Colleges & Universities…Who’s in Charge of What?

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Issues

University governance is shaped by several key parties, including:

  • The Board of Trustees, which serves as the ultimate decision-making body;
  • The University President, who oversees daily operations and strategic direction;
  • The Provost, who manages academic policies and faculty affairs;
  • Deans, who lead individual colleges or schools; 
  • Faculty Senates, which influence curriculum and academic standards.

Together, these entities determine policies that impact tuition, academic programs, campus culture, and student opportunities. Additionally, at public universities, some policies—such as governance structures, budget oversight, and admissions standards—are often established in state statute, meaning they are determined by state lawmakers and not solely by university leadership.

Students and parents can engage with university governance by attending public board meetings, providing input on campus policies, and advocating for changes through student government, faculty committees, or direct appeals to administrators. At many universities, students serve on advisory boards, and alumni and donors can influence decision-making through financial support or public pressure.

Why should you care about university governance?

University governance directly affects students’ academic opportunities, tuition rates, and campus policies. Decisions about which courses are offered, which faculty are hired or tenured, and how student conduct policies are enforced are shaped by university leadership. Faculty also play a significant role in governance through faculty senates, which influence curriculum, hiring, and academic policies. Accreditation agencies do not directly govern universities but set academic and institutional standards that universities must follow to maintain their credibility and access to federal funding.

Two main areas of responsibility for boards of trustees and presidents are budget management and legal compliance. Budget setting and management influence tuition prices, funding for academic departments and university initiatives, and everyday operating costs. Compliance with state and federal law is especially important for schools that receive government funding, which can be rescinded for failing to follow the law.

What does the board of trustees do?

  • The board of trustees serves as the university’s ultimate governing body, responsible for major financial, strategic, and legal decisions. Their key duties include hiring and evaluating the university president, approving the budget, ensuring the institution remains financially stable, safeguarding the school’s mission, and setting broad policies that shape university operations. Trustees also oversee fundraising, endowment management, and compliance with legal and fiduciary obligations. While they delegate many responsibilities to the administration, they remain accountable for the university’s long-term direction and overall success.

No two university boards of trustees are the same, so they may take slightly different forms or have different responsibilities depending on the university. Universities should have a page where you can view the members of the board, read the bylaws, and find meeting agendas and minutes.

How is the board of trustees selected?

At a public university, trustees are often appointed by the state legislature or governor and serve for a specified term length. There is more variety in private universities, where new trustees may be elected by current trustees or alumni. Trustees are not typically current faculty or staff members, and they may or may not be alumni of the university. Trustees’ terms are often staggered to maintain consistency and institutional knowledge as trustees join and leave the board.

You may see some boards with ex-officio members. These members sit on the board and can provide insight, but they do not have voting privileges. The university president is often an ex-officio member of the board.

What does a university president do?

The university president oversees the everyday operations of the university and sets its strategic direction. This includes ensuring policies are properly executed, managing the budget, and developing and approving new initiatives or policies. 

The president is also the primary spokesperson for the university’s mission, priorities, and policies. Often, the president plays a large role in fundraising and faculty, staff, and student recruitment.

How is a university president selected?

A university president is chosen by the board of trustees. Requirements for the role are determined by the board and may vary between universities. The president may come from within the institution, another university, or from outside academia altogether.

What is a provost?

The provost is the chief academic officer. Any change to university academics will be reviewed by the provost, whether it be the opening or closing of a department or a change in degree requirements. The Provost is the final authority on curriculum review and also oversees class scheduling and classroom bookings. Additionally, the Provost has the discretion to determine which faculty or courses receive priority in classroom assignments and class times.

What is a dean?

A dean is in charge of a smaller unit of the university – typically a college or a school. For example, in a large university with a College of Arts and Sciences, a College of Engineering, and a College of Education, there will be a dean in charge of each. The dean oversees administrative issues, staffing, and operations within their unit and is the top person to which a faculty member within a unit will report. Deans generally report to the Provost.