Northern's eight-member governing board, the Board of Trustees, is appointed by Michigan's governor and has general supervision of the institution, the control and direction of all expenditures from the institution's funds, and such other powers and duties as prescribed by law. It also has the authority to hire and evaluate the university president, who reports directly to the board.
The Academic Affairs Division is managed by the vice president for Academic Affairs and Provost. It has oversight of all departments that are related to academic and student service operations.
The Finance and Administration Division is managed by the vice president for Finance and Administration. It has oversight of all departments that are related to the business operations of the university, including those that involve financial functions, employment, facilities, and information technology at Northern.
The President's Division falls under the direction of the university president and includes departments responsible for the university's external communications, fundraising and relationship development. It also oversees the university's public safety, internal auditing, and the Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action areas.
