In June 1974, the B.C. government passed the Institute of Technology (British Columbia) Act, which made BCIT an autonomous educational facility, independent of the B.C. Ministry of Education. The first meeting of the BCIT Board of Governors was held on July 31, 1974.
BCIT is administered under the authority of the Minister of Advanced Education by a Board of Governors consisting of:
At least Eight members appointed by the Lieutenant-Governor in Council.

One member of the faculty elected by the faculty members. One member of the support staff elected by the support staff.
*Two students elected by the students.

The President of BCIT and the Chair of the Education Council are non-voting members of the Board.

The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) officially opened October 4, 1964. Areas of study available were: Engineering, Health and Business.

On January 17th, 1958, the Minister of Education for the Province of British Columbia, the Hon. L. R. Petersen announced the appointment of the Royal Commission on Education for the Province of British Columbia for the “purpose of reviewing and assessing the educational system with he aim of improving its effectiveness in the light of world conditions and providing guidance for its future development.” Concurrent with the Commissions inquiry the Provincial Curriculum Advisory Board of the Department of Education appointed a committee directed by Mr. D. E. Bridge of the Vocational Training Branch of the Department of Labour, Ottawa to survey “The Need for Advanced Technical and Vocational Training in British Columbia.” As a result of the Royal Commission on Education, the Bridge Report and financial assistance from the Federal Government, an Advisory Council was formed early 1961 to begin planning what would become the British Columbia Institute of Technology. Dr. J. English, Deputy Minister and Superintendent of Education was appointed chairman and Mr. J. S. White, Director of Technical and Vocational Education, vice-chair.

Until 1974 BCIT was directly controlled and funded by the B.C. Department of Education, in partnership with an Advisory Council chosen from business and industry. The council appointed the Principal of BCIT as the Chief Executive Officer of the Institute. Two Vice-Principals were responsible for Administration and the growing Extension Division. The three divisions of Engineering, Business and Health were managed by three Directors reporting directly to the Principal. The Council formed seventeen advisory committees which met at least twice a year and advised Technology Heads at BCIT about the effectiveness of the programs being taught, opportunities for employment and updates in the industry. Recommendations went through the Principal who carried them to the main Advisory Council. In 1963, the Department of Education took a radical departure from existing government policy and allowed the BC Civil Service Commission to delegate responsibility for selecting teaching staff to the Institute, via the Advisory Council and Principal.

In 1972, the Minister of Education established a task force to recommend future directions for BCIT. A more autonomous relationship developed between the provincial government and BCIT with the passage of the British Columbia Institute of Technology Act on July 4, 1974. The Act established a new system of governance for BCIT under a fifteen–person Board of Governors. Under Section 11 (3) of the BCIT Act the Principal was required to submit an Annual Report to the Board of Governors for the educational year. The position of Principal was expanded to encompass linking functions both between the Board of Governors and BCIT, and between BCIT and the external community. The Principal assumed the responsibility of implementing Board policy and administering the budget; she also served as the chief means of mobilizing the institute’s resources in recognizing and clarifying issues and expediting decision making. At the same time, three Executive Director positions were created in the areas of Technical Education; Administration; and Personnel and Information Services and Student Services, in order that BCIT could effectively carry on day-to-day operations while implementing a variety of administrative systems. With the Directors of the five Educational Divisions, the Bursar, the Registrar, and the Coordinator of Planning Services, the Executive Directors were members of an Executive Committee, a consultative body which advised the Principal and served as a channel of communication between the Chief Executive Officer and the institutes staff, students and faculty.

In 1978 the Boards of the Pacific Vocational Institute (PVI) and BCIT established a Joint Boards Committee, enhancing the relationship of the neighbours and providing a forum for cooperation between the institutions in matters of mutual interest. On May 31, 1985, the Honourable John H. Heinrich, then Minister of Education announced the decision to amalgamate the Pacific Vocational Institute (PVI) and the British Columbia Institute of Technology. The merger culminated in a new organizational structure, a mission statement and a set of corporate objectives for BCIT. The expanded mandate for the new institution included:

• A centre of excellence for the trades
• The development of new technology programs
• The development of post diploma programs
• The development of bridging programs from trades to technology

The official merger took place on April 1, 1986. In July 1985, the President and the Board of Governors appointed Drug Svetic Vice President, Education; Duncan McPherson Vice President, Finance; Len McNeely Vice President, Administration; and Peter Jones Vice President, Student Services and Educational Support. The reorganization of BCIT’s educational division resulted five schools, adding an Executive Director of Trades Training and the introduction of an associate dean structure.

