About the Board of Trustees

Oakland University is governed by an eight-member Board of Trustees appointed by the Governor of Michigan to serve eight-year terms. As OU’s legal governing body, the board provides general supervision over the university, including control and direction of all expenditures from institutional funds. The board elects a chair and a vice chair from among its members, each of whom may serve up to two years in each position. The board also appoints the university president, as well as the secretary to the board and treasurer to the board.

Oakland University derives its authority from Article VIII, Section 6, of the 1963 Constitution of the State of Michigan. The university was created under Public Act 1970, No. 35, effective July 1 (MCLA 390.151).

Learn more about the university's trustees.

The Secretary to the Board
The secretary organizes board meetings and related activities; maintains official minutes and records; and oversees the compendium of the university's policies, regulations and procedures.

Treasurer of the Board
The treasurer supports the board’s fiscal responsibilities by managing assigned fiscal matters and providing financial reports as required by the law or by the president or board.

General Counsel
The general counsel is responsible for all legal matters for the board and the university, including keeping the board informed about litigation and other significant legal matters and retaining outside counsel as needed.

See select board governance documents.