This report is an investigation into the crisis in academic governance that has occurred in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many institutions faced dire challenges in the 2020-21 academic year; for some, the pandemic exacerbated long-festering conditions. It was found that, at other institutions, governing boards and administrations opportunistically exploited the pandemic, using it as an excuse to put aside established academic governance processes and unilaterally close programs and lay off faculty members. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented the most serious challenges to academic governance in the last fifty years. This report focuses on case investigations at eight institutions: Canisius College (NY), Illinois Wesleyan University, Keuka College (NY), Marian University (WI), Medaille College (NY), National University (CA), University of Akron, and Wittenberg University (OH). It is hoped that this report will serve as a reminder of why American Association of University Professors (AAUP)-recommended principles and standards of academic governance have historically been, and should continue to be, followed by leaders of reputable institutions of higher education in the United States.