Board Independence and Institutional Autonomy

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 …

Aired: January 31, 2024 While governing boards need to be open to input and recommendations from their college, foundation, or system’s stakeholders, they must also discern between what’s appropriate and what could compromise their independence and their institution’s mission and integrity. That’s …

To serve as effective fiduciaries, governing board members must put the best interests of the institution first, to ensure its mission fulfillment and long-term sustainability. While they must be open and listen to a wide range of viewpoints and approaches …

This statement was approved on November 10, 2023, by the Board of Directors of the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges. The following principles are intended to guide boards in the governance of colleges, universities, systems, and related foundations; …