The Board of Governors of the University of British Columbia was first constituted under the British Columbia University Act 1908. The Board originally consisted of the Chancellor (who served as chairman) and the University President, ex-officio members and nine individuals appointed by the Lieutenant-Governor. The Board is now composed of fifteen members. It includes elected members of faculty, students and full-time employees, and eight people appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council.
The Board of Governors is charged with the management, administration, and control of the University's properties, revenue, business, and affairs. With the approval of the Senate, the Board establishes procedures for the recommendation and selection of candidates for presidents, deans, librarians, registrars and other senior academic administrators as the Board may designate. The Board also appoints the president, deans of all faculties, librarians, and other teaching staff members. The Board has the power to fix salaries and define duties and tenure of office. Members of the teaching staff may not be appointed, promoted or removed from office except upon the president's recommendation. The Board fixes the fees to be paid by students; administers funds, grants, fees, endowments, and other assets; and, with the Senate's approval, can determine the number of students that may be accommodated at the University. The Board is required to seek the University Council's approval, which, in turn, must seek the approval of the Lieutenant-Governor in Council before incurring deficits.