Introduction

Florida State University is administered through the collaborative efforts of statewide entities, notably the FSU Board of Trustees operating under the constitutional authority granted through and within regulations and delegation from the Florida Board of Governors (BOG) and the Florida Legislature, which maintains statutory authority over aspects of the State University System. Under their guidance and direction, via regulations, policies, decisions, and other operating principles, the University administration and its schools, colleges, departments, centers, institutes, and branch campuses carry out the University’s educational, research, and public service missions. The powers and duties of each administrative unit may be impacted by the Florida Constitution and Statutes or by BOG or FSU BOT Regulation, but are primarily found in policies and procedures established by the University administration, college, or department bylaws. Such policies are adopted with deference to and consideration of applicable collective bargaining agreements. The conduct of University business is subject to the open meeting and records requirements of the Florida “Sunshine” laws, set forth in Florida Statutes Chapter 286. This chapter provides an overview of FSU’s administrative structure, at the statewide, university, and academic unit levels. Formally adopted university regulations and policies are found at https://policies.fsu.edu.

Statewide Structure

The constitutional mandate for Florida public higher education is set out in Article IX of the Florida Constitution. Section 1(a) of Article IX provides that “adequate provision shall be made by law . . . for the establishment, maintenance, and operation of institutions of higher learning.” A single State University System, comprised of all public universities, is constituted by Section 7(b) of Article IX. There are 12 public universities in the State of Florida, comprising the State University System. For more information on the universities in the system, visit the Board of Governors website.

Each university in the statewide system is subject to the governance structure prescribed in Section 7(b)-(d) of Article IX. The purposes of the governance system, detailed in Section 7(a) of Article IX, are “to achieve excellence through teaching students, advancing research and providing public service for the benefits of Florida’s citizens, their communities and economies.” According to Section 7(d) of Article IX, a Statewide Board of Governors serves as the primary statewide governance and management body for the university system.

The responsibilities of the Statewide Board of Governors are set forth in Section 7(d) of Article IX. The Statewide Board of Governors is charged to “operate, regulate, control, and be fully responsible for the management of the whole university system.” These responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• defining the distinctive mission of each constituent university and its articulation with free public schools and community colleges,
• ensuring the well-planned coordination and operation of the system, and
• avoiding wasteful duplication of programs.

Section 7(d) of Article IX subjects the Board’s management to the powers of the Legislature to appropriate funds, and the Board is required to account for such expenditures as required by law.

The Board of Governors is composed of 17 members, “dedicated to the purposes of the state university system.” Fourteen members are citizen members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. The remaining three members are the Commissioner of Education, the President of the Advisory Council of Faculty Senates, and the Chair of the Florida Student Association.

Members of the Board of Governors sit for staggered seven-year terms, according to Section 7(d). The Florida Legislature has prescribed the method for staggering the terms of the initial Board of Governors appointees in Florida Statutes Section 1001.70.

Florida State University Board of Trustees

The Florida Constitution mandates that each public university in Florida will be administered by a board of trustees, under the governance of the Statewide Board of Governors. Accordingly, Florida State University is administered by the Florida State University Board of Trustees.

The composition of the Board of Trustees is detailed in Section 7(c) of Article IX of the Constitution, and in Florida Statutes Section 1001.71(1). The board is comprised of 13 members, “dedicated to the purposes of the state university system.” Among the 13 members, 11 are “citizen members.” Six of the citizen members are appointed by the Governor, and five citizen members are appointed by the Board of Governors. All 11 appointed citizen members are confirmed by the state senate and serve staggered terms of five years. Two of the 13 members are appointed from the university community. The President of the Faculty Senate serves as one such member, and the President of the Student Body of the University serves as the other. https://trustees.fsu.edu/trustees

Citizen members of the Board of Trustees serve staggered terms of five years. The Florida Legislature has established a method for staggering the terms of the initial appointees to the Board, in Florida Statutes Section 1001.71(1). Board members receive no compensation for their service, but may receive reimbursements for travel and per diem expenses.

