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WWU Board of Trustees

The Western Washington University Board of Trustees is the University's governing body whose broad responsibilities are to supervise, coordinate, manage and regulate Western Washington University as provided by state statute (RCW 28B.35).  Seven members are appointed by the governor of the State of Washington with the consent of the Senate for terms of six-years, and one additional student member is appointed annually by the governor for a one-year term.

The Board appoints the president of the University and elects the principal officers of the Board for two-year terms.  Current officers are: Faith Pettis, Chair; Chris Witherspoon, Vice Chair.

Meetings

Regular meetings of the Board are held the first or second Thursday and Friday of every other month.  Meetings begin at 3pm on Thursday and adjourn at 5pm.  On Friday, the meeting begins at 8am and adjourn at 12pm.  Meetings are held in Old Main 340 on Western's campus, unless otherwise noted. All Board of Trustees regular meetings are audiocast for the ease of listening to the meeting in real time: audiocast link.

Agendas

The Board of Trustees meeting agendas are set by the President with input from campus leadership.  Below are guidelines and templates for presenters to use when preparing materials for a board meeting.

Public Comment

A ten minute Public Comment period is provided during every regular meeting of the Board, the dates for which are available on the Calendar tab above.  Speakers are allowed up to two minutes each for their comments, with preference being given to those who sign up in advance.  As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, Board of Trustees meetings are taking place in person and virtually.  Those who wish to participate in the Public Comment period for Friday, October 13, 2023 meeting may sign up by contacting Rebecca Hansen-Zeller, Secretary to the Board of Trustees, at hanse65@wwu.edu.  Participants may participate in the Public Comment Period in-person or via Zoom.  Preference will be given to those who sign up in advance, starting Friday, October 13, 2023.

Meeting Guidelines and Templates

• Board Materials Guidelines
• BOT Action Item Template
• BOT Discussion Item Template
• BOT Information Item Template