Purposes and Goals of the Committees of the Board of Trustees
Members of Board of Trustees serve on committees that handle specific aspects of the Board’s responsibilities. In addition to the Executive Committee, seven standing committees consider issues and present recommendations to the full Board for review and/or vote.
The Board committees are listed below, with a brief explanation of their purposes and goals.
The Executive Committee handles business that may arise between regular meetings of the Board and works on a variety of issues as needed.
Standing Committees
The Committee on Academic Affairs and Student Life handles matters of educational policy (including long-range educational development; faculty; and instruction, research, and continuing education) and student life. The committee strives to keep the University on the cutting edge of educational development and give students a high-quality University experience as they prepare for the future.
Committee on Academic Affairs and Student Life Operating Guidelines
The Committee on Compensation assists the Board with, among other matters, the review of human resource and executive compensation programs and strategies related to the University’s senior leadership positions. The Committee will make recommendations on compensation packages where appropriate, and make decisions on behalf of the Board and the Administration on certain other executive compensation packages within their purview. The Committee also will discuss, review and provide recommendations on benefits, performance management and leadership development.
Committee on Compensation Operating Guidelines
Executive Compensation Strategy
The Committee on Finance, Business, and Capital Planning handles matters pertaining to overall finances, from investments and trust funds to contracts to long-range planning and development. The committee handles broad issues and fine-tuned details of matters of finance to keep the University operating efficiently through judicious use of funds.
Committee on Finance, Business and Capital Planning Operating Guidelines
Committee on Finance, Business and Capital Planning Calendar
The Committee on Governance and Long-Range Planning guides the Board as to its effectiveness, with an eye to long-range strategic planning. The overarching goal of the committee is to over see the Board to ensure that the University exceeds its potential as a world-class educational institution, sustaining growth for future generations.
Committee on Governance and Long-Range Planning Operating Guidelines
The Committee on Audit and Risk oversees the auditing of University financial statements and internal controls, per the operating guidelines as well as the management of financial, material, and reputational risks, protecting the University’s assets and overall stability for the future.
The Committee on Legal and Compliance ensures the University’s compliance with laws, regulations, and policies connected with its operation, making the protection of students, faculty, staff, and constituents a top priority.
Committee on Legal and Compliance Operating Guidelines
The Committee on Outreach, Development, and Community Relations engages regularly with University constituents including faculty, staff, alumni, and supporters. It also educates various University constituents about the role and responsibilities of the Board, communicates the value of the University to its various publics, and develops short- and long-term communication plans consistent with the University’s priorities. These efforts inform the public of the world-class quality of a Penn State education as well as the importance of the University’s mission.
Additional information can be found in the Charter, Bylaws and Standing Orders.