The University President serves as the corporate secretary of the Board of Trustees and is responsible to the Board of Trustees for all operations of the university and for setting the agenda for board meetings in consultation with the chair.

The Board’s powers and duties are defined by the Statewide Board of Governors in BOG Regulation 1.001. The Board is responsible for oversight of all university governance as authorized by that regulation. Specific areas of academic affairs include establishment of an academic affairs committee, adoption of regulations and policies for authorization and discontinuance of degree programs, articulation and access, admission and enrollment of students, and minimum academic performance standards for the award of a degree. The Board’s operating procedures, ethics statement, and committee structure, as well as its meeting schedule and agendas, are available through the Board of Trustees’ Web site.

University President

The President of Florida State University serves as the chief executive officer of the University and is responsible for the operation and administration of the University. The President is selected by recommendation of the Board of Trustees, and confirmed by the Board of Governors, as detailed in BOG Regulation 1.002 and Florida Statutes Section 1001.706 (6) (b).

Florida State University Board of Trustees Resolution, as amended, defines the powers and duties of the President. In exercising executive control of the University, the President is responsible for, among other things: preparing budget requests, establishing personnel policies, governing admissions, approving and administering contracts, administering the university’s program of intercollegiate athletics, recommending degree programs, recommending a schedule of tuition and fees, and organizing the University to efficiently and effectively achieve the goals of the leadership.

The Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration, the Vice President for Research, the Vice President for Student Affairs, the Vice President for University Advancement, and the Vice President and Director for Intercollegiate Athletics report directly to the President. Other offices reporting to the President include the Office of the General Counsel, the Office of Inspector General Services, the Office of University Communications, the Office of Governmental Relations, and the Veteran’s Center. 

Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

The Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs is the chief academic officer and second ranking officer of the University, acting for the President in the President’s absence. The Provost/Executive Vice President supervises the allocation of resources in academic areas, leads efforts to strengthen the university’s preeminent faculty, evaluates university academic progress, and fosters excellence in teaching, research and creative activity, and service.

Working directly with the Office of the Provost, the Office of the Vice President for Faculty Development and Advancement serves faculty members by implementing academic policies; helping to resolve issues raised by individual faculty and faculty administrators; developing faculty employment policies and working with Human Resources to implement those policies; coordinating the tenure and promotion process; providing support for faculty seeking national or international awards; implementing the Academic Honor Policy; designing new faculty orientation activities; and facilitating the operation of the Faculty Governance System at Florida State University. The Vice President for Faculty Development and Advancement carries out the responsibilities of the Provost as Vice President for Academic Affairs in the absence of the Provost, assumes authority in the absence of both the President and the Provost (see FSU Constitution), and serves as a member of the President’s Cabinet, the University Budget Advisory Committee, and the University Council.

The Dean of the Graduate School heads the Graduate School. The office provides assistance to graduate students in academic matters; offers advice on university-wide degree requirements; works with the Faculty Senate Graduate Policy Committee regarding review and approval of graduate degree programs and academic rules governing graduate study; approves thesis and dissertation formats; supports those appointed to post-doctoral positions in academic departments; and gives information about the availability of University-level assistantships, fellowships, and scholarships.

The Dean of Undergraduate Studies also works directly with the Office of the Provost and leads the Division of Undergraduate Studies. The Division works to assure that each undergraduate student at Florida State University receives a strong educational foundation on which to build a successful academic program of studies. The Division supervises and monitors a number of state-wide degree requirements; works with the Undergraduate Policy Committee regarding review and approval of undergraduate degree programs and academic rules governing undergraduates; serves as the Academic Dean for most first and second-year students (except BFA and Music students, who are admitted directly into their degree-granting programs); coordinates advising for lower-division students in all non-BFA/Music programs; and sponsors and directs programs designed to promote retention and academic excellence.

