The November/ December 2011 issue of Trusteeship explores where boards need to go next and steps they can take now to ensure success in the future. The cover story asks "What's the Next Big Thing for Boards?" Trusteeship consulted nine experts to answer the big question.Their responses take on issues ranging from intercollegiate athletics to technology to regional stewardship.
This issue also addresses the role of the board in global endeavors, ways to promote student success, and the chair-president relationship in crisis situations.
The "From the Editor" blog post for this issue.
The world of higher education has been rocked over the past month by some tragic and high-profile events. The occurrences at Penn State have attracted national attention and put institutional management and governance in the spotlight. The situation, which has already received extensive commentary, continues to unfold—and much more will undoubtedly become known as investigations proceed.
What should boards be concerned about in 2012? What new issues—or old aspects of new issues— are on the horizon that boards should be addressing? What crucial topics should be on their agendas? Nine industry experts weigh in.
Board members are increasingly being asked to bless a variety of international engagements. But how many trustees truly understand how to evaluate opportunities or assess potential risks? Board members with experience in the global arena share their views.
As states struggle to boost economic growth and create new jobs, colleges must change to help meet the demand for talented workers. Boards of public institutions need new metrics to determine how well they are meeting statewide workforce goals.
Are students learning what they need to know to thrive in the 21st century? Boards can answer that question positively by ensuring that students are engaged in the kind of activities that encourage critical thinking, problem solving, and other important skills.
Donald H. Fletcher and David E. Maxwell
In the face of public controversies, presidents and board chairs are often called upon to resolve difficult and divisive issues. The president and chair of Drake College describe the key ingredients for working together effectively during challenging times.
The four P’s— Perspective, People, Place, and Prosperity— provide a framework for helping boards apply the academic strengths of their institutions to their communities.
Board members should exhibit the same diligence in responding to requests for assistance that they expect in return from their lawyers.
A wellstructured workshop with the right people in the room and a competent facilitator truly helps board members, the president, and other administrators make the right decisions for the wellbeing of the institution.
The full board should approve, and every board member should be informed of, the president’s compensation and benefits package.
Perhaps most fundamentally, poll after poll indicates that Hispanic families place a very high value on education.
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