Structured as a foundation under Costa Rican law, UWC Costa Rica is limited to five members of the governing body, known in Spanish as the Administrative Board and referred to in English as the Executive Board.
The Board of Trustees provides broad oversight, strategic direction and ongoing fundraising, and is responsible for the legal and financial aspects of the college*. The Board works closely with the school principal and management team, who oversee the management of academic affairs and the day-to-day operations of the school.
* The Administrative Board may delegate certain aspects of its authority to other bodies, but retains overall responsibility for the legal, financial, and strategic operation of the institution.
The five members of the Administrative Board generally serve two three-year terms, and the team is made up of:
- One member approved by the municipality of Santa Ana (where the College is located) and one member approved by the country of Costa Rica
- A president figure who represents the College at UWC international meetings and is a member of the UWC International Council
- a vice presidency
- a treasury
- A secretary
* The figure of president is elected annually by the Administrative Board and has no term limit.
All members of the Administrative Board are expected to cover their expenses for attendance at all meetings and are requested to make appropriate financial donations to the college.
To carry out the broader governance goals of the college and to help carry out the mission of the college more effectively, the Board of Trustees created a Board of Directors in 2013.