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Northwestern University

Board of Trustees

Meet the Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees is composed of dedicated members who provide strategic oversight and guidance for the University. Officers — including a board chair, vice chair, secretary and treasurers — are elected by the members of the Board.

A Board of Trustees Staff supports the board in carrying out its responsibilities and duties.

Committees

Much of the work of the Board of Trustees is done in committees. The Board has the following standing committees, as dictated by the Bylaws of the University.

Academic Affairs Committee

The Academic Affairs Committee advises the Board with reference to the academic matters of the University. The Committee is staffed by the Provost and meets four or more times each fiscal year.

Alumni Relations and Development Committee

The Alumni Relations and Development Committee advises the Board with reference to the alumni of the University and the development of contributions to the University. The Committee is staffed by the Vice President for Alumni Relations and Development and meets three or more times each fiscal year.

Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee

The Audit, Risk, and Compliance Committee oversees and advises the Board with respect to the integrity of the University’s financial statements; qualifications and selection of independent auditors; performance of the University’s risk management, internal audit and compliance functions; internal controls regarding budgetary management and accounting; enterprise risk management process for identifying, evaluating and remediating risks, and the management of significant risks; and managing compliance and the process by which significant risk and compliance issues are brought to the Committee’s attention. The Committee is staffed by the Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and meets three or more times each fiscal year.

Educational Properties Committee

The Educational Properties Committee advises the Board with reference to the educational properties of the University and provides consultation to the Finance Committee on the annual capital budget. The Committees staffed by the Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and meets three or more times each fiscal year.

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee advises the Board with reference to borrowing and reviewing the annual operating and capital budgets of the University. The Committee is staffed by the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and meets three or more times each fiscal year.

Governance and Nominations Committee

The Governance and Nominations Committee nominates trustees and officers of the Board of Trustees and reviews and recommends policies to promote effective governance of the Board of Trustees and the University. The Committee is staffed by the Board Secretary and Advisor to the President and meets two or more times each fiscal year.

Investment Committee

The Investment Committee advises the Board with respect to investment of endowment, trust, and general funds of the University. The Committee is staffed by the Vice President and Chief Investment Officer and meets one or more times each fiscal year.

Northwestern Medicine Committee

The Northwestern Medicine Committee provides input into and advises the Board about the strategic vision and direction of the Feinberg School of Medicine, its accreditation with the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) and its relationships with affiliate hospitals/health systems and the McGaw Medical Center. The Committee is staffed by the Lewis Landsberg Dean and Vice President for Medical Affairs at the Feinberg School of Medicine and meets three or more times each fiscal year.

Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Committee

The Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship Committee has oversight of the broad technology transfer effort of the University including the research pipeline that feeds technology translation and works on issues relating to patents and inventions, as well as innovation and new venture strategies. The Committee is staffed by the Vice President for Research and the Associate Vice President for Innovation and New Ventures and meets three or more times each fiscal year.

Student Life Committee

The Student Life Committee assesses the needs of the student body and makes recommendations when needed to enhance the experience and well-being of students at the University. The Committee is staffed by the Vice President for Student Affairs and meets four or more times each fiscal year.

Governing Documents

Key documents that define University governance and the Board's powers, duties, and structure include the University charter, statutes, and bylaws. These three documents guide the Board's practices and procedures.

Charter

This “Act to Incorporate the Northwestern University” by the Illinois legislature establishes Northwestern University. The Act and its subsequent amendments grant authority and indicate parameters for University operation. Download the Charter.

Bylaws

These rules establish the function of the Board of Trustees, specifying roles, responsibilities, delegations and processes for University governance and oversight. Download the Bylaws.

Statutes

These rules define the University’s administrative and academic structure, outlining the delegations of authority from the Board to administrative and academic leadership. The Statutes also establish shared governance systems, colleges and schools and other fundamental policies. Download the Statutes.