In 1986, New Jersey became one of the first states in the nation to enact legislation giving student representatives voting rights on state college and university boards of trustees. The original legislation, Assembly Bill No. 1803, was signed into law by Governor Kean (October 1986) as Chapter 136 of the Public Laws of 1986. [NJSA 18A:64-3.1]
New Jersey State Law and Kean University Board of Trustees’ policy provide for the election of two (2) student representatives to the Kean University Board of Trustees.
Student Trustees are entitled to all rights afforded other members of the Board, with the exception of participation in matters involving personnel of the University; property acquisition or sale; investments; litigation; and matters falling within attorney-client privilege pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:64-3.1.
Generally, the voting and alternate Student Trustees are appointed to membership on the Board of Trustees Student and University Affairs Committee and the Kean University Student Leadership Council. In addition, both Student Trustees are invited and expected to participate fully in the deliberations of the Board during public meetings. The Student Trustees also meet regularly with the Vice President for Student Affairs and give reports to both student governments.
The Student Trustees may be contacted by email at strustee@kean.edu or in care of the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, located in Kean Hall, room 124, on the Main Campus by calling 908-737-7080.
ELIGIBILITY AND ELECTIONS
To be eligible, a student must be a full-time matriculated student in good standing with no history of any student conduct violations, must be at least 18 years of age and a citizen of the United States. Kean University requires that undergraduate students maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75 and have completed at least 30 degree credits – a minimum of 15 credits must have been completed at Kean University. Graduate students must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 and have completed at least 12 credits at Kean University.
Each student is elected for a two-year term, serving as an alternate member during the first year and as a voting member during the second year. The term of office is July 1 through June 30. Elections for the alternate non-voting student representative generally take place annually in April. All currently registered Kean University students are eligible to vote in Student Trustee elections.
In the event that a vacancy occurs in the voting Student Trustee position, the alternate shall assume the position of voting member and complete the term of office. In the event that a vacancy occurs in the alternate position, an election shall be held within 60 days to fill the alternate position.
FORMS AND LINKS
- Application for Student Representative to the Board of Trustees
- Duties and Responsibilities of the Student Representative to the Kean University Board of Trustees
- Election Policy for the Representatives to the Kean University Board of Trustees
- Posting Policy for Campus-wide Student Elections