In 2004, BCIT's governing legislation became the College and Institute Act, RSBC 1996, ch. 5 (2). Under this Act, the President is defined as BCIT's Chief Executive Office, with the duty to “supervise and direct subject to bylaws, the instructional, administrative and other staff of the institution and exercise powers and perform duties assigned to the president by the board.” The President is to report to the Board annually on the progress of the Institute, make recommendations, and advise the Board on all matters concerning the operation of the Institute.

The first meeting of the Council of Post Secondary Library Directors [CPSLD] was held at the request of Dennis Franklin, Executive Secretary of the Academic Advisory Board for Higher Education in British Columbia. The meeting took place at the University of British Columbia [UBC] library on October 10, 1969, and was chaired by Basil Stuart‐Stubbs.
Representatives included;
Basil Stuart‐Stubbs, UBC, Del Affleck, Capilano College, Don Baird, SFU, I. F. Bell, UBC, Doug Bridges, Malsaplina College, J. Cheng, Okanagan College, R. L. Davison, Library Development Commission, Robert Harris, BCIT, Dennis Franklin, Academic Board, Dean Halliwell, University of Victoria, John Mansbridge, Selkirk College, Ron Welwood, Notre Dame University.
Issues addressed included the need for resource sharing and for new, library standards to be developed. It was decided at this meeting that the librarians would offer to act in an advisory capacity of an Advisory Committee to the Academic Board. Meetings were held two or three times a year to discuss items of mutual concern, to provide input to the Ministry on items of importance to the Council and to be a liaison to the Ministry on Library matters. The group was known interchangeably as the College and University Librarians of BC or College Librarians Group until 1976, when the title Post Secondary Library Directors Association (PSLDA) was adopted.
PSLDA's objectives were to

act as an advisory Body to government and other groups concerned with post‐secondary library services, such as the College Principles Group and the BCAC. to help facilitate exchange of information among post‐secondary library directors to promote the development of methods for cooperative endeavours to facilitate research planning and development in identified areas of concern to initiate conjoint response to developments within post‐secondary education.

In April, 1977, the PSLDA Strategies Committee consultation with the Ministry of Education proposed a revised set of objectives that would better meet the changing directions of provincial libraries. The new objectives included "to act as the council of college, vocational and technological institution libraries in relationship to the development of the network of BC Libraries." By 1978 the title Council of Post‐Secondary Library Directors [CPSLD] had been adopted.

BCIT Archives exists to acquire, preserve, organize and provide access to the materials that uphold the legal and historical record of BCIT and the BCIT community. The need for establishing an Archives at BCIT was acknowledged and argued for by Library and Records Management staff starting in 2002. The BCIT Archives was first professionally staffed in 2005.

Between 1965 and 1974 the BCIT Student Association was primarily concerned with student’s social and recreational activities, particularly sports. Funding for Student Association activities were provided by an activity fee of $15 levied against each student. In 1966 the Association produced its first year book. In 1969 the SA successfully lobbied the provincial government for the construction of a Student Activity Centre. The construction of the Centre was completed in 1971. In 1983, phase 1 of the new Campus Centre was opened. The building was to include racquet ball courts and office spaces. Phase 2 would include a new pub and cafeteria.

BCIT Student Society executives include the following individuals:

1965-1966 Kenneth McLean 1966-1967 Eric Schultz 1967-1968 Douglas Hall 1968-1969 Brian Hall 1969-1970 Julio Russo 1970-1971 Edgar Rhomberg 1971-1972 Laurie Jack 1972-1973 Tony Schelling
*1973-1974 Grahame Fane

1984 Antoine Van Dierendonck 1985 Donald Rippon

The Alumni Association of the British Columbia Institute of Technology was incorporated March 16, 1970.

The BCIT Alumni Association is a registered, non-profit society governed by a board of volunteer directors and financed by association affinity programs, sponsorship, and institute support. The Alumni Association was revitalized in 1984 at the time of BCIT's 20th anniversary. By 1990 it had over 25,000 members, offered 11 entrance scholarships and actively fundraising for current BCIT students. In 2012 the association has more than 140,000 members (graduates), of which approximately 115,721 are recorded and 80,000 are active on the database.

The Alumni Association hosts the following events:
Annual General Meeting, BCIT Alumni Open Golf Tournament, Distinguished Alumni Awards.

