The Board consists of 23 members: 11 students; 11 faculty, staff, or alumni of Harvard/MIT; and the CEO of the COOP.

The Board is the principal governing and policymaking body of the COOP. The Board functions in the same way as the board of directors of any other corporation; it is responsible for establishing the policies which guide the COOP's operations and for making all significant decisions that affect the COOP. The Board considers issues such as the COOP's plans and objectives; opening, remodeling or closing stores; establishing employee benefit policies; making major equipment acquisitions, etc. The Board is not involved in day-to-day operational matters such as the establishment of prices for individual items. Decisions in these areas are delegated to the CEO and their staff who are responsible to the Board.

• Unparalleled exposure to business governance and executive-level decision-making
• Hands-on experience with financial management, strategic planning, and organizational leadership
• A rare opportunity to make a tangible impact on campus life
• A distinctive, resume-defining role that demonstrates leadership, analytical thinking, and collaboration
• Monetary stipend provided in recognition of time and contributions.
  
  

Participate in “Comp the COOP,” including submitting a written application, attending an applicant social, and participating in interviews. Select students are nominated by the Nominating Committee for election by the Board of Directors.

Any full-time, enrolled and registered undergraduate or graduate student of Harvard or MIT who is at least 18 years of age and will be a degree candidate during the year for which a term as a director is sought.

Applicants submit a written application by the posted deadline along with the required attachments. The Nominating Committee conducts a preliminary review of applications and contacts eligible candidates to invite them to attend an applicant social and group interview session. Select applicants from the group interview session are then invited for an individual interview. The Committee also considers all students who are currently serving on the Board and are eligible for re-election and wish to serve for another term. The slate of 11 nominees brought forward for election by the Board of Directors will have the following minimal institutional representation: 2 shall be Harvard undergraduates, 2 shall be graduate students of Harvard University and 2 shall be undergraduate or graduate students of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

The Board meets approximately six times, each time for about two and a half hours, during the academic year. The Board has several committees on which interested and qualified directors, student and non-student, are appointed to serve by the Chair. These committees meet more frequently in between full Board meetings. Committees include: Executive, Finance, Audit, Student Comp, Event & Experience, and Retail.

There are no differences in the responsibilities of the student and non-student directors. According to COOP by-laws, all directors have the same responsibilities and equal voice in the affairs of the COOP.