In 2010, the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) surveyed higher education governing boards in the United States regarding board composition and selected policies and practices. AGB has conducted similar research since the mid-1980s. This report summarizes the data and examines trends for independent college and university governing boards, based on surveys completed by representatives from more than 500 independent institutions. A separate report summarizes the results of a survey of public colleges, universities, and systems. The report provides trustees, presidents, staff, and scholars with a basis for comparing the attributes of their own institutions' boards with those of other institutions. Data are reported for all independent institutions (507) and by type of institution (associate's, baccalaureate, master's, doctoral and research, and specialized). The survey results reveal the range of practices and trends with regard to the following: (1) board member demographics including age, gender, race and ethnicity, and occupations; (2) student, faculty, and alumni board members; (3) board size; (4) length of terms for trustees and chairs; (5) written policies for removing board members; (6) attendance; (7) annual contributions from trustees; (8) trustee service on other types of boards; (9) use of executive sessions; (10) frequency and length of meetings; (11) most common committees; (12) board Web sites, voting electronically, and participating in committee meetings electronically; (13) presidential search; and (14) board education and assessment practices. Historic data were drawn primarily from previous surveys published by AGB in 2004, 1998, 1997, 1991, 1986, and 1985. Additional sources were used for data on the gender and racial composition of boards in the early and mid-1900s. Board leaders can use these findings to consider best practices and evaluate their own board's performance. (Contains 1 table.)