Policy: 7-2 Rev: 2
Date: August 24, 1982
Subject: STATE SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION - Chapter II STATE BOARD OF REGENTS

SECTION 1. PURPOSE

The Utah State Board of Regents is empowered as a single board by the legislature to govern the state system of higher education, of which the University of Utah is a member, and to centrally direct and plan the course of higher education in Utah, delegating powers to the boards of trustees of members of the state system of higher education at its discretion. Utah Code Ann. 53-48-2.

SECTION 2. MEMBERSHIP AND AUTHORITY

The State Board of Regents consists of seventeen resident citizens of Utah, appointed by the governor with the consent of the senate. The board succeeded to the powers, duties, authority and responsibility previously held by the Board of Regents of the University of Utah and the State Coordinating Council of Higher Education. The university is governed by the State Board of Regents, the laws of Utah, the bylaws of the board, and such policies, rules, and regulation as the board shall establish. Utah Code Ann. 53-48-4, 5.

SECTION 3. FUNCTIONS

Except to the extent specific duties, functions, and responsibilities have been delegated to the Board of Trustees as authorized by law, the State Board of Regents exercises the duty, function, and responsibility:

  1. To appoint a commissioner of higher education to serve as the chief executive officer of the board.

  2. After consultations with the Board of Trustees, to appoint the president of the university who is responsible to the board as chief executive officer of the university.

  3. To conduct continuing studies and evaluations of institutions in the system of higher education and establish, maintain, and implement a current master plan.

  4. To prepare budgets and requests for appropriations for the university in conjunction with all other institutions of higher education in the state system of higher education, approve university work programs providing for the expenditure of funds appropriated to the university by the legislature, and prescribe standard systems of accounts, records and reports for the institutions in the state system of higher education.

  5. To fix tuition, fees, and charges of the university as it deems necessary to meet budget requirements.

  6. To define the role of the university and prescribe the general course of study, considering the traditional role of the university.

  7. To establish procedures and policies for considering institutional changes in curriculum that are a substantial alteration of existing operations.

  8. To approve or disapprove, prior to submission of plans or specifications to the State Building Board, proposals for new construction, repair and rehabilitation or purchase of educational and general buildings and facilities financed from any source. Utah Code Ann. 53-48-6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17.

SECTION 4. MEETINGS

The board shall meet regularly on the same day of the same week of the month, as it shall determine, and when specifically called to convene, in full or executive session, by the chair of the board, by the executive officer of the board, or by request of five members of the board. Notice must be mailed to each member of the board at least seven days before each regular meeting, provided, however, that less notice may be given in case of emergency meetings. Utah Code Ann. 53-48-5(10); Bylaws of the State Board of Regents (1970), as amended [hereinafter Bylaws], Art. V, 1- 3.

SECTION 5. QUORUM

Nine members of the board shall constitute a quorum to transact business. Utah Code Ann. 53-48-5(11).

SECTION 6. PARLIAMENTARY RULES

Robert's Rules of Order shall be followed in conducting all meetings of the board, and of the meetings of the committees of the board. Bylaws, Art. V, 9.

SECTION 7. ORDER OF BUSINESS

The official agenda shall constitute the principal business at regular meetings of the board. The regular order of business on the Debate Calendar shall be:

  1. Action on the minutes of the preceding meeting.

  2. Report of the Commissioner of Higher Education.

  3. Reports of the Committees of the Board.

    1. Executive Committee.

    2. Master Planning and Governance Committee.

    3. Budget and Finance Committee.

    4. Curriculum, Roles, and Vocational-Technical Committee

    5. Capital Facilities Committee.

    6. Special Committees.

  4. Communications, petitions, and other business.

Bylaws, Art. V, 4.