The voting members are appointed by Colorado's governor and confirmed by the Colorado State Senate and serve staggered terms. The Colorado Mesa University Student Trustee is elected by the student-body and is considered one of the most influential positions in the university and college system.
Members of the governing body are selected by Colorado's governor and ratified by the Colorado State Senate, with their terms overlapping. In contrast, the Colorado Mesa University Student Trustee is chosen by the students themselves and plays a pivotal part in the university and college hierarchy.