Public Systems

Consequential Questions:

1. 1. Does our system have written documents such as a board policy manual, statement of principles, or written charter? Have the policies and documents been updated within the past five years?
   2. Was the board engaged in the development of the system’s strategic plan before formally approving it?
   3. Is there a formal, documented, and monitored onboarding process for all new board members, to include orientation prior to the first board meeting?
   4. How does the system board allocate its time to individual institutions? Does the board provide the appropriate level of attention to different institutions, not only the flagship or largest?

Source:
Governance Checklist: Higher Education Systems (Washington, D.C.: AGB, 2022).

Consequential Questions:

1. Is there a clear, concise system strategic plan to set the direction with input from the system head and campus president?
2. Does the system office encourage and initiate collaboration?
3. Has the system established uniform accounting and financial processes?

Source:
Thomas C. Meredith, “Public University Systems,” Trusteeship 22, no. 5 (September/October 2014).

Consequential Questions:

1. Does the system have a clear distinction in roles between the system board and the institutional board (if applicable)?
2. How can the system leverage the collective assets to support students and the state?

Source:
Jason E. Lane and Nancy L. Zimpher, “Governing and Hiring for Systemness,” Trusteeship 31, no. 6 (November/December 2023).