Lay governing boards must be made up of individuals representing diversity within the community, but not the representative of a single group or purpose, or the board's overall effectiveness, general welfare of the college, and the protection of public trust will be compromised. (MSE)

Because the process of selecting University of Minnesota trustees has been seen as highly political and many qualified candidates refused to be considered, the university established an advisory council to assist the legislature in determining criteria for, identifying, and recruiting qualified candidates for board of regents membership. (MSE)

A panel presentation and discussion of the effect of politics on the elected governing boards of the public higher education institutions in Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, Nebraska, and Nevada, especially in relation to board election procedures and the state system's complexity, is summarized. (MSE)

Reflecting on his experience as a trustee of the University of Maine when the Governor demanded the resignation of the entire board (and all refused), the author examines issues of institutional autonomy in public higher education emphasizing that the board of trustees must determine which kinds of political influence are proper. (JT)

Calculating the productivity of a college or university is more complex than determining a machine's productivity. Sixteen rational, cultural, political, and cognitive constraints that influence institutional productivity are outlined and their mediation by institutional culture and history is noted. (MSE)

Proposes new economic and political philosophies to turn the college-graduate surplus into a trained manpower shortage and calls for a new partnership in policy making between educators, employers, and the community at large for interrelating education and work. (JT)

The debate about political correctness on college campuses focuses not on the goals of diversity and equity but on strategies to attain them. Underlying the debate are different assumptions about our society's nature. Synthesis is needed in alternative models of campus order and openness, curricula, and admissions and hiring policies. (MSE)

Politics is seen as likely to play an important role in higher education during the 1980s. The best way to ensure continued public support and funding from the state is by demonstrating academic quality. Trustees must play a central role in political influence/pressure brought to bear on legislators. (MLW)

The proposed National Service legislation with options of community as well as military service is seen as calling for a strong, constructive, informed response by the higher education community. What National Service will mean to higher education, the shift in student aid, and influencing the president are discussed. (Author/MLW)

A former college president and corporate foundation president examines moral and economic issues relating to college withdrawal of investments in South Africa, using the experiences of Harvard University and Exxon stock for illustration. (MSE)

Trustees and other officials of state higher education institutions should understand their role in the legislative process, including respecting and understanding the political process; working closely with the institution's lobbyist, knowing your limits and advantages, monitoring public opinion, understanding campaign contributions,…

Papers from the National Conference on Trusteeship discuss: recent board- president imbroglios; Rutgers legal headaches; governing boards and legal policy changes; 5 percent of operating income set aside to build operating reserve; and how the South Dakota State Board involved campuses in decisions. (Author/MLW)