A self-study survey for state postsecondary education planning and coordinating boards are presented. The first section (topic 1) allows respondents to rate 13 general postsecondary education goals on a 4-point scale (i.e., high, medium, low, or no importance/priority for the board). Under topic 2, respondents can rate the role of the state…

Criteria for self-study for governing boards of public multicampus higher education systems are presented. For each criterion, questions are presented, along with three response options: "yes,""no," and "do not know or can not judge." A response option for judging the board's overall performance on each criterion is also included. The criteria are…

Guidelines are presented for using the "Handbook of College and University Trusteeship," a compendium of information relating to trustee responsibilities. The following components of a comprehensive program of trustee development are covered: new trustee orientation, annual board workshops and retreats, regularly scheduled board meetings, and…

Bylaws for independent colleges who wish assistance in writing or revising their own bylaws are presented. The bylaws are designed to provide a basis for discussion on the form of governance an institution may wish to establish. Several provisions may also be useful for tax-supported institutions. Sixteen articles cover the following: powers of…

The responsibilities and functioning of an academic affairs committee of a college governing board are described. It is noted that the responsibilities of the academic affairs committee involve monitoring the relationship between mission and strategy in the academic realm. The following responsibilities of the committee are discussed: the…

The responsibilities and functioning of a college trustee committee on buildings and grounds (i.e., physical plant/campus development) are described. Specific tasks of the committee include: ensuring the adequacy and condition of capital assets; developing and keeping current physical planning policies for land, buildings, and equipment; providing…

The responsibilities and functioning of college trustee committees on finance are described. It is noted that the role of the finance committee is to recommend policy for board approval, interpret it to the administration, and to monitor the results. The following responsibilities of the finance committee are discussed: overseeing current…

A reference manual on financial activities of a college or university and the interactive role of the governing board is presented for board members and institutional officers who provide information to the board. Financial data related to a fictitious hybrid university are included. After identifying three broad kinds of financial information…

The way that the participation of trustees in the processes of voluntary accreditation can help them in overseeing institutional autonomy and integrity is discussed, based on the work of a subcommittee of the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges. In addition, recommendations for board participation in institutional and…

The structure and purposes of college and university advisory committees are discussed. An advisory or visiting committee is a voluntary extralegal group of advisors and/or supporters that provide aid in various ways to an educational institution, professional school, department, or major academic division. Advisory committees may be elected by…

The structure and functions of college development committees are discussed. The development committee of a board of trustees, also known as "the institutional advancement" committee, is responsible for ensuring the operation of the fund-raising program. Whether the development committee works through a foundation or directly for the college or…

The structure and functions of the college executive committee are discussed. This committee is pivotal to the effective functioning of the board and to the support of the chairperson and the chief executive in their leadership roles. The committee can act on its own provided it does not assume powers specifically reserved for the board. The…

The impact of sunshine laws on college governance is discussed based on field and legal research, a Wingspread symposium (Racine, Wisconsin, September 4-5, 1984), and a follow-up meeting (Washington, D.C., October 1, 1984). In addition to open meeting laws, the way that the democratic process currently operates, and should work, is examined. A…

Relations between the public and private sectors of higher education are discussed. In the first chapter, John W. Gardner provides a historical perspective to the recent conflict in some states between public and private colleges and universities. In addition to discussing the pluralism and diversity that have characterized U.S. colleges and…

Endowment practices at 23 institutions during 1978-1983 were studied to provide recommendations on endowment fund management for colleges and universities. Although most of the participating colleges were privately supported, two state-supported universities were included. Twelve of the institutions used a systematic approach to improving…