Public systems are uniquely positioned to lead transformative change in higher education, both in terms of how public institutions are structured and how academic programs and instruction are delivered. Given the scope of the institutions under system auspices and the scale of students who are enrolled at system-affiliated institutions, systems…

This biennial publication frames the most pressing challenges currently facing colleges and universities--those that demand the board's strategic oversight, vision, and accountability to advance excellence in governance and outcomes for students. The current competitive economic environment and polarized political climate present unique challenges…

State policymakers and the public at large have a vested interest in the successful governance of their higher education institutions. The citizens who are appointed or elected to serve as board members of a state's colleges and universities oversee valuable public assets that they hold in trust for the state and for current and future…

AGB has been collecting data and tracking trends on the composition of college and university governing boards since the late 1960s, and on the composition of foundation governing boards since 1985. "Policies, Practices, and Composition of?Governing Boards of Colleges, Universities, and Institutionally Related Foundations 2021" and its…

This biennial publication frames the most pressing challenges currently facing colleges and universities--those that demand the board's strategic oversight, vision, and accountability to govern with confidence. The coronavirus pandemic has had profound effects on the operational and financial health of colleges and universities over the previous…

In this highly disruptive and uncertain period for higher education, while governing boards and the senior leadership of colleges and universities may be fulfilling their roles conscientiously, their efforts may not be enough to ensure the long-term viability of their institution's business model. Pre-COVID-19 market forces presented significant…

Historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) hold an iconic position within American higher education. But HBCUs are at an inflection point. While HBCUs include iconic liberal arts colleges and leading research universities, many struggle financially and are finding it difficult to perform well in terms of student enrollment, retention,…

Accreditation is a critical tool for quality assurance and accountability for higher education, signaling an institution's commitment to academic quality and fiscal integrity. The Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) published this statement to help board…

This publication frames the most pressing challenges currently facing colleges and universities--those that influence how each institution operates and that demand the board's strategic oversight and vision. The ability of a governing board to deal effectively with these issues can have a major impact on an institution's success: (1) Educational…

The Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) is pleased to share this fifth publication in a series of informational briefings developed as part of The Guardians Initiative: Reclaiming the Public Trust, an effort to educate and engage trustees as advocates on key issues in higher education. The U.S. higher education…

Public higher education is a major recipient of state funding and resources. As such, public colleges and universities directly respond to state needs for higher education and are required to provide transparency in decision-making, which is codified in state open-meeting and record laws. These laws, often termed "sunshine laws," present…

The role of college president comes with many challenges, requiring deft maneuvering in many different contexts and considerable planning. While focused on the daily business at hand, however, a university leader may not invest in the requisite level of thinking, planning, and strategizing that is needed to leave the presidency when it comes time…

The Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) is pleased to share this sixth publication in a series of informational briefings developed as part of The Guardians Initiative: Reclaiming the Public Trust, an effort to educate and engage trustees as advocates on key issues in higher education. Institutional endowments are…

This report is the seventh publication in a series of informational briefings developed as part of "The Guardians Initiative: Reclaiming the Public Trust," an effort to educate and engage trustees as advocates on key issues in higher education. The report shows how academic research generates technological, educational, and cultural…

Smaller, private, independent institutions of higher education across the United States are facing challenging times. This white paper by Edwin H. Welch, president of the University of Charleston, shares lessons gleaned from the institution's innovative efforts over almost 30 years. Welch's hope is that the experiences at the University of…