The Alumni Association sponsors the following student events:
Schmoozapalooza, hosted by BCIT Marketing Communications students.
Student in Free Enterprise (SIFE) annual FUSE Gala networking event. Fuse aims to reconnect accomplished BCIT Alumni with the best and brightest business students, as well as provide successful industry professionals with the opportunity to recruit new employees and source new contacts.

Departments within the school include: Academic Studies (Basic Health Sciences, Chemistry, Communication, Liberal Studies, Mathematics, and Physics), Computing and IT (Computing), and Forensics (Forensic Science & Technology).
Academic Studies, which includes the departments of Math, Chemistry, Physics, Communication, and Liberal Studies provide essential building blocks for technologies and credentials.
BCIT students are given applied and theoretical knowledge, as well as advanced skills in critical thinking, applied ethics, and research methodology for career success.
Academic Studies also manages the Technology Entry Program which bridges into BCIT credentials, as well as the Technical Writing Certificate.
The Computing and IT department works with industry and subject matter experts, and has developed 30 different Computing and IT career-oriented program options which lead to certificates, diplomas, and a bachelor’s degree, full-time and part-time.
Every year they also provide over 350 individual Part-time "COMP" courses at night and on weekends. Our alumni become the future managers, entrepreneurs and leaders in the Computing and IT sector.
The Forensics department offers flexibility and specialization. Options for students include degrees and specialty certificates in Forensic Science, Computer Crimes, Intelligence Analysis, Forensic Health Sciences and Forensic Video Analysis.

The BCIT Educational Council was created in 1979 by a Board of Governors by-law. Represented on the Council were deans, vice-principals, department heads, Board-elected provincial representatives, alumni, students, representatives from advisory committees, unions, and associations as well as faculty and technical staff elected at large. The Board Secretary served as Secretary to the Council. The first meeting took place on October 25, 1979. Patricia Maertz served as secretary through 1988. Meetings were scheduled on the last Thursday of each month except July and August. Factual summaries of Council proceedings were published in BCIT Developments. Outlined in the by-law were the terms of reference of the Council. These included the review of: educational policies, programs and priorities of the Institute, reports of various committees established by the Council and
*the performance and effectiveness of advisory committees, as well as the establishment of a student appeals committee.
In November 1987 the Education Council approved terms of reference for Councils in the Schools of Engineering Technologies, Health Sciences, Business and Trades Training. The Schools’ Councils were to make recommendations to the B.C.I.T. Educational Council on matters relating to educational policy, programs and priorities, which potentially affected the Institute as a whole. In November 1987 the responsibilities of the Educational Council were redefined to include an annual review of the Institute’s mission statement and educational objectives, and the preparation of a report and recommendations on progress in achieving Institute objectives. In March 1995 a new Educational Council was established following amendments to the Institute of Technology Act in 1994.

Since its formation in 1979, the Educational Council has established a number of committees to deal with specific issues relating to educational policy and procedures. Over the years these have included committees on education, program evaluation, policy and planning, educational standards, programs and priorities, staff development, student services, student appeals, agenda, nominating, ‘set concept’, as well as ad hoc committees.

The Canadian Vocational Association was created in 1960 by federal charter as a non-profit organization to promote and foster education and training which leads to occupational competence.

In 1975 the Marine Training Centre, began providing training in navigation and engineering. Following the establishment of the Marine Training Advisory Council in 1975, it was decided that the responsibilities of the Centre should be increased. As a result, in 1978, it was designated a Provincial Institute and renamed the Pacific Marine Training Institute (PMTI).

In 1994 the PMTI was amalgamated with the British Columbia Institute of Technology to become BCIT's Pacific Marine Training Campus.

The BCIT Marketing and Communications Department began in 1974 in conjunction with BCIT’s first year as an autonomous entity under a Board of Governors rather than under the direct control of the British Columbia Department of Education. BCIT Principal Gordon A. Thom created three new Executive Directorships in this year: Technology and Education; Administration; and Personnel, Information Services and Student Services. The Marketing and Communications Department started as an area of service provided under the Executive Director, Personnel, Student Services and Information Services. It was known as Information Services although the term “communications” was used to describe its duties and responsibilities. The first Director of Information Services was recruited in 1975 and was responsible for information dissemination among BCIT staff, students, faculty and the public. Ensuring relevant parties were aware of decisions and developments at BCIT and providing a mechanism for feedback. In 1975 the Director of Information Services began work on an information policy for BCIT and revived the newsletter “Developments” which enhanced internal BCIT communications.
In 1977 Information Services was moved under the Human Resources Division. During this time Information Services continued its broad-based program of internal and external communications. The department served as liaison between federal and provincial governments on the residence project, participated in presentations on Bill 82, and began work on revitalizing the Alumni Association.
In 1979 Information Services, still under Vice President Human Resources, underwent a name change and was known as the Public Relations department.
After the merger with the Pacific Vocational Institute in 1985 the department was again moved and given a name change. Now known as Community Relations, the Director of Community Relations/Development reported to the Vice President of Student Services and Educational Support.

