Board of Governors

The British Columbia University Act (s27) confers on the Board of Governors responsibility for the management, administration and control of the property, revenue, business and affairs of the University. The Board of Governors must ensure that the University is well managed and that procedures are in place to review all aspects of its operations with a view to increasing quality.

UBC’s 21-member Board comprises:

• • the Chancellor
  • the President
  • eleven persons appointed by the Lieutenant Governor
  • eight persons elected by faculty, students and staff.

Governors represent a diversity of backgrounds and bring to the Board the views of their various constituencies; decisions are ultimately made in the best overall interest of the University.

Members of the UBC Board of Governors are volunteers and serve the University without remuneration.

Mandate and Charter

The University Act requires certain specific activities from the Board, including:

• The general oversight of the University.
• The management, administration and control of the property, revenue, business and affairs of the University.
• The appointment of senior officials and faculty members, on the recommendation of the President.

Additionally, it is the role of the Board of Governors to:

• provide stewardship;
• participate in setting the mission and strategic plan of the University;
• appoint and support the President;
• ensure the University’s future;
• advocate on behalf of the University;
• identify risks and internal controls;
• ensure adequate resources and financial solvency;
• set policy (see Repository of Board of Governors Policies, Procedures, Rules, and Guidelines); and,
• ensure good management and governance.

The University Act provides the framework for Board of Governors procedures and confers on the Board the power “to make rules for the meetings of the board and its transactions”. These are set out in the Board of Governors’ Meeting Rules and Practices, and the Board of Governors Manual (PDF).