The State University of New York's chancellor and trustees devised an annual performance report to show constituents that they value accountability. The use of performance indicators would indicates how well the multicampus system meets its goals and provides data to enhance requests for more state funds and less regulation. (Author/MSE)

If trustees tried to abolish tenure, the resulting conflict would overwhelm intended gains. A more productive approach is to examine how trustees can work with administrators and faculty to make tenure policies and practices work for the institution. The governing board's role differs from that of faculty and administration. (Author/MSE)

College governing boards can help improve productivity by (1) refining the institution's mission to appropriately balance research and teaching in the faculty workload, and (2) establishing a collaborative strategic planning agenda with faculty and campus leaders. Results will benefit taxpayers, parents, and students alike. (MSE)

Governing boards in the United States and Canada have similar structures and wrestle with similar problems, but representation of faculty, staff, and students is more common on Canadian boards. Canadian institutions face a more difficult economic climate than their United States counterparts but are less preoccupied with forecast demographic…

The experience of Tufts University (Massachusetts) with environmental engineering has shown that efforts to reduce adverse environmental effects on campus need champions who can push the issues forward and who have the authority to act. The demonstrated commitment of top management is essential to a successful program. (Author/MSE)

The new president should know that his success depends on his vision of what constitutes good teaching, competent management, excellent personnel, effective promotion, and above all, outstanding service to students. Proactive efforts during the first 100 days give the administrator the best chance to build momentum for the institution's future.…

Channeling the energy of volunteer boards of parents and community members can produce unexpected dividends. At Alma College (Michigan), a parent board raises $250,000 annually and helps recruit new students. A formal and communicative relationship between advisory board and governing board is essential for effective operation. (Author/MSE)

Given the right incentives, many college faculty will retire early. With mandatory retirement of tenured faculty soon to be abolished, institutions may need to revamp their pension plans and introduce voluntary retirement-incentive options. These options include phased- and full-retirement programs. (Author/MSE)

Recent experience at Butler University (Indiana) shows that faculty will accept a responsible role in the pursuit of efficiency and productivity, but only if involved in a much more meaningful way than current college governance models support. The structure and functions of the Butler model are described, and advice on promoting effective…

College trustees have a responsibility to institute investment policies that preserve real endowment value. The chief financial officer's responsibility varies, but at a minimum should provide the board with essential information and ensure that trustees understand the importance of policy decisions. Critical tasks include establishing and…

Role of boardroom table shape in college/university governing board decision making is considered. Boards are urged to consider whether boardroom table and room design accurately reflect institutional/group culture and whether they lead to information sharing and collaboration. A semicircular table design is seen as directing energy toward a…

This article suggests that increasingly, college governing boards are using presidential evaluation techniques that compromise the incumbent president's ability to lead. If the board feels it has an objective evaluation method, it should not accept self-motivated faculty evaluations. Guidelines are offered for both formal and informal assessments.…

In a campus crisis, while administrators address immediate needs, trustees must find a balance between involvement and oversight. Trustees should respond by developing a worst-case strategy; establishing early warning systems; defining "due diligence"; emphasizing candor and honesty; picking one spokesperson; protecting institutional privacy;…

Do institutional researchers need to get approval from their Institutional Review Boards (IRBs)? Are IRBs difficult to work with? This chapter explains the functioning of IRBs and offers suggestions for enhancing cooperation between IRBs and institutional researchers.

The reader is the new superintendent recently appointed by the Board. In their new role, they will certainly face many difficult and complex challenges. To accomplish this task, the first step in the process is to establish with the cabinet and Board of Trustees a definition of a "shared vision" and "strategic plan" and what process would be used…