Lafayette College is an independent, self-perpetuating corporation chartered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on March 9, 1826. It is incorporated exclusively for charitable, scientific, literary, and educational purposes. The management, direction, and government of the corporation are vested in the Board of Trustees. The 35-member board meets four times a year. It has the power to appoint its own officers, to make and enact ordinances for the government of the College, to elect Trustees, and elect or appoint the President, officers of instruction, administrative officers, and other employees of the College.