Student Representative to the Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees is the governing body of SMU, comprised of forty-eight members. One student is selected each year to serve as the Student Member of the Board of Trustees (Student Trustee), a full voting member of the Board. Eight other students are also selected to serve as Student Members of the Board Standing Committees.

In addition to the responsibility of serving on the Board and Committees, the Student Trustee chairs a committee of the Student Representatives and the Student Body President. This committee enhances the effectiveness of the Representatives within their committees and facilitates communication between the Board of Trustees and the university community.

 

Dining with Decision Makers

Dining with Decision Makers (DWDM) is an annual event that provides students with the opportunity to share their experiences with members of the SMU Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees is the University's highest governing body. The Board meets four times per year, with an evening reception and dinner that accompanies each meeting. Dining with Decision Makers takes place at the dinner corresponding to the February Board meeting each Spring term. Applications for Spring 2025 are now open on SMU360 through the link below.

Board of Trustees Meeting Schedule

2024-2025

  • September 12-13, 2024
  • December 5-6, 2024
  • February 20-21, 2025
  • May 1-2, 2025

Note: Some committee meetings, like Investments, may differ in schedule from these dates.

2024-2025 SMU Student Representative to the Board of Trustees, standing on stairs outside in front of building
Figure: 2024-2025 Student Representatives to the Board of Trustees
Jude Lugo

Student Trustee

Jude Lugo

Contact the Student Trustee at srbot@smu.edu.

Committee Representatives

Emory Woodruff

Academic Policy, Planning & Management

Emory Woodruff

Grace Knudson

Athletics

Grace Knudson

Juliana Antonio

Buildings and Grounds

Juliana Antonio

Caroline Hall

Development and External Affairs

Caroline Hall

Cristina Mauldin

Finance Audit Liaison

Cristina Mauldin

Vimal Kotecha

Investments

Vimal Kotecha

Suvwe Kokoricha

Student Affairs

Suvwe Kokoricha

Pareeni Shah

Student Affairs

Pareeni Shah

Michael Castle

Student Body President

Michael Castle

Ex-Officio representative to the Student Affairs Committee

Student Positions with the Board of Trustees

Academic Policy, Planning, and Management (one student):
This committee considers and makes recommendations on all changes in the faculty of SMU and advises the Board on all educational policy matters including, but not limited to, degree programs and research.

Athletics (one student):
This committee advises the Board as to the status of the intercollegiate athletics program of the University, considering the academic performance of student athletes and the overall fiscal operation of the Athletics Department. The committee reviews the University's intercollegiate athletics programs and its program for compliance with the rules and regulations of any intercollegiate athletic organizations of which the University is a member, as well as University rules and regulations.

Buildings and Grounds (one student):
This committee advises and makes recommendations to the Board in regard to policies affecting the physical plant and grounds of the University, with special emphasis on maintenance and operating costs.

Development and External Affairs (one student):
This committee advises the Board on policies related to the presentation and promotion of SMU as well as external development and fundraising. Principal areas of review include public relations and marketing plans for the recruitment of students, development and capital campaign planning, and alumni and community relations.

Finance/Audit Liaison (one student serves on both committees):
The committee on Finance reviews the revenue and expense budget prepared for the University by administration prior to the Committee submitting it to the full Board for approval. The committee reports on the status of the current year's operating budget and advises the board on major budget items. Usually meeting twice per year, the committee on Audit provides for review the audit of the books, records, and securities of the University by an unaffiliated accounting firm and presents a report of the audit to the Board. Due to federal law, this student only receives reports from the Audit committee, but is not a voting member.

Investment (one student):
This committee is empowered by the Board to make investment decisions regarding the funds and assets of the University Endowment and advises the Board on its policies relating to University investments.

Student Affairs (two students):
This committee advises the Board on policies relating to student life at the University including recreation, Greek affairs, student activities and organizations, religious life, multicultural student affairs, career planning, orientation, health and wellness, and residence life.

 

 

The Student Member of the Board of Trustees (Student Trustee) serves on each of the following committees in addition to either Academic Planning, Policy, and Management or Finance.

Executive
The Executive Committee has all of the powers of the full Board between Board meetings.

Trusteeship
The Trusteeship Committee has primary oversight responsibility for the Board, insuring proper membership and involvement in the activities of the Board and its committees.

Legal and Governmental Affairs
This committee handles any issues with the government and other legal matters concerning the University.