Legal power and responsibility for the operation of Central Washington University rests with the board of trustees. The board of trustees establishes and reviews university policies and oversees the general management of funds and properties.

The board is composed of eight trustees, seven of whom are appointed for six-year terms by the governor of Washington State with the consent of the Senate, and one of whom is a student appointee that changes yearly. The board of trustees acts as a unit. As such, it represents the public interest and functions to ensure the basic fiscal integrity of the university.