Committees

Members of the 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. For each, you’ll find a brief explanation of the committee’s purposes and goals.

Current membership of the committees

The Executive Committee transacts all necessary business as may arise in the intervals between regular meetings of the Board of Trustees; it being understood that action by the Executive Committee would not be expected to be taken except in extraordinary circumstances.

Standing Committees

The Committee on Academic Affairs, Research and Student Life considers and reports on matters of educational policy, (including long-range educational development, faculty affairs, instruction, research, and continuing education) and student life.

Committee on Academic Affairs, Research and Student Life Operating Guidelines (PDF 130KB)

Committee on Academic Affairs, Research and Student Life 2023-2024 Committee Goals and Priorities (PDF 149KB)

The Committee on Audit and Risk oversees the auditing of University financial statements and internal controls, as well as the management of financial, material, and reputational risks.

Committee on Audit and Risk Operating Guidelines (PDF 160KB)

Subcommittee on Risk Operating Guidelines (PDF 93KB)

Committee on Audit and Risk 2023-2024 Committee Goals and Priorities (PDF 151KB)

The Committee on Equity and Human Resources assists the Board with compensation, benefits, performance management, talent management, succession planning and leadership for the broader University; recruitment enrollment, retention, and graduation of students representing all aspects of diversity; enhancement of diversity in the racial, ethnic and gender composition of faculty and staff at all levels; accessibility, accommodation, and support for veterans and individuals with disabilities; and engagement by the University of qualified diversity business enterprises, including minority and women owned businesses, as suppliers of good and services.

Committee on Equity and Human Resources Operating Guidelines (PDF 122KB)

Subcommittee on Compensation Operating Guidelines (PDF 796KB)

Committee on Equity and Human Resources 2023-2024 Committee Goals and Priorities (PDF 160KB)

The Committee on Finance, Business, and Capital Planning oversees matters pertaining to finance, business, budgets, non-budget expenditures, human resources, investments, trust funds, insurance, real estate contracts, government and private contracts and grants, fees, room and board charges, and the long-range financial planning and development of the University; endowments, gifts, and fund raising; the purchase and sale of real estate, master plans, construction, the appointment of architects, the selection of architectural styles and materials, architect’s plans, the award of contracts, and the names of buildings and roads; the University’s capital plan, and the long-range comprehensive physical plant and infrastructure development of the University at each campus, consistent with the long-range educational development of the University.

Committee on Finance, Business, and Capital Planning Operating Guidelines (PDF 160KB)

Subcommittee on Finance Operating Guidelines (PDF 159KB)

Committee on Finance, Business, and Capital Planning Calendar (PDF 84KB)

Committee on Finance, Business, and Capital Planning 2023-2024 Committee Goals and Priorities (PDF 157KB)

The Committee on Governance and Long-Range Planning, in fulfillment of its governance responsibilities, provides counsel and advice to the Board of Trustees in matters concerning the development of strategies, policies, and practices that orient, educate, organize, motivate, and assess the performance of trustees. The Committee assumes such additional responsibilities as may from time to time be assigned by the Chair of the Board of Trustees with the approval of the Board of Trustees including, but not limited to: reviewing and recommending to the Board any changes to the expectations of membership and code of conduct for all trustees, including trustees emeriti; recommending to the Board of Trustees candidates for election to membership on the Executive Committee; recommending to the Board of Trustees proposed Student and Academic Trustees; reviewing the service of a Trustee upon retirement; evaluating and making recommendations on the working effectiveness of the Board and its committees; and evaluating, recommending and reporting on the qualifications and skill sets to be considered in the process of nominating Board of Trustees candidates. In fulfillment of its long-range planning responsibilities, the Committee charges and supports the President with leading a strategic planning process, participating in that process, approving the strategic plan, and monitoring its progress; and ensures the growth, development, and sustainability of the University for future generations in order to achieve its full potential as one of the world’s great universities.

Committee on Governance and Long-Range Planning Operating Guidelines (PDF 66KB)

Subcommittee on Long-Range Planning Operating Guidelines (PDF 88KB)

Committee on Governance and Long-Range Planning 2022-2023 Committee Goals and Priorities (PDF 184KB)

The Committee on Legal and Compliance oversees adherence to laws, regulations, and policies that pertain to University operations. In fulfilling its responsibility, the Committee considers and reports or recommends to the Board of Trustees on matters pertaining to compliance, oversight, and legal issues as legally or otherwise prescribed.

Committee on Legal and Compliance Operating Guidelines (PDF 57KB)

Committee on Legal and Compliance 2023-2024 Committee Goals and Priorities (PDF 162KB)

The Committee on Outreach, Development and Community Relations provides advice and support to, and helps inform the public of, the University’s efforts to build support among its major constituents, from faculty, staff and students to alumni and donors, business and civic leaders and elected officials. In fulfilling its responsibility, the committee considers and reports or recommends to the Board of Trustees on matters pertaining to outreach, development and community relations, including, but not limited to: short and long-term communications plans and initiatives that support University priorities and protect and advance its reputation; key outreach programs, such as Extension and Invent Penn State that advance community and economic development priorities; fundraising priorities and campaigns, include those that promote access and affordability and ensure academic excellence; community and governmental relations activities that help ensure budget and policy decisions meet University needs; major alumni association activities; and opportunities to showcase the accomplishments of faculty, staff, students and others that merit public recognition.

Committee on Outreach, Development and Community Relations Operating Guidelines (PDF 126KB)

Committee on Outreach, Development  and Community Relations 2023-2024 Committee Goals and Priorities (PDF 171KB)

Additional information can be found in the Charter, Bylaws and Standing Orders.