Bill H.316 proposes significant changes to the governance structure of the Vermont State Colleges Corporation and the University of Vermont. Specifically, it aims to eliminate two legislative trustees from the Board of Trustees of the Vermont State Colleges Corporation, replacing them with one faculty trustee and one staff trustee, both serving four-year terms. Additionally, the bill seeks to add one faculty trustee and one staff trustee to the Board of Trustees of the University of Vermont, also for four-year terms. The total number of trustees for both institutions will increase, from 15 to 17 for the Vermont State Colleges Corporation and from 25 to 27 for the University of Vermont.

The bill includes provisions for the appointment of these new trustees, specifying that the faculty and staff trustees will be appointed by their respective unions. It also establishes a timeline for the transition, requiring that the new faculty and staff trustees be appointed by August 1, 2025. Other amendments include the removal of certain language regarding the filling of vacancies and the effective date of the act, which will take effect upon passage. Overall, H.316 aims to enhance shared governance by increasing faculty and staff representation on the boards of trustees for both educational institutions.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 16-2172