What Does a University Board of Trustees Do?

In recent years, university governance has been a highly publicized matter in the media following the news about prominent tertiary institutions. This has led to a renewed focus from the government to regulate these institutions to maintain quality education.

Running a university and running a business are similar in a way that they both need top-level management to oversee and regulate the different departments within the organization. In higher education, this integral role belongs to the board of trustees.

Learn in this article the responsibilities of the university board of trustees, its members, and their corresponding roles.

What is a University Trustee?

The board of trustees is the top governing entity in a university in charge of making high-level decisions. They are individuals committed to achieving the mission and goals of the university by fulfilling fiduciary duties such as executing institutional policies, approving budgets, and setting overall strategic direction.

They regulate legal and ethical compliance to preserve and protect the reputation of the university. Every board of trustees university has its distinct bylaws, but all of them play a critical role in the governance, accountability, and sustainability of their institutions.

Composition of a University Board of Trustees

Every board will be different depending on their specific needs and objectives. Generally, the board of trustees consists of 15 to 45 individuals. Among the various roles, you’ll find labels including:

Chairperson

The chairperson of the board serves as the liaison between the board and the administration. They are responsible for creating the board’s working culture when carrying out their responsibilities as an entity and during board meetings.

An effective chairperson takes the lead in meetings while staying open to other ideas and points of view. A chairperson must have strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills to effectively communicate during board meetings and carry out conversations with stakeholders.

Secretary

The secretary of the board of trustees is responsible for the logistics of board meetings, from circulating meeting packs to taking and distributing minutes. As the signatory and keeper of classified documents, the role requires a highly organized person. Therefore, a secretary must be able to protect the board and its interests.

In the age of digital transformation, secretaries can use a board portal for universities to streamline their board workflows, safely keep documents, and go paperless. Modern board portals include advanced safety features to ensure all information is secure only for the access of the board of trustees.

Treasurer

A treasurer is the one who supports the board in analyzing financial records and allocating funds in congruence with the institution’s mission and goals. In some boards of trustees, the treasurer is also the comptroller or chief financial officer (CFO). Comptrollers are financial experts who interpret data to make informed decisions about budget allocation, debt regulation, and investing for the future.

Committees

Committees support board members in making decisions and executing their responsibilities on particular operational domains such as finance, strategic planning, academic affairs, or personnel concerns.

Committees provide the board insights and recommendations related to the operational domains mentioned. Furthermore, committees can do other tasks assigned by the board, such as developing reports or conducting research.

Diversity in Board Membership

To get diverse perspectives and insights, the board should include trustee members with various skill sets and experience. They can be sourced from anywhere, but often they are drawn from the network of people who show an interest in the university. This could be the university alumni, professionals in various academic fields, or perhaps even ex-staff members.

This diversity empowers the board to make decisions from the different perspectives and strengths coming from members with various backgrounds.

What does the board of trustees do?

Beyond being the policy-maker, the question of “what does a board of trustees do in a university” can be addressed by highlighting their primary roles. These encompass asking tough questions and making difficult decisions to ensure that the institution is effectively managed and its assets are protected.

Below are the major roles and responsibilities of a board of trustees:

• Strategic vision and planning

One of the university board of trustees’ responsibilities is to develop the overall strategic vision of the institution. They create roadmaps that outline goals and action plans for the coming years. Roadmaps often target areas where growth is more needed, making it easier for the board to plan, budget, execute, and monitor progress.

• Leadership appointment and oversight

As the top decision maker, the board of trustees appoints leaders such as committee heads, administrators, and the president. They see to it that appointees fulfill their duties through regular evaluations and performance reports.

• Financial oversight and resource allocation

The board of trustees is the primary financial controller of universities. They oversee the endowments and shared banks of the institution, ensuring that investments are protected and should only be used for projects that serve the interests of the stakeholders.

• Academic program approval

The board evaluates and approves curriculum improvements to guarantee they align with the university’s mission and goals. Proposals for new certificates, degrees, or programs are paramount for the university to maintain its position of intellectual leadership and stay relevant in the educational marketplace.

• Campus infrastructure and facilities

To make the campus more competitive for students, the university board of trustees initiates the development of new buildings and the improvement of facilities. State-of-the-art facilities can help students receive quality education, which can make them more competent graduates.

• Institutional policies

The board of trustees communicates their decisions to the stakeholders through policies. They are responsible for deliberating issues and policy proposals from the lower management. When creating policies, the board should practice inclusivity and consider multiple perspectives to develop sound policies that resonate with all stakeholders.

• Research and innovation support

The board of trustees directs research and innovation endeavors to advance the goals and vision of the university. They build up and sustain research collaborations with academic institutions, corporations, government agencies, and other groups from many fields of study. Their research projects help nurture homegrown talents by supporting their studies and sending them to conferences, thereby boosting the university’s competitiveness.

