Trusteeship Articles By Topic: Academic and Student Affairs

Many institutions do not have the resources in place to deal with the myriad of mental-health issues that today's students grapple with. Boards can play a role in creating a campus culture that supports at-risk students and helps them succeed.

For more on this topic, listen to the podcast with Gregory T. Eells.

Traditional institutions are increasingly concerned with innovation and growth as they compete with online providers for students and tuition dollars. Clayton M. Christensen and Henry J. Eyring, authors of The Innovative University, discuss what boards can do to keep their institutions relevant and competitive.

According to a 2010 report by the National Association of College Stores, students spent an average of $667 on required course materials in the past 12 months. Other studies estimate the annual cost for students of textbooks and supplies at closer to $1,100.

Under the mantle of assuring that federal dollars are well spent, government oversight has expanded from ensuring the integrity of the use of federal funds to involvement in the evaluation and very definition of institutional effectiveness and academic quality.

For most of the last century, the United States has been recognized as having the best system of higher education in the world. No other nation has a postsecondary system that has been as successful in advancing knowledge and innovation, while also making college accessible to its citizens regardless of their financial circumstances. Yet today, higher education institutions in America face stiff challenges. If the United States is to retain its preeminence in the global economy, America's universities, liberal-arts colleges, and community colleges need to become more accessible, affordable, and successful--and in a hurry.

Board review of an academic audit can help ensure that robust processes are underway to improve teaching and learning.