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…

This analysis of the control and coordination of higher education programs involves those colleges and universities in Virginia that operate under direct state control. Chapter I explains why the report deals only with external controls rather than with the internal organization and structure of the institutions discussed. Chapter II presents…

A list of trustee responsibilities, as adapted from a private college's trustee handbook, includes suggestions for active involvement in decision making, self-education about the institution and issues, and participation in meetings. (MSE)

Role of boardroom table shape in college/university governing board decision making is considered. Boards are urged to consider whether boardroom table and room design accurately reflect institutional/group culture and whether they lead to information sharing and collaboration. A semicircular table design is seen as directing energy toward a…

The governance structures in higher education institutions in the United States and abroad are so diverse as to defy generalization or easy classification. A taxonomy for these varied systems is presented, based on levels of decisionmaking authority. The classification scheme has four premises: (1) education should have different emphases in…

From the late 1960s to the spring of 1970 there was an acceleration of anti-war protest and political movements. At Stanford University this period was characterized by controversy, deep divisions within the university community, disruption of classes, student strikes, and the presence of uniformed police on campus. In this environment of…

Discusses responses to a 1990 survey of 21 Chief Librarians of medium-sized public libraries in Ontario regarding experiences working with the Library Board. Topics addressed include the powers and role of the board, balance and limits of power, informing the board, working with the municipality, the working relationship, clarifying expectations,…

The distinction between college policy and administration may sometimes be fine but is essential for presidents and boards to understand. Two-way commmunication and consideration are important; trustees and presidents must work together and keep each other informed. (MSE)

Confusion and conflict between college administration and policy formation are discussed. A reformulation of trustee, administrator, and faculty responsibility is proposed in which policy-making and implementation are shared, in varying proportions according to institution size and type, and in which the administration is encouraged to formulate…

Ten categories and subcategories of governance type for state higher education institutions in the United States are outlined. Historical and legal precedent for the two major components of these governance types (coordinating and governing boards) are examined and the appropriateness and conflicts in their roles are discussed. (MSE)

Board functions, participation, activities, and program outcomes of the Detroit Center for Professional Growth and Development were studied to determine the effects of a change in board membership on the functioning of the center. From 1975 to September 1979, the center's governing board had been composed of key officials, several whom were…

This paper discusses the problems and issues involved in the organizational structure of the National Laboratory on Early Childhood Education. The National Laboratory, which consisted of a coordination center and six university based research and development centers, was organized for the purpose of planning, sponsoring and conducting research and…

A study is presented to determine (1) where people influential in public university governance believe various typical decisions are being made and (2) where they believe those decisions should be made. The kinds of issues that bring about most disagreement as to proper authority in governance and administration are identified. Centralization of…

A disagreement between the George Mason University (Virginia) faculty senate and its governing board over how much credit to award for R.O.T.C. (Reserve Officers Training Corps) courses has escalated into a major confrontation over faculty authority over the curriculum and academic policy. The board questions whether the faculty senate is…