The ACLS is a private, non-profit federation of 63 national scholarly organizations. The Council, as defined in its Constitution , consists of a 15-member Board of Directors and one Delegate from each constituent society.
Delegates serve four-year terms and are selected by their respective societies.
The Delegates are represented by a seven-member Executive Committee. The Executive Committee of the Delegates serves as the Committee on Admissions. The Chair of the Executive Committee of the Delegates serves as an ex officio member of the Board of Directors. The CAO elects a seven-member Executive Committee, whose Chair also serves as an ex officio member of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors establishes and reviews policies, administers funds, oversees the investment of endowed funds, and reports on all major decisions to the constituent societies.