GOVERNANCE

3.1 - GOVERNANCE

3.1.1 - Pacific West Conference Governance Structure

The Conference values a collaborative and collegial decision-making environment, although it is recognized that the Executive Board bears the ultimate responsibility for governance of the Conference.  The Advisory Board, with the advice and counsel of the Commissioner, shall be the recommending body for the operation and administration of the Conference, under the direction of the Executive Board. 

The Pacific West Conference is governed by the Chief Executive Officers (President/Chancellor/CEO) of the member institutions, who act as the Conference Executive Board. The Conference Advisory Board, which consists of Athletics Administrators, (and may include Faculty Athletics Representatives and Senior Woman Administrators or other athletic administrators) offer recommendations to the Executive Board.

The Executive Board meets once each academic year and the Advisory Board meets twice each year.  At these meetings, each institution is granted one vote per legislative item at both levels. 

One of the member institutions serves as the Chair on a two-year rotational basis as outlined in Conference operating guidelines.

The President, Chancellor or CEO of the Host Institution serves as the Chair of the Executive Board.  The Director of Athletics of the Host Institution serves as the Chair of the Advisory Board. 

The Conference Commissioner is appointed by the Executive Board upon the recommendation of the Advisory Board. The Commissioner serves the membership as an Ex-Officio administrator and is assisted by the Chair of the Advisory Board in handling Conference business and finances.

Proposed changes to Conference legislation are reviewed at the Executive and Advisory Board meetings.  Conference Constitution and Bylaw amendments approved by the Advisory Board must be ratified by the Executive Board to become effective.  Amendments to Special Group Regulations, including sport-specific legislation, become effective immediately upon Advisory Board approval.

Recommended changes to Conference legislation originate from committees, which may be a sport coaches group or an athletic staff group such as the athletic trainers, sports information directors or SAAC. Recommendations are then forwarded to the Commissioner and then brought to the Advisory Board for review.