The City University of New York (CUNY) is the largest urban public university system in the United States, operating 26 campuses across all five boroughs of New York City, including 11 Senior Colleges, 7 Community Colleges and 8 Graduate & Professional Schools.

The CUNY Board of Trustees is composed of 17 Trustees; ten appointed by the Governor and five by the Mayor, both with State Senate advice and consent. The Board also has one ex-officio Trustee who serves as the chair of the University Student Senate and one ex-officio, non-voting Trustee who serves as the chair of the University Faculty Senate. The Chair and the Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees are appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Governor.