The Board of Trustees is comprised of 13 members chosen through election by the Board of Governors of the University of North Carolina, appointment by the Governor of North Carolina, and an ex officio member that is the President of the Student Government. It elects from within its membership a Chair, Vice Chair, Second Vice Chair, Secretary, and a Assistant Secretary who serve a term of one year. It consists of the following standing committees: Academic Affairs, and Personnel, Buildings and Property, Development, Executive, Finance and Planning, Nominating, and Student and Campus Affairs. It may also create committees as it deems appropriate. The newly elected chair is responsible for appointments to the standing committees and serves as an ex officio member of all standing committees except for the Nominating committee.

Three regular meetings of the Board of Trustees occur each year. Any matter of business may be considered at a regular meeting of the Board. In addition, special meetings may be called by the Chair, or requested by not fewer than six members of the board. A quorum of the board consists of a majority of the member, and the Chair presides over all regular and special meetings. Minutes are taken by the Secretary or Assistant Secretary. These minutes are filed and indexed. The Assistant Secretary keeps the Board of Governors informed of the activities of the Board of Trustees, including changes to membership, committee structure or bylaws. The Chancellor serves as the official medium of communication between the Board of Trustees and all individuals, officials, agencies and organizations, both within and without the institution.

Duties of the Board of Trustees include the promotion of the sound development of North Carolina State University, including service to the state of North Carolina in a way that complements the activities of the institution and aiding the institution to perform at a high level of excellence in every area of endeavor. It also serves as advisor to the Board of Governors on matters pertaining to North Carolina State University.

The Bylaws from which the Board of Governors currently acts were enacted in September, 1982. For further information see the Bylaws and History of Bylaws.