Last August, the U.S. Department of Education disclosed that 149 nonprofit private colleges and universities had failed its "financial-responsibility test" for fiscal year 2008-2009. This article explains what the financial-responsibility test is and how it is used, explores what the implications might be for colleges and universities,…

In a time of transformation in higher education, "Leading Change: How Boards and Presidents Build Exceptional Institutions" fills a significant void in leadership literature and focuses on the changing level of board engagement. This book examines 18 institutions, across the spectrum of higher education, at which the board played a…

After becoming a college trustee at 27 years old, this author saw the harm that former presidents could cause. Later, when that trusteeship led him to switch careers and ultimately become the president of two institutions, he promised himself he would never make the mistake of hanging on too long or interfering with a successor's decision making.…

A thorough review conducted by the right person can be a priceless tool for boards and presidents, incumbent and newly appointed, in guiding their institutions. Good reviews often carry more weight than accreditation reports. Article includes a reading list detailing the tools reviewers need to begin an institutional evaluation. (Author/MSE)

In this article, the author argues that American higher education is allowing itself to be held hostage by the rankings industry, which can lead institutions to consider actions harmful to the public interest and encourage the public's infatuation with celebrity at the expense of substance. Instead of sitting quietly by during the upcoming ratings…

The problem that presidents and trustees face with their attorneys centers on education leaders' unfamiliarity with legal matters. Presidents and trustees must rely on lawyers for legal advice but should not delegate to attorneys the authority to make administrative and management decisions. (MLW)

Community college board members and chief executives alike recognize the importance of a professional approach to the evaluation of a chief executive, but few exemplary approaches can be found among American two-year colleges. Because of the importance of this matter, a committee was appointed by the president of the Association of Community…

This booklet for trustees of institutions of higher education provides guidelines for conducting a presidential search. The booklet notes that the presidential search can offer the institution an opportunity to take stock of its recent history and future prospects and draw a campus together. Among guidelines offered for planning the search are:…

Outlines a contribution theory of leadership that specifies desirable characteristics in future community college leaders. Describes changing environmental conditions supporting the theory. Reviews the presidential search process and needed changes if colleges are to recruit administrators who can provide positive leadership in the decade ahead.…

This publication argues for a tripartite policy in higher education that integrates presidential and board reviews and sets out assessment policies that recognize that finding and retaining executive leadership is the board's first responsibility, that integrate presidential and board performance reviews, that make clear that the governing board…

In 1989, a survey was conducted of community college presidents in Kansas to assemble information on community college practices concerning board of trustee meetings and communication. Seventeen of the 19 college presidents surveyed returned usable questionnaires. Study findings included the following: (1) only four of the responding presidents…

Every presidential search committee should: (1) look first at the critical issues for the institution; (2) develop a preferred qualifications profile, (3) use an administrative rather than academic emphasis in screening, and (4) search for candidates from within the instituton first. (MSE)

When colleges and universities seek new presidents and chancellors, search committee members and consultants usually focus on their responsibility to make judgments about the candidates. The competition for the strongest candidates can be fierce and fast. The search committee will be striving to attract these candidates by telling a compelling…

This document consists of the four issues in volume 12 of the "ACCT Trustee Quarterly," for winter 1987-88, spring 1988, summer 1988, and winter 1989, respectively. This journal presents articles on a wide variety of topics of interest and concern to two-year college trustees and other education professionals. The winter 1987-88 issue features…

Governing boards in search of a college president often look for the wrong kinds of qualifications, such as an earned doctorate, scholarship, and significant administrative experience in higher education. Presidents should be hired for their mental capacities, stamina, and the desire for spiritual rewards. (MSE)