Appointments to the University of Oregon Board of Trustees
Appointing members of the University of Oregon’s governing board of trustees is the role of the governor of the state of Oregon. The governor makes a nomination, which must then be confirmed by the Oregon State Senate. It sounds a little daunting, but it is really quite simple!
Below is general information about the appointment process. Please contact the board’s office with any questions: trustees@uoregon.edu or 541-346-3166.
What is a trustee?
Trustees—members of the UO’s governing board—are public officials who hold a fiduciary responsibility for the university. Fiduciary responsibility is often thought of as financial management, but it is much more than that. It is about overall management, oversight, and sustainability of the institution. Trustees are not compensated for their work on the board.
What positions are available for appointment?
The application period of AY 2025-2026 closed on March 31, and applications are currently under consideration with the Governor's Executive Appointments Office for the second undergraduate student position, the graduate student position, and the non-faculty staff position. The Executive Appointments Office will notify individuals who are selected as nominees to be considered by the state Senate, and this page will be updated upon state Senate action.
You can see individual trustee terms on the Meet the Trustees page. The Governor’s Executive Appointments website also maintains annual lists of anticipated terms expirations.
Non-faculty staff position recruitment:
The application period closed on March 31 for the upcoming non-faculty staff position vacancy. The Governor's Executive Appointments Office will notify the individual selected as the nominee, followed by consideration by the state Senate. This page will be updated at that time. The non-faculty staff trustee position is a two-year term, eligible for one reappointment; current trustees' terms are available at Meet the Trustees by clicking on the trustee's bio.
How does one apply?
If you wish to apply, an application must be submitted to the governor’s office. You will need to include your resume, a short personal biography, and answers to supplemental questions. Visit the Boards & Commissions website for the most up-to-date details on the application process and links to the electronic application. If you have any questions about how to apply, contact the Governor’s executive appointments staff or you can always contact the Board's office as well.
Are there endorsement processes for these positions?
Board leadership will submit recommendations to the governor for the at-large positions. Recommendations are based on a holistic view of the board, its priorities, and the skills, experiences and perspectives that will contribute to a well-rounded, effective and collegial body.
Board leadership does not make recommendations regarding the faculty, student or staff trustee positions. Individual organizations on campus, such as the ASUO or the University Senate, may submit recommendations to the governor’s office for certain positions. Any processes associated with these are run by those organizations and not facilitated by the board’s office.
What is the process for appointment after I apply?
The process is managed by the governor’s office, but it will likely include the following key steps. The board’s office will work to keep applicants and nominees updated as best as possible along the way.
- The governor’s office typically interviews all applicants.
- The governor will submit a nomination to the State Senate (typically in Spring term)
- The appropriate senate committee will hold a hearing regarding pending appointments; this could be in mid-May, but the schedule and details are set and managed by that committee.
- Assuming the senate committee endorses the appointment, the full senate would then vote on confirmation.
Where can I get more information about serving on the board?
Please reach out to the board’s office by emailing trustees@uoregon.edu! Staff will be happy to answer any questions, connect you with existing trustees, etc.
How long are the terms for a trustee? Are there term limits?
At-large positions have four-year terms and the campus-based positions (student, graduate student, faculty, and staff) have two-year terms. All trustees may serve up to two full consecutive terms. If a trustee is appointed to fill a seat after the term has started, then that first appointment is considered a partial term, not a full term (i.e., filling out the rest of another term).
Any other questions?
If you have questions about the Board of Trustees, responsibilities, meeting schedules, or general commitments, please do not hesitate to contact the Office of the Secretary at 541-346-3166 or at trustees@uoregon.edu.