The BCIT Safety, Security and Emergency Management department works with BCIT academic programs and service areas in providing a safe, secure and disaster resilient environment.

Since 2000 the BCIT School of Transportation has been a North American leader in transportation training, producing the high-quality, job-ready graduates in demand by the aerospace, marine, motive, and rail sectors.

Strategically located directly at the Asia Pacific Gateway, the School of Transportation delivers accredited and globally recognized programs tailored to meet the human capital needs of the transportation industry.

The School of Transportation has its roots in BCIT's School of Trades Training Apprenticeship Programs; drawing from Apprenticeship Programs, Aviation Trades and Mechanical Trades.

On April 1st, 1978, Pacific Vocational Institute (PVI) assumed its official status as an independent crown corporation. PVI was to function under one board of industrial representatives who would maintain direct financial control, planning and operation of the institution.
Appointed by cabinet, the following individuals were named to the board of governors:
Mr. Leslie R. Redford, Frank Redder, Don Fearey, Jake Wyman, Donald Doyle, E. A. Killough, T. Wyman Trineer, T. Stuart Mathieson, and Nadine Sherwin.
The PVI Board of Governors had three senior officers:
L.R. Redford 1978-1981
T.W. Trineer 1981-1984
F. Sondergaard 1985-1986

By 1983, the school registered about 23,000 students a year. Classes consisted of accounting, aviation, business administration, clerical, marketing, construction, building service, painting and decorating, food training, graphics, photography, industrial safety, instructor training, personal development, mechanical, piping, plumbing and gas, steel, welding, drafting, electrical, industrial electronics for electricians, industrial mathematics, non-destructive testing, and refrigeration.

Henry Justesen was the sole Principal of PVI, 1978-1986.

In 1962, shortly after assuming the Office of Principal, Cecil Roper called a meeting with senior staff at the UBC library to discuss how the library needs of BCIT students could be best met. Together with Sophie Laddy, Head of Science and Technology Division of the Vancouver Public Library an Advisory Committee was formed. The first meeting of the Committee was held on December 17, 1962. In 1964, Joan Jorgensen was appointed Head Librarian.
The library originally occupied a 4375 square foot space room in the main building of the Burnaby Campus. Basic materials were housed for general courses such as Physics, Mathematics, English and Chemistry with the intent to expand the collection to include materials on technologies taught at the Institute such as engineering, electronics, and business, forestry, medical and mining technologies. By 1966, the library had outgrown its allocated space. The Advisory Committee, under the leadership of Basil J. Stuart Stubbs, Head Librarian at UBC, submitted plans that were eventually approved, for the construction of a new library building.
The new building officially opened for service in August 1968. The new premises occupied two floors of 19,000 square feet each, providing adequate space to seat 500 students and to have a collection of 100,000 volumes. Provision was also made for a student lounge, a fully equipped student typing and calculating room, a microfilm reading room and a faculty reading room.
That same year Robert Harris succeeded Jorgensen as Head Librarian. The following year the service of providing audio-visual aids and equipment was incorporated into the library as the Audio-Visual Department. The Information Resource Centre was thus formed and came under the direction of Harris. Harris resigned in 1975 and was succeeded by Jos Carver. Under Carver, the automation of library operations began. By 1979, 75,000 records had been converted to microfiche. In 1983, IBM’s integrated library system DOBIS was purchased to meet the library’s needs. BCIT was the first academic library in Canada to have a computer database of resources.
In 1985, following administrative reorganization of the institute, Paula Pick was selected as Institute Librarian for the new multi-campus library, which consisted of the amalgamated facilities, staff and collections of the former Pacific Vocational Institute and BCIT Library. The two institutes merged officially on April 1, 1986.
The position of Institute Librarian has been held by the following individuals:

• Joan Jorgensen - 1962-1967
• Robert Harris - 1968-1975
• Jos Carver - 1976-1985
• Paula Pick - 1985-1993
• Brigitte Peter Cherneff - 1993-2007
• David Pepper – 2008–2015
• James Rout – 2016-2018
• Alison Nussbaumer - 2018-present