FAQ

Q1. What is the Board of Trustees?

The Penn State Board of Trustees is the highest governing body of the University.

Q2. What are the expectations of a Penn State Trustee?

Expectations of Membership begin on page S-12 of the Standing Orders.

Q3. Does the Student Trustee have a different role compared to other Trustees?

No. The Student Trustee is a voting trustee. However, other Trustees may expect the Student Trustee to have a greater expertise in student activities and opinions.

Q4. What are Board Committees and Subcommittees?

The Board Committees and Subcommittees provide oversight on a specific area of the University. Membership of these Committees include Trustees, administrators, and other relevant stakeholders.

Q5. Does the Student Trustee serve on a Committee?

Yes. Like any other Trustee, the Student Trustee will serve on at least one Committee.

Q6. What committee will the next Student Trustee serve on?

It depends. The Board Chair makes committee appointments each year. Traditionally Student Trustees have served on the Academic Affairs, Research and Student Life Committee.

Q7. How many meeting cycles are there? What do they entail?

There are typically five meeting cycles per year. Off-cycle meetings and telephonic meetings are conducted as needed.

A meeting cycle is usually two days of meetings. Although meeting cycle agendas vary, one day is typically devoted to Committee meetings, while the other day is devoted to private and public meetings of the full Board.

Q8. How long is the Student Trustee term? What if I cannot serve the entire term?

The Student Trustee term is two years. If you cannot serve the entire term, your application will not be considered.

Q9. Do I have to be a Penn State student for the entire two-year term?

Yes.

Q10. What if Trustee responsibilities conflict with class?

Trustee meetings can conflict with class. The Board office will act accordingly if a class cannot be missed.

Q11. Will I need to spend any of my own money as the Student Trustee?

No. The Board office will reimburse any funds devoted to Trustee activities.

Q12. How many hours per week should the Student Trustee devote to Trustee activities?

There are no set hours per week. Attending the five meeting cycles per year is the only mandatory time requirement. However, an effective Student Trustee prepares extensively for each meeting, attends off-cycle obligations, and maintains a presence among students.

Q13. Who are the other members of the Board of Trustees?

Click here for the Board of Trustees membership.

Q14. Can I be the Student Trustee if I am an employee at the University that is also taking classes?

A person who is employed in any capacity by the University shall not be eligible to serve as a member of the Board. The only exceptions would be
1) for a person who is serving as an ex officio member of the Board, 2) the Trustee elected through the academic/faculty process, or 3) a person who is a full-time student employed part-time by the University.

Q15. Who do I contact if I have additional questions?

Contact current Student Trustee, Janiyah Davis at jjd6104@psu.edu.