This publication is part of an 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 included in this text support the objectives of board committees:…

Alternative investments (those that exhibit risk and return properties not easily attainable from traditional asset classes) constitute an investment option that no modern college or university investment strategist can ignore. Colleges and universities with larger allocations to alternatives outperformed institutions with smaller allocations in…

A discussion of alternative investments for colleges and universities looks at the kinds of investments that comprise this group, rationales for making such investments, the advantages of diversification, risk issues, and ways to reduce risk, including careful selection of managers. Several strategies for getting started in alternative investments…

Discussion of endowment management for colleges and universities focuses on common endowment problems and common investment mistakes. Recommendations for boards of trustees include development or revision of written rules governing the structure of the investment committee; hiring or expanding investment staff and specialized consultants; and…

Discussion of investment of planned gifts to colleges and universities identifies three common administrative problems (inappropriate investment strategies, tracking of performance, no performance comparisons), three factors focusing greater attention on planned gifts (fiduciary responsibilities, rapid growth in planned giving, donor…