Suggestions are offered on establishing an effective board of trustees for colleges and universities. The first step in improving a board must be review of the mission and status of the institution. Four steps in this process are to decide what is wanted and needed on the board, establish a search-and-recruit procedure, establish an orientation procedure, and establish a procedure for terminating service. Deciding on the composition of the board involves two dimensions: considerations about diversity of the board and the individual talents or professional backgrounds that a good board needs. Questions that should be addressed concerning board composition, include recruitment of women and minorities, faculty and students, and skills and knowledge needed by board members. It is suggested that a profile of the existing board be prepared on paper in order to clarify where the board is strong, adequate, and weak. An illustration showing the format for a typical profile is provided. Some advice is offered about choosing new members from over-recruited groups like alumni and parents, individuals who have reached the top of the career ladder, and persons who are already overcommitted. The importance of inviting the selected individual in a way that makes clear the expectations for the person if he joins the board is emphasized. Orientation of the new trustee, involvement in projects, some considerations concerning lay board members at church-related colleges, conflict of interest, and terminating members who have lost their effectiveness are covered. (SW)