The college or university academic affairs committee of the governing board holds the primary responsibility for defining, overseeing, and modifying the "policies" that fulfill the institution's academic mission, including: ensuring that the academic program is consistent with the institution's mission and strategies; ensuring that the academic budget reflects the institution's priorities; ensuring that faculty personnel policies and procedures complement academic priorities; ensuring that academic programs are appropriate for the students; and ensuring that the institution assess the effectiveness of academic programs. Academic affairs committee members must be interested in and committed to the institution's academic priorities, and understand shared governance. Depending on institution size, this committee may range from 3 to 10 members and should welcome representatives from other standing or ad hoc board committees, and from faculty or students in either voting or nonvoting capacities. The committee should set its own agenda, guided by the institution's mission, strategic plan, academic plan, and other planning documents. The chair should consider developing an annual list of priorities so the committee's work remains focused. (MSE)