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Bill

H 316

An act relating to the governance of the Vermont State Colleges Corporation and the University of Vermont

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Conor Casey

The bill adds faculty and staff trustees to both boards, expanding campus representation while maintaining governor and legislative appointments.

Read first time and referred to the Committee on Education
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Bill Summary · H 316

Summary of H.316 (Session 2025-2026, Vermont)

Purpose and intent

  • The bill proposes governance changes for two higher education entities in Vermont: 1) Vermont State Colleges Corporation (VSCC) 2) University of Vermont and State Agricultural College (UVSAC, commonly known as the University of Vermont)
  • The core aims are to modify the composition of governing boards to include more faculty and staff representation, while reducing or redefining certain legislative appointments.

Key provisions

Vermont State Colleges Corporation Governance

  • The VSCC board size is amended from 15 to 17 trustees.
  • Trustee appointment categories (as amended) include:
    • Biennial governor appointments: five trustees may be in office at one time, serving four-year terms expiring March 1 of the biennial session year.
    • Student trustee: one student trustee serving a one-year term (expiring June 1). Selection is made by a steering committee of the Vermont State Colleges Student Association. Capped at two consecutive terms.
    • Legislative trustees: four trustees who are Vermont General Assembly members, serving four-year terms expiring March 1 of the second year of the biennial session; vacancies filled by the General Assembly.
    • Board-elected trustees: four trustees elected by the VSCC Board to four-year terms, expiring March 1.
    • Faculty trustee: one trustee who is a VSCC faculty member, appointed by the executive committee of the faculty union/unions, serving a four-year term expiring August 1.
    • Staff trustee: one trustee who is a VSCC staff member, appointed by the union/unions representing staff, serving a four-year term expiring August 1.
  • Section notes:
    • The act also preserves the ability to remove trustees for cause.
    • In the event of vacancies, the relevant appointing or electing authority fills the vacancy under the existing process.
  • Transition: On or before August 1, 2025, the two new non-legislative seats (one faculty trustee and one staff trustee) shall be appointed.

University of Vermont and State Agricultural College Governance

  • The bill adds two new positions to the UVSAC Board of Trustees:
    • One faculty trustee: elected by the University of Vermont and State Agricultural College faculty to a four-year term expiring August 1.
    • One staff trustee: elected by University staff to a four-year term expiring August 1.
  • Oversight and election details:
    • Faculty Senate will oversee faculty trustee elections; elections open to all faculty.
    • Staff trustee elections are also to be overseen (by the Faculty Senate for staff elections as implied by the text, though the primary authority for staff is the staff group).
    • Vacancies filled by election; terms expire on August 1.
  • Existing framework for other trustees remains, including ex officio members and both legislative and governor-appointed trustees.
  • Transition: By August 1, 2025, new faculty and staff trustees shall be elected under this amended structure.

Who would be affected

  • Vermont State Colleges Corporation:
    • Board composition changes implement two new independent voice positions (faculty and staff trustees) and adjust the overall board size and terms.
    • Faculty and staff unions gain formal representation on the VSCC board.
  • University of Vermont and State Agricultural College:
    • Introduction of one faculty trustee and one staff trustee to the UVSAC Board, expanding representation of campus constituencies.
  • Lawmakers and state leadership:
    • Maintains legislative trustees but effects a broader governance mix, potentially altering decision-making dynamics.

Procedural and timeline highlights

  • Effective date: The act becomes effective upon passage.
  • Transition deadlines:
    • VSCC: By August 1, 2025, appoint the new faculty and staff trustees under Sec. 1.
    • UVSAC: By August 1, 2025, elect the new faculty and staff trustees under Sec. 3.
  • Ongoing governance mechanics (e.g., term lengths, vacancies, removal) align with existing statutory frameworks, with adjustments to term expiration dates and appointment processes for the new trustee categories.

Observations

  • The bill emphasizes expanded governance staff and faculty participation and aims to balance representation across the two entities.
  • It maintains a mix of governor, legislative, faculty, staff, and board-elected trustees, but shifts the composition to include targeted faculty and staff seats.
  • The proposal does not alter the core authority of the governor or the legislature over appointments; instead, it reshapes the balance of who serves on boards and how vacancies are filled.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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