In the United States, boards of regents often govern public institutions of higher education (which include both state universities and community colleges). In each U.S. state, such boards may govern either the state university system, individual colleges and universities, or both. Boards vary by formal name, size, powers, and membership. In some states, members are appointed by the governor.

In some private institutions of higher learning, a board of regents is a volunteer, non-governing body charged with various responsibilities, including but not limited to major gift cultivation and fund raising. Members are often appointed by the governing body.

California

The Regents of the University of California govern the University of California system, with one exception: the original endowment that allowed for the creation of UC's Hastings College of the Law stipulated that it could not be governed by the Regents. However, Hastings Law degrees are issued in the name of the UC Regents.

New York

The Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York oversees all public education, including the State University of New York (SUNY), affiliated community colleges, and the K-12 public school system (run by the New York State Education Department) via the Regents Examinations. High school graduates may receive Regents Scholarships to defray expenses at SUNY universities.

Virginia

In Virginia the board of regents is known as the board of visitors.^{[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]}

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