In some institutions, service, teaching, and creativity are risky for faculty seeking promotion or tenure. To change this, governing boards must design reward systems that are appropriate to the institution's mission, are sensitive to discipline and individual differences, and incorporate assessment that is appropriate, perceived as fair, and…

The Howard University (District of Columbia) policy on tenure, as defined in the new faculty handbook, allows the board of trustees exceptional power in removing faculty. At a time when Howard University faculty are enjoying greater participation than ever in governance, this and other policy issues are creating faculty dissatisfaction. (MSE)

A researcher answers questions on emerging forms of higher education governance. She suggests that, although mergers and cooperative interinstitutional ventures offer opportunities for growth, trustees must evaluate carefully their potential benefits and dangers, remember what the institution stands for, and act in the public interest as directly…

As objective outsiders, consultants can bring a fresh and unbiased view to institutional needs and perspectives. However, careful preliminary screening of consulting firms by colleges and universities considering their use is important, addressing a variety of cost considerations; prospective firms' experience and success record; and the specific…

Internal reform in higher education management will require containment of excessive administrative growth, streamlining procedures, shifting focus from individuals to the organization, encouraging leadership, restructuring governing boards, eliminating duplicated effort, clarifying priorities, revamping the reward system, and creating…

Describes a study of 300 community college governing board chairs' knowledge of and involvement with regional and discipline-specific accreditation processes. Indicates that, generally, chairs valued accreditation activities and felt that their boards were fully aware of and participated in those processes. (MAB)

Presents proposed revisions of bylaws of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Bylaws cover the association's purpose, offices, governing board, members, officers, limitations on directors, indemnification, special measures, miscellaneous provisions, amendments, and the Illinois General Not-for-Profit Corporation Act of…

In the coming reauthorization of the Higher Education Act, Congress will carefully examine the purpose, accessibility, process, and administration of student aid program. The deliberations promise to be extensive. Eight specific student aid policy issues to be addressed are identified. (Author/MSE)

The debate about the "cashability" of faculty pension benefits raises questions about intent, fairness, and who controls what. Boards must weigh whether to allow faculty and staff to withdraw or transfer pension funds such as TIAA-CREF (Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association-College Retirement Equities Fund). (Author/MSE)

Increasingly, colleges and universities are using consultants to help search committees find the right president for the institution. Search consultants bring experience, historical and national perspectives, objectivity, personal knowledge of candidates, and a professional approach. Energy, enthusiasm, and style are important consultant…

Discusses principles for allocation of endowment funds by governing boards, including intergenerational equity, the inherent conflict between an institution's operating budget and its endowment, the importance of achieving financial integrity, and spending policies in volatile markets. Guidelines for board-reviewing policies are offered. (DB)

Describes the role of the community college president as both a fund raiser and a development team leader. Argues that the development team (trustees, foundation board members, and resource development professionals) should work closely with the president to plan and implement strategies to secure external funds. (74 references.) (JDI)

Describes how state higher education governing boards can use benchmarking to provide direction for colleges and universities. Provides an in-depth example and indicators used by selected state higher education boards. (EV)

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…

In an effort to bring greater conceptual richness and analytical rigor to bear on the question of postsecondary policy innovation, this study builds on the work of Hearn and Griswold (1994) by analyzing the determinants of state policy innovation in the postsecondary arena over nearly a 20-year period. Specifically, the authors employ longitudinal…