The Deans of the Colleges of the University report directly to the Office of the Provost. Other offices reporting directly to the Office of the Provost include Admissions and Records, Financial Aid, Institutional Research, Information Technology Services, and the Learning Systems Institute.

University Vice Presidents

The Vice President for Finance and Administration heads the Division of Finance and Administration, composed of multiple units, including: Administrative Services, Budget Office, Human Resources, Employee Assistance Program, Facilities, Transportation & Parking Services, Environmental Health and Safety, and Information Technology Services. The FSU Police Department, also part of the Division, is a fully accredited law enforcement agency whose goal is to enhance the safety of the University and surrounding community in a manner conducive to the goals of education and research.

The Vice President for Faculty Development and Advancement promotes faculty development and advancement throughout the University, provides continuous support through the duration of a faculty member’s career, connects the interests of faculty and administration; interprets and enforces Faculty Senate policies and the Board of Trustees/United Faculty of Florida Agreement; coordinates the degree-development process; engages in creative problem-solving related to faculty and student academic issues, coordinates the Academic Honor Policy; and supports faculty applications for national and international awards.

The Vice President for Research leads the Office of Research/Division of Sponsored Research, providing assistance to University faculty seeking information and assistance in applying for or managing grants or contracts with an outside agency. Among many other services, the office advises faculty of resources available to identify agency funding sources; advises faculty of funding agency requirements for proposal submission; reviews and approves proposals for extramural funding; administers grant-related awards on behalf of FSU; and builds collaborative research partnerships. The Office of Research also oversees the Council on Research and Creativity and the Institutional Review Board (commonly known as the “Human Subjects Committee”).

The Vice President for Student Affairs leads the Division of Student Affairs to ensure the success of all students.  The Vice President for Student Affairs also administers Division personnel actions, budgeting, technology integration, foundation and development activities, student affairs research, and other special topics. The Division of Student Affairs collaborates with students, faculty, and staff to create welcoming, supportive, and challenging environments that maximize opportunities for student learning and success. The Division facilitates student development and promotes civic and global responsibility. Student Affairs oversees the Center for Leadership and Service, the Career Center, the Center for Global Engagement, University Housing and Childcare, University Health Services, Campus Recreation, Counseling and Psychological Services, Student Conduct and Community Standards, Office of Title IX, New Student and Family Programs, Fraternity and Sorority Life, Student Engagement (Student Organizations and Student Government), the Student Union, the Department of Student Support and Transition (Victim Advocate Program, Case Management Services, and Accessibility Services), and the Panama City Campus Department of Student Affairs.

President’s Cabinet

The President's Cabinet is composed of the President, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, Vice President for Faculty Development and Advancement, Vice President for Finance and Administration, Vice President and Director for Athletics, Vice President for Research, Vice President for Student Affairs, Vice President for University Advancement, Chief Marketing Officer, Assistant Vice President for University Communications, University General Counsel, Vice President and Chief of Staff, and Chief Legislative Affairs Officer. The Cabinet serves as the internal operations committee guiding the activities of the University along policy directions established by the President.

University Council

The University Council is composed of the President, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, Vice President for Faculty Development and Advancement, Vice President for Finance and Administration, Vice President for Research, Vice President for Student Affairs, Vice President for University Advancement, Assistant Vice President for University Relations, Vice President and Director of Athletics, University General Counsel, Vice President and Chief of Staff, Director of Budget and Analysis, Assistant Vice President for Human Resources, Director of Internal Auditing, President of the Faculty Senate, Chairperson of the Faculty Senate Budget Advisory Committee, and President of the Student Body. The Council meets at a time scheduled by the President, who serves as chair, to discuss matters relating to University-wide concerns. 

