About the Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees is custodian of the endowment and all properties of Stanford University. The board administers the invested funds, sets the annual budget and determines policies for operation and control of the university. Additionally, the board has the power to appoint the president of the university and employ faculty.

In a typical year, the board may make decisions on issues such as strategic allocation of resources, land use, academic programs, housing and other facility planning, regulatory responsibilities, federal and public support of education, community relations, minority affairs, audit and financial controls, and fundraising planning.

Together, trustees set the direction of the university, ensure Stanford's continued well-being and work to sustain its foundation of excellence.

Learn about current alumni-nominated trustees »
 

Responsibilities

• Current trustees report spending more than twenty days per year engaged in trustee responsibilities.
• The board meets five times per academic year (additional special sessions may be called). In-person attendance at every Board of Trustees meeting is expected.
  
• Trustees serve on board committees (along with students and faculty representatives) and may be asked to serve on school or departmental committees or panels.
• Trustees may be asked to represent Stanford on an ad hoc basis, and are encouraged to participate in alumni and development activities when needed.
• By law, trustees are responsible for all university decisions carried out in their name.
• Trustees must have a serious commitment to, and interest in, the work of the university.

Learn about trustee qualifications »
 

Membership

• Board membership is limited to 38 trustees.
• Each trustee serves a five-year term.
• Four new trustees are chosen through the Alumni Committee on Trustee Nominations process every two-and-a-half years.
• Trustees selected in this cycle will commence their five-year terms on September 1, 2015. The next selection cycle will begin in March 2017.

See the complete list of current trustees »