Higher Education Institution Governing Boards: Training of Members

Governing boards are responsible for ensuring that the institutions they serve fulfill their mission. Boards maintain the final legal authority for their institutions and execute fiduciary oversight. Given the important role of governing boards, it is vital that individual board members receive sufficient training and education to effectively discharge their duties. This entry describes the necessity for board member education, who provides education, what education entails, and differences across institutions.

Necessity for Board Member Education

Lay governing boards have existed as a fundamental component of the U.S. higher education system since the founding of Harvard University. Most governing board members have professional backgrounds in business and are not lifelong educators. They may be less familiar with the academic mission and culture of colleges and universities, specifically pertaining ...

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