The bill S.136, introduced by Senator Perchlik, aims to enhance the governance structure of the Vermont State Colleges Corporation and the University of Vermont and State Agricultural College by adding two faculty or staff trustees to their respective boards. Specifically, the bill amends the current law to increase the number of trustees on the Vermont State Colleges Corporation board from 15 to 17 and on the University of Vermont board from 25 to 27. It introduces provisions for the election of one faculty or staff trustee for each institution, who will serve a four-year term, and outlines the process for their election by the faculty and staff. Additionally, the bill specifies that the appointments and elections must consider geographic distribution to ensure fair representation across campuses.

The bill also includes transitional provisions, requiring the new faculty or staff trustees to be elected by August 1, 2025, and new student trustees to be appointed by September 15, 2025. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025. Overall, this legislation seeks to promote shared governance and inclusivity within the boards of trustees, thereby enhancing the decision-making processes at these educational institutions.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 16-2172, 16-2173