North Dakota University System Board Self Assessment Highlights June 16, 2016 Linda Donlin, Vice Chancellor, Strategic Engagement

Board Self-Assessment Key to successful Board function Important to Higher Learning Commission Last self assessment conducted in 2014 through AGB Consultant Tom Meredith Used same framework/questions for this survey

Biggest issues facing North Dakota 2014 Handling new oil money Managing rapid population growth Meeting state’s workforce needs Handling a drop in oil prices 2016 Budget Managing population growth Meeting state’s workforce needs Diversifying the economy Volatility in ag and energy commodity prices

Most important challenges facing NDUS 2014 Building trust Improving legislative relations Hiring the right chancellor Fully utilizing authority and responsibility of Board Better identifying system’s common vision 2016 Serve students while being fiscally responsible Improving retention and graduation rates Budget, alignment with strategy Operating as a unified system Greater collaboration between NDSU, UND Taking on tough issues

What Board practices should be enacted? 2014 Frequent and effective discussion within sunshine laws More time, meetings not rushed Understand institutions better, tours/discussion Build collaboration and cooperation with presidents More board involvement in chancellor and presidents’ evaluations 2016 Professional development and education Push for regional shared services More time before meetings scheduled/rescheduled Quarterly board meetings Strengthen hiring/review process for chancellor/presidents Thoroughly examine program duplication and space utilization study results. Act on them.

What Board practices should be continued? 2014 Committee structure Demonstrating commitment to fiduciary responsibility Retreats On-campus meetings Educational sessions 2016 Board business at front of meeting Engaging with legislators/business leaders Monthly meetings Maintain face-to-face meetings Greater use of technology for meetings Electronic meetings

What Board practices should be discontinued? 2014 Too much time hearing reports Committee meetings by phone (no discussion) Teleconference meetings Having board meetings end by noon regardless Lengthy comments and input by presidents 2016 Fewer updates, but more focused conversations, not rushed Delegation of authority for negotiating presidential salaries Voting on material issues without time to review Presidential reports too short – longer updates but fewer Monthly board meetings Electronic meetings Rescheduling meetings

Board’s top accomplishments 2014 Strategic plan Changing chancellors Coming together as a Board Stabilizing system Using Board expertise Reinstituting committees 2016 Strategic plan Joint meeting with interim HE committee Meaningful discussion during Board meetings UND president filled Focus on budget, graduation rates Working together well

Top items Board should address 2014 Hire best chancellor Rebuild trust with legislature Showcase best in governance practices Address graduation rates Increase enrollments Balance desires of Board, legislature, campuses in setting tuition 2016 Governance – review considerations of interim HE committee, HLC recommendations Effective goal setting and evaluations for chancellor/presidents Graduation, retention rates Tuition Actively move forward as a system Help state understand importance of higher ed

Agree or disagree -- on a scale of 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree) 2014 Agree 5.0 or above Board is ethical Board is diligent in considering tuition Budgets and plans are aligned Board has effective orientation Board supports chancellor Chancellor’s communications are timely and clear 2016 Agree 5.0 or above Board is ethical Board is diligent in considering tuition Budget and plans are aligned Board has effective orientation Board supports chancellor Chancellor’s communications are timely and clear Future of the system is discussed regularly Board meetings are effective Board has right number of meetings Board talent is fully utilized Board agendas are effective Board receives right amount of materials Board has opportunity to clarify questions ahead of time Board has opportunity to clarify questions at meetings

Agree or disagree -- on a scale of 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree) 2014 Disagree (4.0 or lower) Board believes current assessment process for presidents and chancellor is effective Board has adequate communication channels regarding Board business Board routinely reviews accreditation reports Board routinely reviews comparative data with peer institutions Future of the system is discussed regularly Receive agenda materials in timely manner Receive right amount of materials Opportunity to clarify questions ahead of time Talent is fully utilized Right number of meetings 2016 Disagree (4.0 or lower) Board believes current assessment process for presidents and chancellor is effective Board has adequate communication channels regarding Board business Board routinely reviews accreditation reports Board routinely reviews comparative data with peer institutions

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