The Public-Purposes of Public Higher Education: What are the Roles of Boards? Presented by Dr. Belle S. Wheelan, President Southern Association of Colleges and schools commission on colleges (SACSCOC)

Governance In his book “How University Boards Work,” Robert A. Scott quotes Bill Bowen, former President (now deceased) of Princeton University as saying, “Board Governance is a team sport.” Must speak as one Led by a Captain and a Coach Part of a collective effort Training should be on-going including briefings by college/university officers, meetings of state and national associations associated with governance, and frequent reading

Roles of Boards Three roles of boards identified by SACSCOC: Policy making function Selection, evaluation (regularly) and, if necessary, termination of the CEO Fiduciary Responsibility Others (AGB) Responsibility for maintaining institutional autonomy and independence Ensuring the integrity of the mission Protection of Academic Freedom while ensuring academic quality Commitment to a public purpose of preparing graduates for productive roles in society

Additional roles of boards Attend to Challenges of: Increased pressure to improve campus’ productivity Meet new, elevated and ever changing federal compliance requirements Increased concerns and competition from neighboring and external institutions of higher education Accommodating changes in technology for curricular offerings and support areas

Additional roles of boards cont’d Building relations with constituents including: Gubernatorial and legislative concerns Faculty and staff issues Federal Government (legislators and staff) Students (free speech, sexual assault, underage drinking, etc.) Defense of ‘Selective’ admissions of athletes, legacies, etc.

“How Well Are we doing?” Regular evaluation of the Board leads to: Clear Understanding of the roles of the Board Consensus on specific objectives and improvement plans of Board performance Better working relationship with CEO More productive board meetings Ensures long-term sustainability of the institution Adds value to decision-making

Areas that can cause consternation Board agenda Number of meetings annually Preparation for meetings (from and through whom does the information flow) Committee Meetings Poor Attendance Dominance of Conversation by a handful of Board Members Size of Board Crossing into Administrative Lane Process Used in Selection and Evaluation of President

KEYS TO SUCCESS TRUST EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

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