The Board of Trustees of the University of the District of Columbia was established by the U.S. Congress as a body of the District of Columbia government in 1974. The board has the authority to independently issue regulations governing the university, own and manage the property of the university, and represent the university in legal proceedings. The board is also responsible for hiring the President of the University System.

Trustees are charged with establishing and ensuring accreditation of each component of the University System, This includes, at minimum, a liberal arts component, a vocational and technical component, and a school of law. The Trustees approve all programs and majors, and set academic policies such as degree requirements and tuition. In addition, Trustees are responsible for setting UDC’s budget in conjunction with the Mayor and City Council.

The University’s and Board’s authorizing legislation is the Post-Secondary Education Reorganization Act of 1974 (D.C. Official Code §§ 38-1201.01 – 38-1204.07 (2001 ed.)).