AGB Statement on Board Accountability

Although the precise point at which a college or university governing board may justifiably be called “accountable” is elusive, the issue of board accountability warrants attention. Certain elements of board accountability—observing the highest standards of fiduciary duty, avoiding the taint of conflict of interest in decision making, and scrupulously observing applicable federal, state, and local laws—seem so obvious as to need little elaboration. Beyond such familiar requirements, however, the terrain is less plainly marked, and greater clarity will help the higher education community and the public better appreciate the full measure of board accountability.

The AGB Board of Directors believes that though the overall performance of the governing boards of America’s colleges and universities remains commendable, documenting certain policies and practices will foster confidence among presidents and chancellors, trustees and regents, and the general public that these boards are performing responsibly, effectively, and accountably. The AGB board believes such guidance to be in the public interest as well as that of higher education.