The text of the Higher Education Act of 1969, which established the Utah System of Higher Education, is presented. To govern this system as a single governing board, the legislature established the new state board of regents, which is composed of 16 members. Institutional councils were established to assist in the government of the institutions. The act was designed to improve public higher education through centralized direction and master planning. This approach will help to prevent unnecessary duplication within the system and to ensure orderly development of facilities and quality programs, coordination and consolidation, and systematic development of the role of each institution. Directives are presented regarding the composition and responsibilities of the board, responsibilities of the commission of higher education, appropriations requests, changes in curriculum, granting of degrees, buildings and facilities, creation of institutional councils, research grants, and student loan programs. Responsibilities of the officers of the board, governance and administration, meetings of the board, committees, quorum requirements, and public information dissemination are also discussed. The member colleges and their respective presidents and institutional council members are listed. Bylaws and subsequent amendments and statutes to the act are also included. (SW)