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Governance

The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (WVHEPC) in West Virginia is responsible for developing, establishing, and overseeing the implementation of a public policy agenda for the state’s four-year colleges and universities, including West Virginia University (WVU). Comprised of a 10-member board, the Commission works with institutions on accomplishing their missions and carrying out state procedures. A source of support for institutions and students, the Commission’s work includes academic affairs, administrative services, finance and facilities, financial aid, health sciences, human resources, legal services, policy and planning, science and research, and student affairs.

The WVU Board of Governors (BOG) is the governing body of WVU. The BOG is responsible for the control, supervision and management of the financial, business, and education policies and affairs of the university.  The BOG is also responsible for the appointment of the President of WVU, subject to the approval of the WVHEPC, and the evaluation of performance of the President and divisional campus presidents of West Virginia University.  On March 10, 2014, the WVHEPC confirmed the BOG’s selection of E. Gordon Gee as WVU’s 24th president.

The BOG delegates power and control over the business affairs of the institution to the President or other administrative head of the institution, as permitted by state law, in any case where it considers the delegation necessary and prudent in order to enable the institution to function in a proper and expeditious manner and to meet the requirements of its institutional compact.

The BOG has several standing committees, including the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee is appointed by the BOG to oversee the:

  1.   financial reporting processes, including financial statement and disclosure matters,
  2.   qualifications, independence and performance of the independent auditor
  3.   performance of the University’s Internal Audit function and
  4.   University’s compliance with applicable policies, regulations, laws and other directives as determined by the BOG.

The Audit Committee sets the overall tone for an effective internal control structure at the University, supporting quality financial reporting, sound risk practices and ethical behavior. The Audit Committee Charter provides information about the Committee’s mission, membership, duties and limitations.

One of the Committee’s duties is to review the appointment, performance and replacement of the University’s Director of Internal Audit.  The Committee also reviews the significant reports to Management prepared by the Internal Audit Office as well as management's responses and the status of action plans.  Any significant difficulties or disagreements with management or audit scope restrictions encountered in the course of the audit function’s work are also discussed with the Director of Internal Audi