Why this is important.
The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, is a global health crisis that is rapidly evolving. This webpage provides resources about the special concerns of higher education governing boards as they deal with the pandemic at their institutions.
AGB recommends the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for general information and guidance for colleges and universities related to the coronavirus threat in the United States. Contact local or state government health departments for additional guidance for your locale.
Why this is important.
The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, is a global health crisis that is rapidly evolving. This webpage provides resources about the special concerns of higher education governing boards as they deal with the pandemic at their institutions.
AGB recommends the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for general information and guidance for colleges and universities related to the coronavirus threat in the United States. Contact local or state government health departments for additional guidance for your locale.
Questions for boards.
These are key questions for your board to consider:
Vaccinations
Consequential Question:
- What has your board done to encourage vaccinations, particularly among historically underrepresented populations on campus and in the community?
- Has your board decided whether it will require vaccinations for students, faculty, and staff for fall 2021? Do you know how your peer institutions are addressing vaccination requirements?
Sources:
- “Why I Plan to Take the COVID-19 Vaccine and You Should Too,” by Charlie Nelms, January 4, 2021, Diverse Issues in Higher Education.
- “Here’s a List of Colleges That Will Require Students or Employees to Be Vaccinated Against Covid-19,” by Andy Thomason and Brian O’Leary, May 5, 2021, Chronicle of Higher Education.
Cyber Threats
Consequential Question:
- How is the board informed about cyber threats and measures in place to assess and address them, with increased exposure related to remote work and instruction?
Board Composition
Consequential Question:
- Does the composition of the board include the range of expertise and experience it needs to govern the institution through and beyond the pandemic?
Recommended resources.
We carefully curated these staff-picked resources for you:
Trusteeship magazine: “The Work of Higher Education Governing Boards During and After the Pandemic”
January/February 2021
A. Lee Fritschler and Richard D. Legon
Trusteeship magazine: “Strategic Board Leadership for a Post-Pandemic Institution”
May/June 2021
Marsha V. Krotseng, Charles P. Ruch, and Cathleen Ruch
Safe Schools and Campuses Best Practices Clearinghouse
External Resource
CARES Act: Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund
External Resource
