The governance of the university is conducted through the board of governors, and the university senate; both of which were established in the "Yukon University Act". The board of governors is responsible for governing and managing the university and convenes once a month. The board of governors includes members from the university administration, faculty, staff, student body. The board also includes 10 members appointed by the Commissioner in Executive Council, three of whom must come from a Yukon First Nations community; and three that reside outside of Whitehorse. Board members are appointed to three-year terms, which may be renewed. The university's board of governors originated as Yukon College's board of governor, and its membership was expanded to include 17 members after the institution became a university.