Since 1701 with the adoption by the Connecticut Legislature of the Charter “to erect a Collegiate School,” Yale University has been guided by the Charter, including subsequent amendments, the By-Laws of the Corporation first promulgated in 1795, and the Miscellaneous Regulations, which codified a series of policies and procedures such as the Alumni Fellow election process, protection of the Yale name, and patent protection. The By-Laws and Miscellaneous Regulations may be amended from time to time upon vote of two-thirds of the trustees. In addition, throughout Yale’s history the president has appointed committees to explore important topics, and the recommendations of those committees shaped and influenced Yale’s governance and administration.