Whether you’re a new or returning student, it can be tricky to navigate the governing bodies of Thompson Rivers University. Who are they, where are they, and what do they do? As a member of the university community, it is important to understand how the various branches interact to make decisions about life and education on campus.
The Omega has created a guide to explain these governing bodies, their duties, and their importance in our university’s ecosystem.
The Board of Governors
Meeting Room: Clock Tower Boardroom, 3rd Floor, CT309
Meeting Times: Four/five public board meetings annually
A major branch of university government, the Board of Governors is responsible for corporate management and decision-making. They are in charge of the administration and control of revenue, as well as all affairs outside the purview of the other bodies. Along with the Senate and the Planning Council for Open Learning, the BoG is also responsible for the development of TRU policies and regulations.
The 15-member board is headed by Chancellor DeDe DeRose. The rest of the board consists of a vice-chancellor (typically the university president), eight members appointed by the Lieutenant-Governor, two faculty-elected faculty members, one member elected by non-faculty employees and two students elected by the student body. The wide net is intended to represent the variety of voices at the university and ensure that decision-making is focused on what is best for the entire TRU community.
Among other duties, the BoG has the power to appoint the president of the university. Earlier this year, after months of searching, the board elected Airini to the Office of the President. As president, Airini will not only serve as vice-chancellor of the BoG, but also as Chair of the Senate.
The first board meeting for the Fall 2025 semester will be held on Friday, October 3.
The Senate
Meeting Room: HL190 (behind Tim Hortons) in The Brown Family House of Learning
Meeting Times: Fourth Monday of each month, 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
The Senate, as the body most responsible for TRU’s academic affairs, is an indispensable arm of the university’s governance. Their legislated duties include the development of criteria for curriculum content, academic awards and admission qualifications, as well as setting standards for educational policies and procedures. According to the Thompson Rivers University Act, the legislation establishing the university, the Senate is also tasked as an advisory body to the Board of Governors, supporting them in the university’s many objectives and priorities.
In achieving these lofty goals, the Senate oversees several committees, each with its own responsibilities, operations and members. These include well-known committees such as Academic Integrity, Student Success and International Affairs. These committees are responsible for various tasks that fall under their jurisdiction, from setting academic schedules and overseeing the library and resource centres, to arbitrating on matters of student discipline.
The Senate is currently made up of 44 members, including two faculty members from each of the university’s faculties/schools, four elected members from the student body, and one alumni member, among others. The chair of the Senate is President and Vice-Chancellor Airini.
The first meeting of the Senate for the Fall 2025 semester will be held on Monday, September 22.
TRU Students’ Union (TRUSU)
Meeting Room: TRUSU Boardroom, first floor of the Students’ Union Building
Meeting Times: Second Tuesday of every month
TRUSU stands as the major representation and highest decision-making body for students on campus. A membership-based organization of about 29,000 individuals, the union includes all full-time undergraduate students. It is also a democratic organization, with every member granted decision-making rights and the opportunity to exercise those rights during annual elections.
TRUSU’s democratically elected Board of Directors are responsible for the major governance of the union and, by extension, the championing of student interests. They manage all aspects of student life, from community meals and medical/dental plans, to clubs and social activities and even the UPASS system that allows TRU students to move freely within Kamloops through public transit. The board maintains five standing committees responsible for union operations. These committees are the Campaigns Committee, the Services Committee, the University Affairs Committee, the Equity Committee, and the Entertainment Committee. Together, members ensure that students are protected and supported on campus and beyond.
Along with the board, the union includes a Student Caucus, which closely supports student presence across various spheres of university governance and operations. The Caucus, made up of over 90 TRU students, maintains representation in TRU’s decision-making bodies, holding seats on the Board of Governors and all senate committees.
Applications to fill vacant positions in the Student Caucus are currently open and will be accepting interested and eligible applicants until September 13. To volunteer or learn more about eligibility, visit the TRUSU website at TRUSU.ca.