The current higher education landscape poses a multitude of challenges both old and new that require governing boards to understand their fiduciary roles and act with strategic insight. Board retreats represent an often-underutilized opportunity--removed from everyday operational concerns--to focus on an institution's long-term strategic direction in a way that leverages a board's tremendous talents. AGB offers this book as a pragmatic tool to increase the effectiveness of board retreats. This manuscript features a group of authors who are some of the most respected and talented experts on the salient issues in contemporary higher education. Each chapter describes a key process or topic for a board retreat, common challenges boards face, and specific recommendations for improvement. Also included are four appendices providing key governance principles for all board members, presidents, and board professionals involved in planning and executing successful higher education board retreats.