responsible for recruiting needed volunteers to populate the committee. Anyone with an interest in serving on a committee should contact the CRA - we are always looking for volunteers and the committees are a great way to involve yourself with the CRA Board and with Cornell rowing!