Why this is important.

Public systems are uniquely positioned to lead transformative change in higher education, both in terms of how public institutions are structured and how academic programs and instruction are delivered. Given the scope of the institutions under system auspices and the scale of students who are enrolled at system-affiliated institutions, systems are vital to shaping the future of American higher education. System boards must therefore be ready to work with system leaders and staff to leverage that scope and scale to lead the kind of strategic transformations needed to deliver more affordable and relevant college degrees.

Source: Barbara Brittingham and James H. Page, Assessing Board Readiness to Lead Change in Public Higher Education Systems (Washington, D.C.: AGB, 2023).

Questions for boards.

Click below to reveal key questions for your board to consider:

Board Culture and Processes

Consequential Questions:

    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).

Sustainability Strategies

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).

Board Relationships

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).

We carefully curated these staff-picked resources for you:

Governing and Hiring for Systemness

Trusteeship article, November/December 2023
By Jason E. Lane and Nancy L. Zimpher

All resources.