Chat with AGB Board BotHigher Education Governance
Governance integrity is not partisan, it is structural.
As public boards face increasing pressure and politicization, trustees must have a strong understanding of their governance duties and boundaries. However, media reporting and an AGB survey highlight significant gaps in trustee confidence.
43%
of trustees are not fully confident in their own or their board’s understanding of fiduciary responsibilities and governance boundaries, according to a March 2026 AGB survey.
The nonpartisan Higher Education Governance Integrity Initiative is a national outreach effort designed to reinforce structural governance integrity across public higher education systems. The initiative provides policy recommendations and tools that foster sound, clear, and confident governance, resilient to external pressure.
When roles are unclear:
- Governance and management lines blur
- Presidential instability increases
- Institutional autonomy weakens
- Mission stewardship is undermined
- Public trust erodes
Strong governance:
- Protects institutional autonomy
- Upholds fiduciary duty
- Ensures long-term mission alignment
- Reinforces public accountability
Implement a state-level solution.
States can strengthen governance by establishing a clear, consistent framework for trustee selection, preparation, and accountability.
Core policy actions:
Strengthen Trustee Selection Criteria
Prioritize candidates with fiduciary, governance, and civic leadership experience to ensure boards are equipped to govern effectively.
Modernize Trustee Training
Require comprehensive onboarding and continuing education focused on:
- Fiduciary duties
- Governance vs. management boundaries
- Institutional autonomy
- Ethical leadership
Implement Fiduciary Certification
Require trustees to formally affirm their commitment to:
- Institutional mission and values
- Duties of care, loyalty, and obedience
- Core principles of trusteeship
Reform Nomination Processes
Introduce structured legislative involvement to:
- Reduce politicization
- Preserve board continuity
- Strengthen public confidence
Prepare Board Chairs for Leadership
Require role-specific training for board chairs, recognizing that governance breakdowns often originate at the leadership level.
Download the legislative framework and sample bill text.
Higher Education Governance Integrity Legislative Framework
Policy Design & Consensus Building
This legislative framework provides a practical, adaptable strategy to strengthen governance, clarify trustee roles, and restore public trust in higher education. Designed as a policy blueprint for state leaders, governing boards, and higher education stakeholders, it can assist early-stage policy development, including key components such as training, certification, and nominations.
Higher Education Governance Integrity Sample Bill Text
Legislative Action & Implementation
The Higher Education Governance Integrity and Public Trust Act bill text translates the Initiative into clear, actionable legislative language, providing a ready-to-use statutory model for states prepared to move from concept to implementation. The model also enables policymakers to benchmark against existing statutes, identify gaps in current governance laws, and advance comprehensive, credible reforms that strengthen board governance and public trust.
Access tools for lawmakers and trustees.
Selecting qualified and knowledgeable trustees is critical for effective governance. Use these tools to ensure public university and system board members are equipped to uphold their fiduciary duties.
The Selection of Public College and University Board Members
Recommendations for a Strengthened Process
Tool (February 2026)
Public Board Members: Appointments and Responsibilities
Tool (February 2026)
Principles of Trusteeship
How to Become a Highly Effective Board Member for Colleges, Universities, and Foundations
Book
Explore more advocacy resources.
Explore all advocacy and public policy resources AGB offers, including:
- Primers on the top public policy issues facing boards
- Timely policy alerts, podcasts, and other updates
- Tools to boost strategic advocacy
- Letters and testimony