This report presents results of a 1997 survey of the governing boards of public colleges and universities to identify trends in their membership and board policies and practices. Among highlights are the following: (1) boards have an average size of 11 members; (2) nearly half of board members are selected by gubernatorial appointment; (3) 41 percent of respondents stated that political party affiliation was important in board selection; (4) 34 percent had conducted a review of their own performance within the past 5 years; (5) more board members were female than in 1985; (6) the racial and ethnic composition of boards has not changed significantly since 1985; (7) 62 percent of board members are aged 40 to 59; (8) almost 37 percent of board members are business executives; (9) less than 1 percent of board members are members of other college/university boards; and (10) approximately 3 percent of members serve on corporate boards and more than 4 percent serve on boards of other nonprofit organizations. Analysis of the 293 responses are presented in text and graphics. Data detailed cover board size and member characteristics including gender, race/ethnicity, age, and primary occupations. Data on board policies and practices are presented concerning the following aspects: required members, members serving on other boards, length of terms and limits, meetings, and performance reviews. (DB)