The University is federated with the University of Waterloo.

This authority and oversight extends to the Board of Governors’ responsibility over the mission and vision of St. Jerome’s University. Specifically, the Board oversees the mission driven activity of the University, aligning the objects and reputation of the University with its foundational mission as a Roman Catholic university.

The Board of Governors’ oversight includes direction of governance matters such as policy, and business and financial affairs through the approval of operating budgets, with respect to revenue and expenditures, and management of property. It is the Board’s primary duty to ensure St. Jerome’s University fulfills its legal and financial obligations as an institution. In establishing accountability and transparent reporting processes with the University administration, the Board sees to the responsible management of the University by its administrators.

The Board of Governors are entrusted with the well-being and health of the University, and thus, must act in the best interest of the University.

The 22-member Board is comprosed of members from the broader community, the St. Jerome’s University faculty, staff and students, and representation from the Congregation of the Resurrection of the Ontario-Kentucky Province and the Bishop of the Diocese of Hamilton, thereby ensuring that multiple and varied perspectives are considered.

To carry out the responsibilities of the Board of Governors, there are four standing Committees of the Board that report to the Board as a whole with recommendations for action and future direction.

Meetings held by the Board of Governors are open to members of the public, enabling them to be informed about the decisions made by the institution.

Due to COVID-19 and restrictions imposed on in-person meetings, the Board of Governors will be be holding meetings online until further notice. Details about accessing online meetings will be posted on the St. Jerome's University events page.