The provisions of "sunshine" or "open meeting" laws are discussed to assist governing boards and chief executive officers of public universities and colleges. These laws stipulate that the business of the public must be conducted in public. Topics include: the legal constitution of a meeting, personnel matters, collective bargaining, consultation with counsel, and the acquisition of property, interpersonal dynamics within the sunshine context, and perspectives of the press. Definitions are provided for: open meeting or sunshine laws, an executive session, sunset legislation, freedom of information laws, and right to privacy. Illustrations from different states are cited, and vignettes show issues that relate to long-range planning. The influence on these law on interaction between the governing board and the institution's chief executive officer is addressed, along with the ability of the board to function as a group. It is suggested that the local press plays a key role in the enforcement of provisions calling for open meetings of public bodies. Guidelines are offered for boards that seek to review and/or recommend changes in the sunshine laws in their respective states. A chart is appended that indicates for each state the key issues for which executive sessions may be called. (SW)