Middlebury Board of Trustees Approves Changes to Bylaws

At its September 22 meeting, the Middlebury Board of Trustees approved changes to its bylaws to update how the board organizes its work and to create more opportunities for the full board to engage in strategic discussions.

The changes, which take effect immediately, organize the board’s work around governance, core functions, and Middlebury’s educational mission through nine standing committees. They also provide more time for the full board to consider institution-wide priorities and long-term strategy, including implementation of Middlebury’s new strategic plan, Excellence. Purpose. Joy.

Under the new framework, three Mission Committees—Academic Affairs and Innovation, Student Experience, and Global and Schools—will focus on advancing Middlebury’s educational mission and strategic priorities. The new structure will also continue to provide opportunities for faculty, staff, students, and emeriti to contribute their perspectives to the board’s work through participation as non-voting representatives on the Mission Committees. Core committees will focus on oversight of regular business operations, with committees dedicated to Institutional Advancement, Risk, and Resources.

As part of the changes, the College Board of Advisors and Schools Board of Advisors have concluded, with their areas of focus incorporated into the mission committees. Constituent advisors who were scheduled to serve on either the College Board of Advisors or the Schools Board of Advisors during this academic year are being invited to join an appropriate Mission Committee. The Institute Board of Advisors will continue as an ad hoc committee during the 2026–27 academic year, with the same membership as previously planned. 

The changes build on the board’s role in setting strategy and providing oversight of Middlebury’s mission, operations, finances, and long-term sustainability. The board will continue its governance and oversight responsibilities, while faculty and administrators remain responsible for managing academic programs, including the curriculum, and other areas of Middlebury’s day-to-day operations.