• Student affairs and well-being

The board implements various programs and services that center on the non-academic facet of the student’s life in the university. Typical programs and services include the formation of student government, sports clubs, volunteer opportunities, and leadership programs to support the holistic development of students and encourage them to be active in nation-building.

• Fundraising and alumni engagement

The board bridges alumni to the university through engaging activities such as fundraising, networking, career fairs, and mentorship programs. These campaigns help alumni preserve their connection with their alma mater and build networks.

• Community and public relations

To nurture a thriving community and preserve the university’s reputation, the board of trustees and the marketing committee develop strategic marketing plans that will engage stakeholders and incoming students. The marketing campaigns will embody the university’s goals for the coming years and include specific actions such as university fairs, sponsorship, conferences, and community-building.

• Legal and ethical compliance

Every board member is accountable for maintaining the highest ethical standards. They should set an example for other committees, departments, and students by demonstrating firm university governance. The board of trustees must enforce compliance with all university policies and procedures, including those governing the conduct of board members. By doing so, the entire university management can remain faithful to its Code of Ethics while working toward its goals and vision.

• Crisis management

Crises can jeopardize the reputation and financial stability of the university. The board of trustees must take charge of risk management and develop action plans for specific crises that commonly occur in universities, such as student protests, natural disasters, and scandals.

The board should have oversight and prepare the management to navigate emergencies while prioritizing the safety of students and staff and honoring the university’s values even in adverse circumstances.

Election of  Trustee Members

Trustees can be appointed or elected to the board by other trustees, the government, or other external stakeholders. The local governor, for example, may have the power to nominate names and elect trustee members.

The typical term duration in the United States is between three and five years, depending on the bylaws of the university. This range is often preferred for a smoother transition between trustees and to maintain fresh perspectives on the board.

The bylaws determine the voting rights of trustees. Candidates must have no conflicts of interest and must demonstrate commitment and dedication to the board and the entire university before being appointed.

How do the roles of the chairperson and president differ?

The chairperson directs the strategic direction and overall plan of action, while the president carries out these plans in everyday operations.

The board appoints senior leaders, one of which is the president. The president must be accountable and transparent to the board, and they must be open to receiving feedback to improve their performance.

The chairman typically consults the president when setting the agenda for board meetings as they have a more accurate knowledge of daily operations. The agenda often includes discussion of committee reports, management updates, financial reports, and other matters as needed.

All stakeholders must see the chairperson and president working collaboratively, not against each other.

FAQs About University Board of Trustees

What qualifications do board members typically have?

Trustees must prove their commitment to the university’s mission, vision, and goals. To successfully handle high-level matters, they must have outstanding competencies in governance, management, and administration. These leaders must be able to engage in discussions and accept criticism from stakeholders for the continued improvement of the university.

How are board decisions made?

The board meets to discuss and make decisions in board meetings. Decision protocols can vary depending on the board’s bylaws. During these sessions, they review functions and performance, align strategic plans, approve department proposals, and manage pressing issues from lower management and the student body.

Is the board present in the university’s day-to-day operations?

The board doesn’t have to be present in daily affairs at the university, but they can if they want. Instead of involving a trustee directly, they can appoint a president to supervise everyday operations on their behalf. The president must report to the board, providing more ground insights that help them develop more informed decisions and sound policies.

Are trustees compensated for their role?

Trustees are not usually paid for their services to the board, but when they are, the pay scheme should adhere to the specifications outlined in the bylaws. University board of trustees in the U.S. have privileges such as free parking and building access. Additionally, they are reimbursed for their expenses in university-related events.

How long is a trustee’s term?

The typical tenure duration for a trustee is three to five years. This is specified in every board’s bylaws and may differ from one university to another. Longer terms over five years are rare because they result in longer transition periods and could potentially delay the board’s work.

How to get on a university board of trustees?

The trustee board could either be appointed or elected. Depending on the board’s bylaws, the selection process may differ. Candidates are usually selected by the current board, the government, or other external stakeholders. Successful candidates must go through a formal endorsement process before they can assume the position.

How often does the board meet?

Board meetings are integral part of the university governance. They may be held weekly, monthly, quarterly, or as specified in the bylaws. In today’s world, board meetings are much easier to arrange and execute. With the help of modern solutions like board management software, boards can meet as frequently as they want and be more efficient when sending invitations, building agendas, and sending meeting packets.

The Integration of Technology in University Governance

The board of trustees is an influential entity in the academe that should uphold the values of the university in each decision it undertakes. In recent years, trends in higher education have shifted toward a more digitalized approach. Universities implemented hybrid university models, shared governance, and utilization of new solutions like board portals.

Board portals for universities are online platforms that make it easier for trustees to run meetings virtually and in person. It provides a centralized and secure environment for document sharing and collaboration in the workplace.

Explore how a board portal can streamline meetings and enhance higher education governance.