The style of most public university governing boards is perfunctory policymaking, when it should be concerned with making dynamic improvements to create a more responsive institution. Many public university trustees are simply unaware of the sweeping nature of their governance responsibilities, and many important issues never show up on board…

Counters the criticism of the statement by the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges on governance and suggests that the critics have misconstrued the statement an attack on shared governance. Suggests that what was intended was an affirmation of governance principles and standards of good practice that reflect a governing…

In some states, the higher education coordinating board is threatened with reduced autonomy or even dissolution. Boards must carefully execute their leadership role, protect their nonpartisan character, create a vision for higher education in the state, become its chief proponent, and plan strategically by differentiating college missions and…

Foundations affiliated with public higher education institutions can avoid having to open records for public scrutiny, by having independent boards of directors, occupying leased office space or paying market value for university space, using only foundation personnel, retaining legal counsel, being forthcoming with information and use of public…

A discussion of accreditation in higher education looks at current external criticisms and internal weaknesses of the system and suggests that to continue this privilege of self-regulation, higher education must address issues of educational quality and revise the accreditation model to be more effective. (MSE)

The system of college and university governance that has created fine institutions is now inadequate. Institutions should consider restructuring their governance systems in ways that clarify authority and accountability. Faculty must commit themselves to responsibility outside their disciplines. Administrators and trustees must make difficult…

The author of recommended reforms for public college and university governing boards that had been outlined in an Association of Governing Boards policy paper, responds to criticism of the reform strategies and expands on his suggestions in four areas: the call for larger boards; merit selection of trustees; greater trustee philanthropy; and…

The processes of rebuilding the entire governing board and restructuring the damaged financial organization of Adelphi University (New York) are described. Legal issues are discussed, the role of the state board of regents in the investigation of the university's operation is examined, and the trustees' fiduciary duty of care is explored. (MSE)

The potential for conflict of interest in college and university trustees is high. A 1974 court decision (Stern vs. Sibley Memorial Hospital) established guidelines for trustees of nonprofit organizations, and a survey of 566 colleges and universities reveals how institutions are managing such conflicts through policy statements and…

Critics have condemned the state higher education coordinating board model as excessively bureaucratic, unresponsive to market demands, and indifferent to legitimate campus aspirations. Systems that prevail are those that collaborate in setting a statewide agenda; earn political support; present clear, meaningful missions; manage and resolve…

A reexamination of recommended reforms for public college and university governing boards, outlined in an Association of Governing Boards policy paper, suggests that borrowing approaches from private higher education will not necessarily solve the challenges facing private education. Issues discussed include the board's role and functions,…