This publication is part of an Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) series devoted to strengthening the role of key standing committees of governing boards. While there is no optimum committee system for institutions of higher education, certain principles, practices, and procedures prevail. The best practices…

As Congress began debate last week over the size and scope of more than $120 billion in proposed emergency education aid, state leaders were anxiously awaiting the details so they could make specific plans to spend the economic-stimulus money. Governors, state legislators, and state schools chiefs have yet to learn what rules Congress will attach…

The First Condition Report provided policymakers and the general public a snapshot of where Ohio stands in providing the higher education services Ohio needs to be competitive in today's world. This Second Report focuses on facilities and technology. Five questions form the core of The Condition Report. These are: (1) Are Ohio's higher education…

This issue of "Legislative Review" takes a look at the news in higher education from February 2 to 6, 2009. This Legislative Review reports that: (1) HB 1447, a bill giving the Legislature authority to set tuition and fee rates, was heard in the House Education Committee Wednesday, February 4; (2) the Senate Finance and Taxation…

A new dormitory at Massachusetts Institute of Technology was constructed using a joint venture contract with safeguards and incentives that brought university, architect, and building contractor into a closer and more productive relationship than under conventional contract arrangements. (Author/MLF)

The University of North Florida used the latest technology to build a campus village. (Editor)

Discusses the appropriate role of the board of trustees in campus construction projects, including the need to be involved at the start and to understand hidden costs, and how to conserve trustee time. (EV)

Colleges and universities with mounting deficits may be tempted to sell surplus land for profit, but this is never a smart long-term choice. Through joint ventures and innovative financing, institutions can transform such holdings into development projects. In the current economy, there may be increased interest in such sites. (MSE)

Basic guidelines can help administrators find answers to questions about new construction techniques. (HS)

Survey shows little interest of 109 small, private, coeducational colleges in planning future dormitory construction. (IR)

Offers suggestions for facility managers who work with architects. Outlines what managers should do, such as clear decision making, and what they should not do, such as promising project delivery when not having control of all the variables. Provides a list of expectations and realities when working with architects. (RJM)

Describes the building plan of Orange County Community College that began in 1968 and now has six buildings. (PG)

Energy conservation efforts at the Lane Community College campus in Eugene, Oregon, are detailed, including facility modifications and computerized control systems. Efforts at other institutions and by the American Association of Community and Junior Colleges are also discussed. (LBH)

For colleges and universities, development of underused assets can be compatible with or supportive of the institution's purpose and also be financially rewarding. Providing alumni retirement housing can enhance institutional ties with alumni, in turn boosting recruitment and fund raising. Successful development requires a unique blend of…

This review of the literature on undergraduate libraries, the historical context from which they arose, and their status at the end of the 1970's points out that a long tradition of lack of concern for undergraduate bibliographical needs was broken dramatically in 1949 by the construction of Lamont Library, the Harvard undergraduate facility.…