How to Govern for Institutional Autonomy

A Practical Guide for Higher Education Boards

Across the country, governing boards are facing unprecedented pressures, from political intrusion and public scrutiny to challenges around academic freedom, free speech, fiduciary duty, and institutional autonomy.

These pressures are testing the very foundations of higher education. In response, the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) developed this practical guide to help boards lead with clarity, courage, and integrity.

This toolkit is designed to be just that—a tool. Whether your board is clarifying its responsibilities, preparing for emerging threats, or navigating complex campus dynamics, this guide offers concrete resources to help. Inside, you will find information about AGB’s governance best practices, diagnostic tools, checklists, sample resolutions, and curated strategies grounded in fiduciary duty and mission-centered leadership. Boards can use these resources to assess readiness, build alignment, identify risks, and take confident action to protect the academic freedom, autonomy, and resilience their institutions, and society, depend on.

AGB stands ready to support your board with customized guidance, education, and expert consultation. We encourage you to visit AGB.org/GovernNOW to explore additional resources and connect with our team.

Cover page: How to Govern for Institutional Autonomy

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Why This Matters: U.S. Higher Education at a Crossroads

The independent, mission-centered governance model, which AGB practices and promotes, has made U.S. higher education the envy of the world, admired for its multiplicity, academic freedom, innovation, and resilience. The balance of institutional autonomy and board oversight has enabled colleges and universities in the United States to become global leaders in research, enrollment, and impact.

By contrast, politicized governance models, seen in other countries where boards serve government agendas, have led to erosion of academic freedom, instability, and loss of public trust. When trustees become agents of external ideology, rather than guardians of mission, institutions risk becoming cultural battlegrounds rather than centers of learning.

This is more than a governance debate—it is a defining moment for the future of higher education. Will our institutions be led by independent stewards committed to mission and excellence, or by political surrogates driven by short-term ideology? The consequences will echo for generations.

This toolkit is designed to empower board members and higher education leaders with practical strategies, critical insights, and actionable tools to navigate growing political, ideological, and regulatory pressures. With AGB’s guidance, boards can fortify their institutions against undue intrusion, align governance with mission and values, and model the leadership our democracy demands.

United We Stand: Govern NOW

An Urgent Call for Leadership

Ellen-Earle Chaffee, PhD, breaks down the ideological intrusions that governing boards face today. The article calls on governing boards to lead for higher education, democracy, and freedom.

Read the article →