How to use this toolkit.
The business model for higher education is under severe stress. There is more capacity than student demand, consumer behaviors have changed, and deflationary forces are diminishing tuition revenues. Increasing numbers of institutions are closing their doors in the face of financial difficulty. Some are finding ways to continue advancing their missions through innovation and objective decision-making.
Today’s boards must be critical leadership partners and advocates for their institutions, systems, or foundations, and they cannot afford to take a laissez-faire approach to the sustainability of mission. Among the fundamental responsibilities of higher education leaders and boards is how to preserve and advance the mission of the institution in the face of disruptive changes. Boards face major governance decisions, including maintaining independence, merging with other institutions, or developing strategic affiliations that consolidate strengths. In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, these issues now become more critical than ever.
To help boards navigate a range of options, AGB has developed the Mergers and Affiliations Toolkit, which includes a host of resources that enable board members to learn, evaluate options, and develop a strategy that makes sense. Take the following steps to get started.
- Schedule a board meeting to discuss toolkit resources. (Note: An AGB facilitator can walk you through the items in this toolkit. Contact AGB Consulting for more information and assistance.)
- Discuss how the board and institutional leadership might work together to implement lessons learned and recommendations from this toolkit.
- Follow up with AGB for support. AGB experts can help you develop a strategy and explore options.
Toolkit resources.
Understanding the Landscape
Mergers and Affiliations
Trusteeship magazine, May/June 2019
Rick Beyer
Higher Education Business Models Under Stress
Podcast
Featuring Melody Rose and Larry D. Large
Exploring Options
Tactical Advice for Higher Education Mergers, Affiliations, and Partnerships
Webinar On Demand
Featuring Rick Beyer
Revenue Growth and Diversification: Developing Build, Buy, and Affiliate Models
Four-Minute Video
Featuring Rick Beyer
College Mergers and Affiliations: What to Do, How to Start, and Where to Look
Webinar On Demand
Featuring Rick Beyer
Planning and Assessment
Questions Boards Should Be Asking: Mergers and Affiliations
Discussion Guide
AGB
Growth and Transformation
Trusteeship magazine, January/February 2018
Jeff A. Weiss
Excerpt from Higher Education Business Models Under Stress
Chapter 2: Stress Testing the Business Model
2021
Melody Rose and Larry D. Large
Learning from Others
College at a Crossroads: Closures and Mergers
Trusteeship magazine, May/June 2020
David Tobenkin
Transitioning with Grace
Blog Post
Melody Rose
Lessons for the Boardroom on Mergers and Affiliations
Webinar on Demand
Featuring Rick Beyer