Board Independence and Institutional Autonomy

AGB joined the higher education community in a statement calling to reforge the historic compact between higher education and the federal government. Read the Comments→

WASHINGTON, DC (May 7, 2025)—In response to growing challenges compromising the autonomy of America’s colleges and universities, the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) is leading a national effort to reaffirm and uphold the independence of higher …

To support action in affirming institutional commitment to institutional autonomy and board independence, AGB offers a sample board resolution that your board can adopt or adapt. …

In the landmark case of Dartmouth College v. Woodward (1819), the Supreme Court affirmed the sanctity of educational charters and the autonomy of private institutions from political interference. Though initially limited to private colleges, the decision came to embody a …

American colleges and universities are facing intensifying political scrutiny and intervention. Recent events have raised urgent questions about who governs our institutions, and how. While boards always have the ultimate responsibility for mission stewardship and institutional strategy, they are now being …

The most pressing public policy issues facing college and university boards of trustees and foundation boards in 2023 and 2024, in the estimation of the Association of Governing Boards and a higher education advisory panel, are the following: affordability and …

Aired: January 23, 2025 As colleges and universities face mounting pressures from all directions—donors, politicians, alumni, and various interest groups—the ability of governing boards to maintain their independence has never been more crucial. This autonomy isn't about resisting political influence; it's …

December 03, 2024 - In November, AGB concluded its webinar series on the Top Strategic Issues for Boards 2024-2025 report. The webinar focused on several themes highlighted in the report, including board independence and leadership. Higher education governing boards have fiduciary duties mandating them to …

This column is being written in October as the world is confronting multiple painful wars, and the U.S. national election is only 30 days in the offing. The stakes are high, and the tension is palpable across a very divided …

Aired: February 29, 2024 Boards play a vital role in protecting the autonomy of the higher education institutions they oversee and proactively navigating any challenges to those institutions’ independence. In the second part of this podcast, “Board Independence Under Fire,” AGB …