Background and Purpose

Background and Purpose of the Board of Regents

The Gonzaga Board of Regents was established in 1927 by the University's fourteenth President, the Rev. Walter Fitzgerald, S.J., as an advisory body to the President and to the Board of Trustees. In April 1971, following the establishment (in 1970) of the University's first Board of Trustees with both lay and Jesuit members, the Board of Regents was reorganized and new By Laws were adopted. Subsequent revisions to the Regent By Laws have clarified the term of office and membership status of the President of the Gonzaga Alumni Association, the Chair of the Board of Advisors of the School of Law and the faculty and student Regents.

For the most part, the Regents' advisory role is accomplished during the three Board meetings held each year in the fall, spring and summer months and through participation as members of the Trustee standing committees. Regents also serve on various ad hoc committees established by the President of the Board of Regents, the President of the University or by the Board of Trustees.

Membership:

Members of the Board of Regents are nominated to three year terms by the New Regents Committee which is chaired by the President of the Board of Regents. Nominees must be approved by the University President and the Board of Trustees.

  • Three full-time members of the general faculty, known as Faculty Regents, are appointed by the University President subject to confirmation by the Board of Trustees. Faculty Regents may serve two three-year terms for a total of six years.  

  • Two University Staff members (one exempt and one non-exempt), known as Staff Regents, are appointed by the University President subject to confimration by the Board of Trustees. Staff Regents may serve two three-year terms for a total of six years.      

  • Four Student Regents, two of whom are normally graduate or professional students, are appointed by the University President subject to confirmation by the Board Trustees. Student Regents may serve not more than one two-year term and must be enrolled full-time.

  • The President of the Gonzaga Alumni Association and the Chair of the Board of Advisors of the School of Law are ex-officio, voting members of the Board of Regents. They serve terms coincidental with those offices.

Officers of the Board of Regents:

The Board of Regents elect from their members a President and one or more vice presidents. The Secretary of the Board of Regents is appointed by the University President.

The President of the Board of Regents presides over all meetings. The vice president, or one of the vice presidents should there be more than one, presides in the absence of the President. The Secretary keeps all minutes and records of the Board of Regents and provides other staff support to the Board as may be necessary.