The bill H.198 proposes to amend the composition of the Board of Trustees of the University of Vermont and State Agricultural College by increasing the total number of members from 25 to 27. It introduces one voting faculty member and one staff member to the Board, both of whom will have full voting rights. The faculty member will be elected by the faculty through the Faculty Senate for a four-year term, while the staff member will be appointed through a process ensuring broad representation. Additionally, the bill stipulates that the two student trustees must include one undergraduate and one graduate student, each serving a two-year term.

The bill also outlines a transition plan for the implementation of these changes, requiring that the new faculty and staff members be elected or appointed by July 31, 2025, with their terms commencing on August 1, 2025. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025. Other amendments include the clarification of terms and the removal of outdated language regarding the age requirement for student trustees. Overall, the bill aims to enhance representation on the Board of Trustees by including faculty, staff, and a diverse student body.