Athens State University (ASU) is the only upper-division university in the Alabama Community College System (ACCS). As a member of the ACCS, Athens State operates under the authority of the Alabama State Board of Education upon recommendations from the Chancellor, who serves as the chief executive officer of the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education.

The authority and control of the institution’s policies are defined by the University’s Policy Approval Process. ASU Policies may be divided into five categories: Postsecondary Education (State Board) Policies, Administrative Policies, Academic Policies, Faculty Governance Policies and Operational Policies. Policies in the first category are approved by the Alabama State Board of Education. All institutional policies in the remaining four categories fall under the purview of various administrative units or academic constituencies. However, all new policies or policy revisions in these four categories must be approved by the President before implementation and dissemination.

The Alabama State Board sets policies concerning Athens State University’s related or affiliated corporate entities and auxiliary services. Athens State’s only affiliated corporate entity is the ASU Foundation. Policies and guidelines concerning the Foundation are found in the State Board Policy for College-Related Foundations. In addition, the Foundation must conform to all other applicable state and federal requirements.

In compliance with the State Board policy on auxiliary services, the University has assigned the responsibility of overseeing auxiliary services to the Vice-President for Financial Affairs. Auxiliary service contracts at Athens State University include contracts with Classic Catering food services, Follett College Booksellers, and Pepsi Cola Decatur, LLC.