ASWWU Student Trustee 2021-2022

The Board of Trustees

The Western Washington University Board of Trustees is the University's governing body, whose broad responsibilities are to supervise, coordinate, manage, and regulate Western Washington University as provided by the state statute (RCW 28B.35.100(opens in new tab)open_in_new). The board sets the strategic direction and guidance for the university which the administration carries out in the day-to-day management of the institution. Providing policy direction and guidance, the trustees of Western Washington University represent the constituents' interests in the institution.

The Board meets every other month, with occasional special meetings arranged with advanced notice. Trustees primarily meet on campus in Old Main 340, with some meetings in other selected locations. Please note that until further notice, all meetings are held virtually due to the ongoing pandemic.

Responsibilities of the Student Trustee

The Student Trustee fulfills the same function as all other Trustees, considering the needs of students, staff, faculty, and community members alike. However, the Student Trustee brings to the position their individual perspective navigating the university as a student. The Student Trustee does not conduct business on behalf of the Associated Students or its governing bodies, nor does the Student Trustee represent the interest of the entire student body.

The Student Trustee is a fully vested member of the board with rights, responsibilities and privileges accorded to all trustees. Trustee duties are explained in RCW 28B.35.120(opens in new tab)open_in_new. The Student Trustee participates in at least six board meetings a year. The only differences between the Student Trustee and the other members of the Board is that they serve for one year and are not able to vote on personnel matters. Students must be willing to work in a collaborative environment where attendance and preparation are key for full participation. The first Student Trustee was appointed in 1998. 

Term of Position

Full year (12 months), serving by gubernatorial appointment from July to June.

Time Commitment

Estimated time commitment is 10-15 hours per month. While there are six meetings over the course of a year, it is essential to come prepared for every meeting. Every meeting includes packets of meeting materials to read thoroughly and review in advance of the Board discussion. These materials usually consist of proposed budgets, policy, and divisional reports. It is essential that the Student Trustee is able to review these materials in advance of the scheduled board meeting, comprehend the key points, and formulate appropriate questions. There may be events for which the Student Trustee's presence is requested or special session board meetings may be called. The Student Trustee also has the opportunity to find additional engagement, professional development, leadership, and networking experiences as part of this position. Student Trustees also have the opportunity to participate in all commencement ceremonies during their tenure.

Terms of Eligibility

All Western Washington University students on all campuses, whether they are undergraduates or graduate students, are eligible to apply for appointment to the board, provided they will maintain full-time status during their year-long tenure.

Required Qualifications:

1. Must maintain a per quarter minimum of six (6) credits for undergraduate or two to four (2-4) credits as a graduate student. (Full time is (2) credits after student completes plan of study.)
2. Must maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative grade point average and be in good standing.
3. Must be enrolled at Western Washington University for three quarters prior to start of term in July.

Recommended Qualifications

1. An understanding of the WWU Board of Trustees as it relates to university governance.
2. Knowledge of state, regional, and local political systems as they relate to higher education.
3. Ability to engage across a variety of student issues.
4. Strong verbal and written communication skills.
5. Engagement in a broad spectrum of activities on campus and/or the community.
6. A high level of organization.
7. Knowledge of the WWU Mission Statement and Strategic Plan(opens in new tab)open_in_new.

Orientation and Compensation

Once the Student Trustee is selected, there is an onboarding process to better understand the role. There is compensation in the form of state per diem, which includes expenses related to travel for Board business (e.g. transportation, meals, lodging).

Application Process and Timeline

Student Trustee Application Process & Timeline

May 7, 2021Deadline extended! Applications are due by 4:00 p.m. and must be submitted via the online WWU AS Student Trustee Application Form(opens in new tab)open_in_new.

May 12-14, 2021Committee meets to review candidate applications.

May 17-19, 2021Interviews are conducted and concluded. (Only if necessary)

May 21, 2021Selection Committee presents 3-5 candidates to the AS Board of Directors for approval. Approved candidates are forwarded to the Governor for final selection.

Before You Apply

In preparation for the application process, we recommend that you consider doing some or all of the following:

• Attend a WWU Board of Trustees Meeting: All students interested in university governance are welcome to attend Board of Trustees meetings, and anyone interested in applying for the Student Trustee position is urged to do so. Please visit the Board of Trustees Meeting Calendar(opens in new tab)open_in_new for upcoming dates and locations. Complete meeting schedules and agendas are posted on the Board of Trustees home page(opens in new tab)open_in_new about one week prior to the upcoming session. Past meetings are also available via WWU's video archives to watch any time at Board of Trustees Video Archive(opens in new tab)open_in_new.
• Meet with the current Student Trustee: It is highly recommended that you meet with the current Student Trustee before you turn in your application. They can give you more information about the position, answer questions about the application process and their current duties. 
• Review the Board of Trustees Rules of Operation(opens in new tab)open_in_new.
• Review the WWU Mission Statement and Strategic Plan(opens in new tab)open_in_new.

Required Application Materials

• Cover Letter: Please include your current and alternate/permanent address and phone numbers.
• Resume
• Two (2) Letters of Reference: One (1) from a current faculty member and one (1) from your community involvement, extracurricular work, or civic engagement. If a reference letter is emailed, it must be sent by the person writing the letter.
• PDF of your completed online Washington State Government Application for a Board or Commission form(opens in new tab)open_in_new. 

Application Instructions

1. Please complete the online Washington State Government Application for a Board or Commission form(opens in new tab)open_in_new and print/scan or PDF the filled out form just before you click on "submit." You will need a PDF/scan of this completed form to submit with your Associated Students application. (See below)
2. Please submit the WWU Associated Students Student Trustee Application(opens in new tab)open_in_new by Wednesday, March 31, 2021. You will need to upload a PDF of your Washington State Government Application (#1 above), the cover letter, resume, and two letters of reference as outlined above, and answer the four (4) short essay questions.

 WWU is an equal opportunity institution. We encourage applications from all genders, people of color, people with disabilities, veterans, and other candidates from underrepresented backgrounds and with diverse experiences that are interested in this opportunity.