Trustee 101

What are the major responsibilities of the board of trustees?

The Porltand State University Board of Trustees serve as the ultimate fiduciaries in their oversight of institutional affairs in accord with the college's mission, the board's by-laws, Oregon law, and the college's mission and vision. In serving this critical capacity, the board of trustees has a broad set of responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Determining the mission of the University and ensuring that the mission is kept current and aligned with the goals and mission of public higher education in Oregon.

• Providing oversight and guidance to the University’s strategic direction.

• Charging the President with the task of periodically leading a strategic planning process; participating in the strategic planning process; approving the strategic plan, and monitoring its effectiveness.

• Selecting, supporting, and evaluating the President and reviewing the President’s compensation.

• Ensuring the University’s fiscal integrity; overseeing the University’s financial resources and other assets; and preserving and protecting the University’s assets for posterity.

• Ensuring and protecting, within the context of faculty shared governance, the educational quality of the University and its academic programs; and preserving and protecting the University’s autonomy, academic freedom, and the public purposes of higher education.

• Ensuring that Board policies and procedures are current and properly implemented.

• Engaging regularly, in concert with senior administration, with the University’s major constituencies.

• Periodically assessing the performance of the Board and its committees, members, policies and practices.

Much more...

What type of advocacy may trustees need to do?

• Budget advocacy

  • Public University Support Fund (PUSF)

• Capital investment advocacy

• Policy advocacy

• HECC advocacy

• Regional advocacy

What are the committees on the board of trustees?

The board has the power to establish such standing and ad hoc committees as it deems appropriate. Currently, there are four committees: Academic & Student Affairs, Executive & Audit, Finance & Administration, and the Governance Committee. Follow this link to see a list of committees and their members.

The board chair serves as ex officio members of all standing committees; the president serves in an ex officio capacity on all committees. Non-trustees who have a particular skill or expertise may be invited to assist a standing committee, but do not have voting power.

What is the length of a trustee's term?

Except for the student, faculty and non-faculty trustees, appointed trustees shall serve for a four-year term. Student, faculty and non-faculty employee trustees shall serve for a two-year term. Trustees may be reappointed, except that no trustee may serve for more than two full consecutive terms. A trustee whose term has expired shall continue to serve until a replacement has been appointed and confirmed.

How many trustees are there?

As provided by law, the Board shall consist of eleven to fifteen trustees. The President of the University shall be an ex officio non-voting trustee. The remaining trustees shall be appointed by the Governor, with the approval of the Oregon Senate. One trustee shall be a student at the University. One trustee shall be a faculty member of the University. One trustee shall be a non-faculty employee of the University.

How are trustees selected?

Under ORS 352.076, Oregon State University trustees are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Oregon Senate.