The Cleveland State University Board of Trustees consists of nine (9) trustees, a Secretary to the Board, two faculty representatives, and two student representatives, who, in collaboration with the University President, are charged with fulfilling the goals set forth in the University Mission Statement. The Board has the authority to act as the governing body in all policy matters of the University requiring attention or action.

Only the nine trustees have voting power. The Governor appoints the Trustees of the University to nine-year terms or the remainder of vacated terms. The Governor also appoints two student trustees for two-year terms, and fills the unexpired term of a graduating student trustee.

The Bylaws of the Board of Trustees were amended on January 20, 2006 in order to restructure its committees and expand its membership to include community members. Community members serve as non-voting advisors and are appointed by the Board Chairman for a term approved by the Board. The Chair of the Cleveland State University Foundation serves by virtue of his position as a Community Board Member until his term as CSU Foundation Chair ends. The Board Chairman also has the authority to appoint community members to standing and special committees of the Board of Trustees.