The Board of Trustees of Northwestern University establishes policies for the governance of the University and is responsible for general oversight of the management of the institution.
The major responsibilities of the Board
- advancement of the University;
- protection and enhancement of assets;
- preservation of institutional integrity;
- Board/President relations; and
- functioning of the Board.
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.
- The 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 Committeeis 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.
The University's Governing Documents
- Charter
(Act to incorporate Northwestern University)
- Statutes
(Information on officers of administration, officers of instruction, faculty governance, colleges and schools, students, and other provisions)
- Bylaws
(Information on trusteeship)
The Board of Trustees statements regarding investment responsibility
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