University Budget Advisory Committee

The University Budget Advisory Committee is composed of the President (Chairperson), Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs (Vice Chairperson), Vice President for Faculty Development and Advancement, Vice President for Finance and Administration, Vice President for Student Affairs, Vice President for Research, Assistant Vice President for University Relations, the President of the Faculty Senate, the Chairperson of the Faculty Senate Budget Advisory Committee, and three Faculty Members appointed by the President from a list provided by the Faculty Senate Steering Committee for staggered three-year terms. The Director of Budget and Analysis is an ex officio, non-voting member. The Committee advises and consults with the President on budgetary matters pertaining to the implementation of the institution's mission and priorities; serves as the official group within the University having knowledge and information about University-wide budget planning, allocation, and management; discusses and establishes budgetary policies and procedures for fulfilling the university's priorities; advises and consults with the President on the annual budget allocations for the major divisions of the University presided over by the vice presidents; reviews expenditures in relation to allocations for the divisions; and advises and consults on budgetary amendments and reserve allocations affecting major divisions.

Colleges and Departments/Schools

Colleges

Typically, colleges at Florida State University are headed by deans and have departments with department chairs; however, some colleges have schools that function as departments and some do not have departments. The deans serve as the administrative heads of the academic units, advancing the University’s academic mission. They are responsible for working with the Foundation to develop opportunities to enhance academic programs through private donations; administering the unit’s academic programs and policies pertaining to admissions; and, in cooperation with faculty curriculum committees, determining requirements for majors, requirements for graduation, and the nature, content, and scheduling of courses. The deans report to the Provost and Executive Vice President. They meet and work together regularly as members of the Academic Deans Council. Each college has bylaws, copies of which are on file with the Office of Faculty Development and Advancement.

Departments/Schools

A department chair or school director heads each of the departments/schools of the colleges. Chairs/directors report to deans and serve at their pleasure, subject to written procedures in their unit’s bylaws. Bylaws also outline procedures for consultation with faculty regarding appointment of their chair as well as define faculty participation in curriculum development. Department chairs (or school directors) are responsible for coordinating all aspects of the academic program(s) in their academic unit, including degree requirements and curricular offerings. For more information, see Faculty Governance section of this Handbook and the relevant area of the FSU website.

Bylaws

All colleges and departments/schools must have bylaws that meet the requirements set forth in the current FSU-UFF Collective Bargaining Agreement, including college or department/school-specific promotion and tenure, evaluation, and merit criteria for tenure-track and specialized faculty.

Any changes to bylaws approved by the faculty in a department/school or college should be sent to the Office of the Vice President for Office of Faculty Development and Advancement for review. Once approved by that office, department/school and college bylaws should be posted to the appropriate website.

To ensure that bylaws meet the FSU-UFF CBA guidelines, templates are posted on the Office of Faculty Development and Advancement website.

Institutes and Centers

Institutes and centers are entities established to coordinate research, service, and/or educational activities that supplement and extend existing instruction, research, and service at the university. They are established according to Florida State University Regulation 4.062 and Florida Board of Governors Regulation 10.015. The Provost’s Office manages the process of establishing, activating, deactivating, terminating, and reporting on the status of institutes and centers.

Institutes and centers are classified either as State of Florida institutes or centers, or as university institutes or centers. State of Florida institutes and centers have statewide missions, include two or more state universities, and are approved by the Florida Board of Governors. University institutes and centers have university-wide missions.

FSU Panama City Campus

FSU Panama City offers a unique student-centered education with smaller class sizes, affordable degrees, and the foundation to inspire academic excellence, foster leadership, and achieve career goals. Admitted students may enroll directly after high school or may transfer from another two- or four-year college or university. In 2023, FSU Panama City established a K-12 developmental research school to serve local residents. The Dean of the Panama City campus reports to the Provost.

Florida State University-Panama

Florida State University-Panama is located on the Pacific shore of the Panama Canal and is affiliated with Panama’s City of Knowledge. FSU-Panama awards associate degrees and bachelor’s degrees in the areas of Computer Science (online), International Affairs, Interdisciplinary Social Science, and Environment and Society, and a master’s degree in International Affairs.