The responsibilities and problems confronting college and university trustees in the last quarter of the 20th century are considered. The following topics are briefly addressed: increased enrollments after World War II, the growth of community colleges, the establishment of state coordinating commissions, political influences, federal support and intervention, retrenchment, and confusion of mission. Responsibilities of trustees are as follows: maintaining the integrity of the trust, appointing the college president, insuring that the institution is managed well, approving the budget, raising money, managing the endowment, assuring adequate physical facilities, overseeing the educational program, approving long-range plans, serving as a bridge between campus and community, preserving institutional autonomy, serving as court of appeal, and being informed. The collective responsibilities of trustees and the composition and operation of the board are addressed, including selection and orientation, committee structure and meetings, role of the chairman and president, and board morale. The legal liability of trustees and conflicts of interest are also discussed. Statistics on governing boards and a substantial bibliography are appended. (SW)