This study grew out of the interest of the researcher in the role and function of governing boards which have the legal authority and responsibility for the internal organization and administration of public institutions of higher education in the Uni...
This study grew out of the interest of the researcher in the role and function of governing boards which have the legal authority and responsibility for the internal organization and administration of public institutions of higher education in the United States.
The purpose of the study was to examine and analyze the state constitutions and/or legislative statutes under which the boards function and the board by-laws which set policies or procedures for the governance and administration of their institutions in order to obtain the following information: (1) Legal status and authority of public governing boards: (2) Composition and internal organization of the boards: (3) Functions of the boards and trustee role: (4) Chief executive officer of governing boards.
Methods and procedures for the study were analytical and descriptive in nature. Data were obtained from the constitutional and statutory provisions for public universities and colleges and the governing board by-laws.
Conclusions. (1) While the great majority of governing boards are incorporated by the state legislature, the difference in legal status between boards incorporated and statutory boards not incorporated in practice has proven marginal. (2) The statutory provisions do not adequately provide representation from minority groups. They do not respond to the increase in faculty influence in the governance of the institutions and the student press for involvement in institutional government. (3) The widespread use of standing and special committees creates a danger of loss of full board control and emphasizes attention to detail in contrast to broad policy making. (4) The by-law provisions relating to the board meetings which are open to the public and to the administrative officers supports the point that some checks and balances on policy making are possible in public boards.
(6) A relatively high percentage of the official documents specifies the appointment and dismissal of the chief executive officer of the board. However, procedures to be followed and conditions under which he may be dismissed are totally lacking in the statutory and by-law provisions.