The New College Foundation plans to amend its governing documents to replace the existing Alumni Committee with an Alumni Engagement Committee, a change that the alumni organization says could reduce its independence and potentially lead to legal action. The Board is expected to consider the proposal on July 29.

The foundation’s Governance Committee unanimously recommended the amendment, which would require the new committee to support the college’s mission as determined by the Board of Trustees and to coordinate with staff on alumni participation in mentorship, programming, networking and philanthropy.

Alumni Association Chair Chris Van Dyk said the proposal would “dissolve and reconstitute” the current organization, limiting its ability to criticize the Foundation, trustees or college administration. The board voted unanimously to oppose the proposal, and former presidents present expressed support for the opposition though they cannot vote. Van Dyk noted that a 2003 affiliation agreement transferred about $300,000 to the Foundation and said the association could seek its return or other damages if the restructuring proceeds. The board has asked Van Dyk to obtain approval from the Alumni Association’s Executive Committee before taking further action on the organization’s behalf.

The outcome of the July 29 board meeting remains uncertain, with the association awaiting a decision on how the proposal will affect its leadership and independence.