It is important for governing boards to understand that faculty see themselves less as employees than as officers of the institution, charged with constantly seeking the best for their discipline even if the values they advance seem at odds with those of the administration or board. They cherish collegiality, direct communication, and respect for…

A roundtable discussion involving six professionals in information technology (IT) in higher education is summarized. Topics include key IT changes facing institutions, state and public-system perspectives on IT advancement, the continuing challenge of creating and maintaining an appropriate IT infrastructure, driving forces for IT use, the gap…

The responsibility of the college president is to hear all voices, solicit opinion broadly, and help formulate policies that benefit the entire campus. A comprehensive review should be undertaken to help the board decide on campus priorities. (MSE)

Renovation of America's college campuses is estimated to require $60 million. A long-range coordinated and unified effort by legislatures, boards, and campus administrators is necessary to reduce the backlog of renewal needs. (MSE)

Three university administrators, the president of the Association of Governing Boards, and a legislator/university trustee respond to the question: "In this era of diminishing resources and changing expectations of higher education, will governing boards significantly influence how colleges and universities respond?" All support the potential…

Discussion of the relationship between public library directors and the board of trustees highlights the library trustee and director survey that was conducted in Pennsylvania in 1994 to identify potential areas of conflict. Topics include the effect of library size, library planning, policy development, purchasing decisions, personnel issues, and…

Discusses the responsibilities of those who lead state-level community college governing boards. Discusses the importance of leadership skills, coordination of agencies, communication within the college system, confronting political agendas, and interacting with legislators. Indicates that good state directors are educators who know the value of…

This article argues that the debate over the public's right to know versus a public college or university's need to make some decisions in private often generates more heat than light, and that the most important interactions put at risk by open-meeting acts and sunshine laws involve board dynamics. Some suggestions are made for minimizing this…

Lehigh University's (Pennsylvania) commitment to meeting the financial aid needs of all regularly admitted first-year students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents has meant reallocation of institutional resources. The policy has already improved the applicant pool and quality of the first-year class, making the institution more…

The 1991 Civil Rights Act fills many gaps in existing employment laws, but its implications for higher education go beyond employment to admissions and students affairs. Trustees should direct administrators to review personnel policies and practices and liability insurance coverage in light of the new law. (Author/MSE)

Discusses the impact of the lack of autonomous boards of trustees on Quebec's public libraries and the political factors that influence decision making about the libraries. Organizational structure, public support, and financial support are covered. The author concludes that municipal governments do not give public libraries enough status.…

Legislators and college leaders bring different concerns to the issue of student transfer policy effectiveness. If governing boards do not ensure effective transfer, legislatures may take the initiative by issuing mandates for interinstitutional cooperation. The key to successful transfer and articulation is collegial faculty-to-faculty…

College leaders make powerful statements about institutional values by the characteristics they measure and the activities they support. Trustees and presidents can focus on liberal arts goals by making sure students and parents understand what a liberal arts education represents; setting high academic standards; emphasizing teaching, learning,…

The system of college and university governance that has created fine institutions is now inadequate. Institutions should consider restructuring their governance systems in ways that clarify authority and accountability. Faculty must commit themselves to responsibility outside their disciplines. Administrators and trustees must make difficult…

In this comparative study of the boards of three community agencies, the forces that influence the quality of parent-community member relations are examined. Results indicate that an organization's ability to manage intergroup tension is influenced by organizational history of intergroup relations, group identification, and organizational…