Shared Governance at WWU

Board of Trustees

Western Washington University is governed by an eight-member Board of Trustees. Seven members are appointed by the governor of the State of Washington with the consent of the Senate for terms of six years, and one additional University student member, is appointed annually by the governor for a one-year term.  The Board appoints the President of the University and elects the principal officers of the Board for two-year terms. Current officers are: John M. Meyer, Chair; Chase Franklin, Vice Chair; Susan Sharpe, Secretary. 

Faculty Senate

The Faculty Senate represents the faculty in matters concerning university academics, budget, planning, and policy. The Executive Council of the Senate prepares the agenda for Senate meetings, meets on a scheduled basis with the President of the University and/or Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs, and performs such other duties as may be delegated to it by the Faculty Senate.  The Faculty Senate consists of 30 voting Senators, and the President of the University and Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs as ex officio, non-voting members.

Associated Students

An organization designed and run by Western students, the Associated Students (AS) seeks to ensure a fulfilling college and academic experience for all university students through the many services, facilities and programs it offers.  The AS also acts as the student voice in university administration, with governance consisting of a student Executive Board of Directors, Student Senate, Legislative Liaison, business officepersonnel office, communications office, and general services.

Professional Staff Organization

The mission of the Professional Staff Organization (PSO) is to represent the interests of professional staff of Western Washington University by:

  • Promoting an active role for professional staff in University Governance,
  • providing a voice in establishing University operating policies and procedures, and
  • representing professional staff in policies pertaining to professional staff personal and professional welfare.

Classified Staff

Western's classified staff provide academic, administrative, and operational support services across the University, including communications, library, budgeting and fiscal functions, program administration, custodial services, facilities maintenance and operations, campus safety, information technology, procurement, and engineering.  They are represented in collective bargaining agreements by the Public School Employees ("PSE") or Washington Federation of State Employees ("WFSE") and participate in shared governance through the President's Cabinet and the University Planning and Resources Council (UPRC).