​With the adoption by the Connecticut Legislature of the charter “to erect a Collegiate School” in 1701, Yale University has been guided by the charter, including subsequent amendments, the by-laws first issued in 1795, and the miscellaneous regulations, which codify a series of policies and procedures such as the alumni fellow election process, protection of the Yale name, and patent protection.

The by-laws and miscellaneous regulations may be amended from time to time upon vote of two-thirds of the board. This portion of the website is updated annually. Please direct questions togovernance@yale.edu.