The Association of Governing Boards' Office of Public Policy, whose function is to keep member trustees informed about public policy issues on the national and state levels, is discussed. The need for a communications link between colleges and the public, media and government is emphasized. (MLW)

Methods used at the University of Richmond to rethink its mission and develop a five-year plan with budgets are outlined, including setting up task forces, keeping to deadlines, budgeting, allowing minority views, keeping the trustees apprised and committed, and getting faculty reactions. (MSE)

Needs assessment methodology has grown remarkably as a necessary part of evaluating human service programs. The consumer survey method of needs assessment is reviewed. Problems in designing and implementing consumer surveys and training programs are discussed. (JKS)

An AGB-sponsored study of Catholic colleges shows laicization of Catholic college governing boards has become extensive in scope and positive in impact, contributing to institutional survival potential without diluting the Catholic mission. (JMF)

The major theme of the Carnegie Commission's report is that higher education has a good record for integrity. However, there are serious concerns: grade inflation, recruiting practices, vandalism. Governing boards can play an important role in addressing the problems. One example is the survey inspired by the University of Delaware board.…

Reviews the current roles and responsibilities of college presidents and board members in maintaining good relationships, and proposes a new board structure along with a mechanism for joint review. (RC)

Describes the history and development of Wyoming's seven community colleges, which are overseen and coordinated by the seven-member Community College Commission. Discusses the colleges' 1990 management audit by outside consultants, whose recommendations led to 1991's Post Secondary Education Omnibus Act. Presents the distinct characteristics of…

Data on characteristics of superintendents of American residential schools for the deaf were gathered in a 1999 survey. Comparison with characteristics of superintendents of public schools found the groups shared beliefs about their essential responsibilities but differed in how they characterized their relationships with their governing boards.…

Boards should clearly establish what is expected of the university president, including the six elements of good leadership: tolerance of freedom, tolerance of uncertainty, the ability to integrate motives and efforts into a meaningful aggregate, the ability to persuade, the ability to represent the institution, and influence with superiors. (MSE)

A two-year national study of effective college presidents found that effective presidents think and behave differently from their representative counterparts. Three basic leadership attitudes and behaviors were: those related to the person; those reflected in the position; and those evident in social relationships. (MLW)

The Supreme Court blocked a desegregation plan that would have required a sweeping reorganization of public higher education in Louisiana and the merger of the Southern University and Louisiana State University law schools. The governor wants to create a single higher-education governing board. (MLW)

A study of governing board effectiveness in private liberal arts and comprehensive colleges is discussed. Effective boards manifest their concern for community in three ways: they enact institutional values; consult with key constituencies; and judge their own performance in terms of their relationships with others. (MLW)

Higher Education faces two issues in capital renewal and replacement: (1) quantifying and funding the accumulated backlog of capital needs due to deferred maintenance, and (2) developing an ongoing funding plan to ensure backlogs do not accumulate in the future. (MSE)

If trustees and presidents see themselves merely as managers and apply only the measures of corporate success to their enterprise, higher education is doomed to fail. The most critical problem facing the nation is to bring the most disadvantaged children into the educational mainstream and keep them there. (Author/MLW)

Describes a project to develop a set of criteria for assessing the managerial effectiveness of community college administrative personnel. Indicates that a review of the literature led to a list of 70 management audit assessment criteria that were subsequently evaluated by a panel of experts using the Delphi method. (29 citations) (MAB)