Governance & Leadership

How HEUG is governed

The Higher Education User Group is the worldwide community enabling the sharing of knowledge and practices to maximize institution investment in Higher Education information systems.

The HEUG is dedicated to helping institutions effectively manage their administrative technologies to improve constituent experiences. Over the next five years, HEUG will focus on providing relevant and innovative professional resources, fostering a global community of like-minded individuals, and creating opportunities for collaboration and knowledge-sharing.

2024 Strategic Plan Governing Documents
HEUG members in a governance meeting
Our commitment

Member Inclusion

The HEUG does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, marital status, age, disability, citizenship, veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by law in any of its activities or operations.

These activities include, but are not limited to, selection of volunteers, vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive, diverse, and welcoming environment for all members, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and partners.

Governing the HEUG

Bylaws & standing orders

Two types of governing instruments, bylaws and standing orders, detail specific policies and procedures followed by the HEUG Board of Directors.

HEUG Bylaws

Bylaws contain the basic rules of the HEUG and they supersede all other rules. Bylaws cannot be amended without previous notice to the members and the vote of a specified large majority.

HEUG Bylaws

HEUG Standing Orders

Standing Rules relate to the details of HEUG's administration. They supplement and interpret the bylaws, adopted by majority vote at any business meeting, and remain in force until rescinded or amended.

HEUG Standing Orders
Financial controls

Protecting HEUG's financial integrity

The HEUG is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and as such has established a set of controls for managing and auditing its financial operations. Led by the Vice President of Finance, these controls protect the organization's financial integrity and tax-exempt status. As part of this, the HEUG has a standing Audit Committee.

Audit Committee

Appointed by the HEUG Board of Directors to assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities. Duties of the committee include:

  • Overseeing the integrity of the Corporation's financial accounting process and systems of internal controls regarding finance, accounting, and use of assets
  • Overseeing the independence and performance of the independent auditors and staff with financial responsibilities
  • Overseeing the operation of the policies on conflicts of interest and the Corporation's board-staff communications
  • Providing an avenue of communication among the Corporation's independent auditors, management, staff, and the Board of Directors

The Audit Committee has the authority to conduct any investigation appropriate to fulfilling its responsibilities, and it has direct access to the independent auditors as well as to anyone in the organization. The Audit Committee has the authority to retain, at the Corporation's expense, special legal, accounting, or other consultants or experts it deems necessary in the performance of its duties.

Committee Members

  • Rebekah SmithChair, University of Michigan – College of Engineering
  • Olga Mishchenko-TorresCity University of New York
  • Daisy MashamaiteNational Treasury
  • Tiffany WendtTexas Christian University
  • Todd SmoakHEUG Board Liaison to the Audit Committee, Illinois State University

Ex-officio Members

  • Jason WenrickHEUG Vice President of Finance, Past President, California State University Chancellor's Office
  • Lisa SkinnerHEUG Assistant Treasurer, Stanford University
  • Buddy CombsHEUG Assistant Treasurer