Governance of Brigham Young University–Hawaii
1. Purpose
Brigham Young University–Hawaii (“BYU–Hawaii” or “university”) is sponsored by and affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (“Church”) and is part of the Church Educational System. The mission of BYU–Hawaii “is to prepare students of Oceania and the Asian Rim to become lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ and leaders in their families, communities, chosen fields, and in building the kingdom of God.” This mission supports the vision of the university which is “[t]o be an example to the world of intercultural peace and unity through living the teachings of Jesus Christ.”
2. Policy
The university operates under the general direction and oversight of its Board of Trustees (“Board”), which is composed of general authorities and officers of the Church and chaired by the President of the Church. The Board is the governing body of the university and places special emphasis on programs, budgets, faculty hiring, and alignment with the doctrine, teachings, and purposes of the Church. Certain responsibilities of the Board are delegated to an Executive Committee comprised of select Board members. The Board has entrusted the administration of the university to the president, who receives assistance from faculty and administrators in handling this responsibility, including in implementing and administering Board direction related to the university’s operation. The president further coordinates with the Church Commissioner of Education on ongoing operations and needs.
3. Implementation
Under the direction of the Board and the president, the President’s Council is the primary decision-making body for the university. The President’s Council manages daily operations of the university and generally meets weekly. All campus units are supervised directly or indirectly by a member of the President’s Council. The President’s Council approves university policies consistent with the Policy Establishment and Maintenance policy to guide university affairs and incorporates procedures that reflect industry practices and compliance with federal and state laws and regulations.