University of Houston-Victoria

Student Regents

Overview of the Role of the Boards of Regents

The governor of the State of Texas appoints Regents for all public university systems (Texas A&M University System, Texas Tech University System, Texas State University System, University of Houston System, University of North Texas System, University of Texas System) and independent public universities (Midwestern State University, Texas Southern University, Texas Woman’s University, Stephen F. Austin State University).

The Boards of Regents for the State of Texas are vested with the legal and corporate authority to ensure that the mission of the system/university is carried out, and in doing so, are accountable to the citizens of Texas. Members of the Board of Regents are appointed by the governor with staggered six-year terms. One student regent is appointed with a one-year term. Several members, including the university presidents, are ex-officio members. Many Boards of Regents operate through standing committees and also subcommittees and special committees. The Boards and their committees meet throughout the year.

The regents establish policy in areas such as personnel, campus development, student tuition and fees, admissions, and financial aid. The duties of the regents include overseeing the financial management of the system/university, its investments, and its property holdings as well as major appointments including the chancellors of the systems, presidents of the universities, and other key personnel. The regents delegate a broad range of authority and responsibility to the system chancellor and university presidents.