BOARD/COMMISSION:  Board Of Trustees Of The Minnesota State Colleges And Universities System

As defined in Minnesota State Statute 136F.02, the board consists of 15 members appointed by the governor, including three members who are students who have attended an institution for at least one year and are enrolled at the time of appointment at least half time in a degree, diploma, or certificate program in an institution governed by the board. The student members shall include one member from a community college, one member from a state university, and one member from a technical college. One member representing labor must be appointed after considering the recommendations made under section 136F.045. The governor is not bound by the recommendations. Appointments to the board are with the advice and consent of the senate. At least one member of the board must be a resident of each congressional district. All other members must be appointed to represent the state at large. In selecting appointees, the governor must consider the needs of the board and the balance of the board membership with respect to labor and business representation and racial, gender, geographic, and ethnic composition. A commissioner of a state agency may not serve as a member of the board.

As defined in Minnesota State Statute 136F.06, the board shall possess all powers necessary to govern the state colleges and universities and all related property. Those powers shall include, but are not limited to, those enumerated in this section. The board shall prescribe conditions of admission, set tuition and fees, approve programs of study and requirements for completion of programs, approve the awarding of appropriate certificates, diplomas, and degrees, enter into contracts and other agreements, and adopt suitable policies for the institutions it governs. To the extent practicable in protecting statewide interests, the board shall provide autonomy to the campuses while holding them accountable for their decisions.