Blog Posts

November 20, 2019 - After decades of discussion, research, and activism, the issue of climate change has finally become a mainstream concern throughout the US. New media stories are appearing every week regarding the potential effects that climate change will have on our lives, …

November 14, 2019 - This blog post is part of the Finance Committee Chair Toolkit, a resource that highlights a variety of perspectives, including how to assess disruptive scenarios and what types of actions to consider. Higher education finance is a complex and hotly debated topic …

November 08, 2019 - Imagine the most complicated of traffic intersections: Washington, D.C.’s Dupont Circle, for example. Traffic comes in from all directions, swerves across multiple lanes, dodges inattentive pedestrians. It is a traffic nightmare. And it is an apt metaphor for the campus …

November 07, 2019 - Let’s be honest. The term “strategic” is treated reverentially in our line of work, but despite that reverence (or perhaps because of it) boards don’t naturally slip into strategy mode. Being strategic means setting priorities that focus resources and effort …

November 07, 2019 - Over the last decade, the importance of campus diversity has struck a chord amongst students and educators—not just in college, but in our communities. The benefits of diversity can be found on campus and in the workplace. In fact, the …

November 01, 2019 - American higher education has long been seen by individuals, as well as by state and local governments, as an engine for upward mobility. But today many Americans are skeptical about investing in postsecondary education, primarily due to concerns about student …

October 26, 2019 - One of the most important fiduciary responsibilities of governing boards is selecting, supporting, and assessing a president to lead the institution or system. Lately, presidential searches have faced heightened scrutiny, stemming from the perception of undue external influences and transparency …

October 24, 2019 - Waterville, Maine, a city of less than 17,000, recently found itself in an unenviable position. Like many small cities in the Northeastern US, the economic powerhouses of the region – textile and paper factories – began to close in the …

October 24, 2019 - The proliferation of such productivity tools as email, social media, and remote file storage has created a world in which instant, real-time communication is now possible. These tools have also created a world in which personal and confidential data are …

As you prepare for your fall board meetings focused on advancing your students’ success and your institutions’ vitality, I urge you to reflect on your boards’ roles of accountability. This preparation requires discussion not only to identify and prioritize agenda …