The Council is the governing body of 5CLIR, with authority to manage all educational, organizational, and budget matters of 5CLIR. The Council consists of six officers plus nine additional elected members. The Executive Committee is comprised of the officers. The nine at-large Council members are elected to staggered three-year terms.

The Historian is appointed by the President, with approval of Council, for a three-year term, reappointed on a year-to-year basis. The Liaison to Five Colleges, Inc. is appointed by the Executive Committee for a three-year term, reappointed on a year-to-year basis. The Ombudsman is appointed by the President, with approval of Council, for a one-year term, reappointed on a year-to-year basis.