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Application Form for Student Regent: State of Texas
June 1, 2020 - May 31, 2021
Background
In 2005, the Texas Legislature approved the position of non-voting student regent. In
accordance with the provisions of the Education Code, Sections 51.355 and 51.356, each
public university board of regents shall include one student member appointed by the
governor. The chancellor of each university system and president of each independent
public university shall “develop a uniform application form to be used by each general
academic teaching institution and medical and dental unit in the university system to
solicit applicants for the position of student regent.” This form is for those systems and
independent public universities who wish to use a standard form in addition to the
appointment application provided by the Office of the Governor.
Student Regent
The student regent is a non-voting participant on the board of regents representing the
students of each Texas public university system or independent public university (a
general academic teaching institution that is not a part of a university system). The
student regent serves a one-year term commencing June 1 and ending May 31 of the
following year. While technically not a member of the board of regents, a student regent
does have the same powers and duties as the members of the board of regents, with the
exception of voting, making or seconding motions, and being counted to determine a
quorum.
To the best of their ability, the student regent represents the interests of the students,
university system/university and the State of Texas. The student regents may serve on
special commissions, task forces and committees during their term and are expected to
participate in required regent activities, including orientation sessions conducted by the
Office of the Governor and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Student
regents will be required to abide by the laws of the State of Texas applicable to board
service, including the state ethics laws. The student regent is encouraged to be involved
with the student governments on each campus which they represent and to have a
working relationship with faculty, staff and representative student organizations.
Student Regent Qualifications
To qualify, an individual must be enrolled and in good standing as an undergraduate or
graduate student in one of the colleges or universities in The Texas State University
System. The applicant must have earned a minimum of a 2.5 grade point average and
must maintain this minimum performance level throughout his/her term. Please include
an official transcript with the application. The president of the institution where the
student is enrolled is required to notify the Governor if the student regent fails to
maintain his/her qualifications. The Governor, in turn, will declare the position vacant
and fill the vacancy as soon as practicable. A student regent is not eligible for
reappointment. Preference will be given to applicants who are residents of the State of
Texas and who have a general knowledge of the functions of the board of regents.
Student regent applicants must have a strong desire to represent all university students
within their respective system/institution.
Revised 10/2019