Due to their common history, Finland and Sweden share many similarities. However, important differences have also developed in constitutional law, political culture and governance models. These differences have affected the implementation of international trends in the governance of higher education in the two countries. Both the Finnish and…

Two conditions are needed to effect large-scale reforms in academia: a hierarchical, top-down system of governance that can enact sweeping changes, and for that system to be controlled or heavily influenced by those outside the system. Strong board governance provides both of those conditions. Most university boards, especially the public ones,…

While academic governance does not produce teaching and research, it provides the conditions that enable them to take place. The principal academic governance body within universities, the academic board (also known as the academic senate or faculty senate), therefore plays a key role in enabling universities to conduct their core business.…

There are major structural issues in the higher education system in Pakistan leading to poor governance of institutions and questionable quality of education. This paper looks at the differences in the role of boards of governors in maintaining quality of education in both the public and the private sector universities in Pakistan. After having…

Controversies over higher education governance are in the news these days. The most recent occurred this summer when several members of the board of the University of Virginia asked the president, Teresa A. Sullivan, to resign, only to be forced to reinstate her after protests from students, faculty, donors, alumni, and others. That situation…

State support for public colleges and universities is based on a historic relationship; these institutions were established to perform the public service mission of predominantly educating residents from local and state-wide communities at a lower price than private, independent colleges and universities. In return, the states appropriated funds…

With all the trials and tribulations, the job of a university president is one of the most rewarding. Yet, like every other aspect of society, the academic presidency has changed over the last several decades. A surprise turn of events gave the author an opportunity to reflect on the "then and now" question. Having served as president of…

For at least four decades, the University of California has been the international gold standard in public higher education. The system's 10 campuses are magnets for top-notch faculty members and students. With an annual budget of $18-billion, the university includes five medical centers and three national laboratories. And one of every 10 members…

Discusses a Cleveland philanthropist who is suspending his support for local causes until Case Western Reserve University overhauls its governance to his liking. (EV)

The greatest weakness of US liberal education is that students are not encouraged to learn outside the rigidly structured system of courses, credits, grades, and frequent tests. Some criticisms of liberal education concern professors who are more devoted to their disciplines than to their students, and the lack of diversification of curricula for…

Using extensive legal documentation, including general laws, the Wisconsin and Federal Constitution, court cases, and legislation, this paper discusses the authority and purpose of the Wisconsin State Universities, how this authority is exerted over students, and whether these acts of authority are legal and conform with the stated purposes.…

Compares university governance in the U.S., Great Britain and Australia. (HS)

There has been a trend in state government toward tighter and tighter centralization that, though done in the name of greater economy and efficiency, is in large part a reach for political power. Not all services of the state can be performed well if integrated into a single monolithic administrative pyramid with all other state services and…

Good working relationships with governors and state legislators are extremely important to trustees. It is important to approach the governor and legislators mindful of and sympathetic to the state's total needs. (MLW)

Ideally, a college board of trustees is the final authority that also delegates almost every function. However, the specific things the board does are related to how it was formed and what it was created to do. Some traditions and expectations are outlined. (Author/MSE)