A University of Colorado Regent is an elected member of the governing board for the University of Colorado. The Board of Regents is responsible for overseeing the entire university system, including the campuses in Boulder, Denver, Colorado Springs, and the Anschutz Medical Campus.

Main Responsibilities of a Colorado Regent

• Provide overall governance and supervision of the University of Colorado system. The Board is constitutionally charged with the general supervision of the university.
• Control and oversee university finances, including funds, appropriations, major budget decisions, debt issuance, tuition, and fees.
• Set university policies through Regent Laws and Policies that govern academics, administration, faculty, staff, students, and finances.
• Hire, evaluate, and oversee senior leadership, including the university president and chancellors.
• Approve academic programs and degrees and help guide the university’s long-term strategic direction.
• Act as fiduciaries, meaning they must make decisions in the best interests of the university and the public rather than for personal or political interests.
• Represent the interests of Colorado citizens and students while maintaining the quality, accessibility, and affordability of higher education.

Qualifications and Term

• Regents are elected by Colorado voters
• They serve six-year terms
• The board consists of nine members

Typical Activities

A Regent may:

• Vote on tuition increases or decreases.
• Approve annual budgets.
• Participate in board and committee meetings.
• Review major construction projects.
• Approve new academic programs.
• Help select university leadership.
• Establish policies affecting students, faculty, and staff.

In simple terms, a Colorado University Regent functions much like a board director for a large public university system, overseeing strategy, finances, policy, and leadership rather than managing day-to-day operations.