University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Policy Name: Operating Policies of the UA Little Rock Board of Visitors
Policy Number: LR 221.2
Original Effective Date: November 18, 1977
Most Recent Revised Date: June 2, 2025
Policy
Preamble
These Operating Policies are established in keeping with the letter and spirit of the “Agreement of Merger and Plan of Transition” of August 17, 1967, which was agreed to by the Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas and the Board of Trustees of Little Rock University, and which led to the creation on July 1, 1969 of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (“UA Little Rock”) as a major campus of the University of Arkansas. They are intended to clarify the role of the Board of Visitors in contributing to the sound growth and development of UA Little Rock, and thereby, the University of Arkansas System and public higher education generally. In keeping with the provisions of the merger agreement, the Board of Visitors is charged with the responsibility for advising the Chancellor of UA Little Rock, the President of the University of Arkansas System, and the Board of Trustees, with respect to means of maintaining high standards in the development and operation of UA Little Rock as a major urban institution of higher education.
UA Little Rock occupies a unique role among the campuses of the University of Arkansas System and among the institutions of higher education in the State. Its location in Little Rock, the major metropolitan center in the state and the site of most state government functions, provide special educational opportunities and challenges for UA Little Rock. In order to meet these special challenges, UA Little Rock will develop high quality undergraduate, graduate and professional programs especially focused upon the needs of the people, businesses, and civic and governmental organizations located in Arkansas. The Board of Visitors shall assist the Board of Trustees and University of Arkansas System in promoting the development of high quality educational programs at UA Little Rock.
Composition
The Board of Visitors shall consist of 16 persons.
Appointments shall be for a term of four years, except an unexpired term shall be filled for the remaining portion of the term. Terms shall begin on October 1 and end on September 30, and shall be staggered in such a way that approximately four positions are filled simultaneously. Individuals may not serve more than two consecutive terms, although each member shall serve until his or her successor is appointed. The Board of Visitors shall recommend individuals for each position by a majority vote of the full membership, and shall submit its recommendations to the Chancellor of UA Little Rock. If the Chancellor concurs in the recommendations, the Chancellor will forward the recommendations to the President of the University of Arkansas System for transmittal to, and approval by, the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees.
Officers
The Board of Visitors shall elect from its membership a Chairperson, to preside at its meetings, and a Vice-Chairperson, to serve in the Chairperson’s absence.
Each of these officers shall be elected to a two-year term.
Meetings
The Board of Visitors shall establish a schedule of regular meetings, and shall hold special meetings on the call of its Chairperson, the Chancellor of UA Little Rock, or the Board of Trustees.
Agenda for meetings of the Board of Visitors shall be circulated prior to each meeting, and shall be preserved along with a record, in a form acceptable to the membership of the Board of Visitors, of actions taken at each meeting.
The Board of Visitors may seek the presence and input of UA Little Rock students and faculty.
Functions
The function of the Board of Visitors shall be to serve as an advisory body to the Chancellor of UA Little Rock, the President of the University of Arkansas, and the Board of Trustees.
In furtherance of this function, the duties of the Board of Visitors shall include the following areas, as stated in the Merger Agreement:
- Give detailed study to reports and recommendations placed before it by the Chancellor of UA Little Rock;
- Formulate and transmit to the Chancellor its advice and recommendations on any matter of concern for the welfare of public higher education;
- Keep informed on such matters as are necessary to promote the educational aims of UA Little Rock;
- Study and otherwise plan for furthering the growth and ensuring the quality of UA Little Rock, transmitting such information for consideration of the President and the Board of Trustees;
- Participate in securing continued and increased financial support for UA Little Rock and the entire University of Arkansas System, from private and public sources;
- Undertake specific assignments made by the Board of Trustees, the President of University of Arkansas System, and the Chancellor of UA Little Rock;
- Further in diverse ways the growth and development in excellence of the entire University of Arkansas of which UA Little Rock is a major campus.
Amendments
Amendments to the Operating Policies of the Board of Visitors shall be adopted by a vote of a majority of the full membership.
A proposed amendment must be presented at one regular meeting, and voted on at the next regular meeting, unless all members are present at the meeting at which the proposal is first presented, and have no objection to immediate action.
Revised: September 28, 2006; February 13, 2025
Source: UA Little Rock Board of Visitors
Originator: UA Little Rock Board of Visitors (1977)
Custodian: Office of the Chancellor