Western Washington University
PA-3: Inclusive and Participatory Governance

Board of Trustees
Western Washington University is governed by an eight-member Board of Trustees. Seven members are appointed by the governor of the State of Washington with the consent of the Senate for terms of six years, and one additional University student member, is appointed annually by the governor for a one-year term. The Board appoints the President of the University and elects the principal officers of the Board for two-year terms.

Faculty Senate
The Faculty Senate represents the faculty in matters concerning university academics, budget, planning, and policy. The Executive Council of the Senate prepares the agenda for Senate meetings, meets on a scheduled basis with the President of the University and/or Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs, and performs such other duties as may be delegated to it by the Faculty Senate. The Faculty Senate consists of 30 voting Senators, and the President of the University and Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs as ex officio, non-voting members.

Associated Students
An organization designed and run by Western students, the Associated Students (AS) seeks to ensure a fulfilling college and academic experience for all university students through the many services, facilities and programs it offers. The AS also acts as the student voice in university administration, with governance consisting of a student Executive Board of Directors, Student Senate, Legislative Liaison, business office, personnel office, communications office, and general services.

Professional Staff Organization
The mission of the Professional Staff Organization (PSO) is to represent the interests of professional staff of Western Washington University by: Promoting an active role for professional staff in University Governance,
providing a voice in establishing University operating policies and procedures, and representing professional staff in policies pertaining to professional staff personal and professional welfare.

Classified Staff
Western's classified staff provide academic, administrative, and operational support services across the University, including communications, library, budgeting and fiscal functions, program administration, custodial services, facilities maintenance and operations, campus safety, information technology, procurement, and engineering. They are represented in collective bargaining agreements by the Public School Employees ("PSE") or Washington Federation of State Employees ("WFSE") and participate in shared governance through the President's Cabinet and the University Planning and Resources Council (UPRC).

Western’s Colleges and many institutes/centers have advisory boards comprised of members from related professional backgrounds. These advisory boards provide a unique lens that helps guide the Colleges and offer mentoring opportunities for students.

Western participates in many community commissions where community members are able to voice their ideas and concerns as it relates to Western’s impact in the community.

The Director of Community Relations is a representative on the Mayor’s Neighborhood Advisory Commission where representatives of Bellingham’s 25 neighborhoods share ideas and concerns. Concerns lead to collaborative projects where WWU can support the needs of surrounding neighborhoods. Outcomes have included:
- Adding students on Neighborhood Association Boards
- Trail and community cleanups
- Tree planting in neighborhoods
- Parking and noise resolutions
- Promoting an open campus and ensuring community utilizes our services open to the public and accesses our many activities open to the public.

Community Relations typically hosts an annual State of the University event with the University President where community stakeholders are invited to learn about the university and our goals for the year while providing an opportunity for key stakeholders to provide input.

Western’s online newsletter, Western Today, is available to the public which provides updates and information for the campus and broader community.

The Director of Community Relations works closely with four key neighborhoods that border the university’s campus while working to maintain a positive relationship and listening to feedback and concerns.

The Director of Community Relations is the Chair of the Executive Committee for the Countywide Commission against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. Their work provides input to WWU’s work in our Health and Wellness programs, Counseling and Sexual Assault Services, among others.

University Advancement has a Board of community members who provide guidance to the university’s alumni outreach and fundraising efforts.

WWU’s Career Services Center has an advisory board of Western’s top employers which provide guidance and updates to hiring practices, workforce development, and best practices related to career fairs and other hiring opportunities for students and alumni.