Our Mission

Penn Staters Reforming the Board of Trustees

Shall work toward reforming the Penn State Board of Trustees by amending the University Charter, which is established by statute and modified by amendment. We will work toward changing various aspects of the structure and functioning of the Penn State Board of Trustees. The objective of our amendment will be to create a Board of Trustees that more closely follows the principles of equitable governing of a public institution, in the best interests of the faculty, the students, the alumni, and the administration of The Pennsylvania State University.

Some of the changes we are working toward changing include:

  1. Reducing the current membership of the Board from 32 members to something less in order to make it more effective & efficient
  2. Represent the diversity of interests among ALL campuses and colleges within the Penn State University network.
  3. Re-align the balance of power by redefining representation and changing the way Trustees are elected/appointed
  4. Address provisions in the Bylaws and Standing Orders, including:
    1. Term limits
    2. Emeritus status
    3. Rules governing confidentiality & public dissent
    4. Appointment of University President
    5. Public participation in open board meetings
    6. Transparency of executive committee meetings

We believe addressing these - and other - aspects of the Charter will result in a more effective, responsive and transparent governance of The Pennsylvania State University.

We will need your help to complete this mission. Please visit our "How You Can Help" page for an action-item list of ways you can help make a better Penn State!