The 16-member Erb Memorial Union Board of Directors consists of 12 students [seven elected in a campus-wide election and five direct appointments from either EMU programs or the ASUO], three faculty members appointed by the President of the University of Oregon and one EMU staff member elected by their peers.

The EMU Board is responsible for making general policy decisions and long-range plans for the operation of the EMU. The board allocates the EMU's multi-million dollar budget, assigns space for student organizations and advises staff in the management and administration of the EMU.

Training occurs at retreats and during working meetings. Board members have daily access to EMU staff for informal dialogue. Board memebrs gain hands-on experience in stewardship for a large governmental agency, organizational behavior, budgeting, building community and global thinking.