Community colleges should carefully assess their role in the nation's economic development and consider redefining their missions to reflect labor force development needs faced by society. Joining forces with business and industry and working more closely with government-driven training programs may provide new resources to support the entire…

The college president's role in institutional leadership is discussed, focusing on the president's relationship with the governing board and his/her empowerment in the face of responsibility. Examples of presidents who have been able to transform institutions are offered. It is concluded that professional distance is an essential quality. (MSE)

Connecticut College has created a Young Alumni Trustee position to its governing board to serve as liaison between currently matriculated students and the board, to be a resource for board members unfamiliar with current student life, and to add breadth to board membership. The strategy was useful in formulating alcohol-use policy. (MSE)

As advances in technology create world economic and social interdependence, governing boards should make a long-term commitment to an expanded international agenda of curriculum and program development to prepare students at United States colleges and universities for excellence in the world community. A checklist is presented to assess…

College presidents who are successful at fund raising believe they are responsible for creating their institutions' fund-raising climate and that their enthusiasm for their institutions' mission and goals enhances giving. The president's effectiveness is an important factor in whether an institution prospers. Trustees should help through active…

Defining the college or university in terms of a shared vision of what distinguishes it from others can help unite constituencies and build a more effective student recruitment campaign. During declining enrollments, such unity of purpose can be crucial to institutional survival. (Author/MSE)

A discussion of accreditation in higher education looks at current external criticisms and internal weaknesses of the system and suggests that to continue this privilege of self-regulation, higher education must address issues of educational quality and revise the accreditation model to be more effective. (MSE)

The University of California's governing board has agreed to accept the top 4% of graduates from each high school in the state, the most significant expansion of the system's entrance criteria in two decades. The new policy will yield about 3,600 additional eligible students and improve racial/ethnic diversity, which is welcome after a ban on…

Argues that the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges' statement on governance calls for more centralized authority, rejecting both the principles and the practice of shared governance and diminishing the role of faculty. Suggests that the association revise its statement to include a better understanding of how academe…

Describes the process by which new community college presidents acclimate to their roles. Discusses a survey of 71 new community college CEOs. Provides conclusions and implications for improved practice, and includes recommended (and not recommended) actions and suggestions for current and future CEOs and boards of trustees. Contains 45…

Examines a recent trend in which Catholic colleges and universities distance themselves from their founding religious communities by incorporating under boards of trustees on which laypersons play a substantial role. Argues that contemporary analysis of this movement is inaccurate, and that "Ex Corde Ecclesiae," the Papal constitution on…

Describes a study that investigates faculty perception of shared governance and whether there exist differences of opinion resulting from institutional and demographic variables. Indicates that most faculty accept the notion of cooperation and collaboration in shared governance, and that differences based on region or location have little effect…

Considers the role of public library trustees in censorship challenges. Topics addressed include the need for clear library policies concerning censorship; informing trustees about First Amendment rights, challenges regarding problem patrons and age restrictions, the trustee as citizen as well as board member, and the board's need for appropriate…

Analysis of cooperative education policy documents from nine Ontario school districts indicated that statements about evaluation, remediation, equity, and teacher qualifications were inconsistent. Although the Ministry of Education and Training prescribes co-op for delivery of academic subjects. districts focus exclusively on career preparation…

Encourages college and university boards of trustees to plan for a recession despite the current flourishing economy and positive campus finances. Analyzes effects of recessions on tuition and discusses the need for each state to address its long-term structural deficits. Urges the creation of reserves and moderation of spending growth. (DB)