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keeping an

effectivehigher ed

board

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A trustee is a link between the institution + the constituencies that support it + are served by it.

Because a college or university’s most valuable asset is its good name…

A trustee’s top priority should

be protecting the institution's reputation.

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For effective service, a board should considercurrent makeup & plan for the future…

Recruitment, retention + motivation Leadership continuity Balance of skills Education + orientation Culture focused on strategy + risk

Don’t be afraid to self-evaluate

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Recruitment, retention + motivation

Recruitment, retention + motivation

Leadership continuityBalance of skillsEducation +

orientation Culture focused on

strategy + risk

Ease the burden of trustee recruitment. The board should focus on ways to provide exciting and rewarding service opportunities.

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Leadership continuity

Recruitment, retention + motivation

Leadership continuityBalance of skillsEducation +

orientation Culture focused on

strategy + risk

Provide continuity and create a succession plan.Formal or not, boards should identify future chairs + leadership roles.

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Balance of skills

Recruitment, retention + motivation

Leadership continuityBalance of skillsEducation +

orientation Culture focused on

strategy + risk

Review the make-up + skill sets of trustees.• What can we improve upon?• Where are the holes?• Do we know what skills are essential for

us?

Want more details? >> Download the guide

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Education + orientation

Recruitment, retention + motivation

Leadership continuityBalance of skillsEducation +

orientation Culture focused on

strategy + risk

Invest time + create opportunities for trustees’ continued development. Establish a commitment, and routine, to discuss skill development + opportunities.

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Culture focused on strategy + risk

Recruitment, retention + motivation

Leadership continuityBalance of skillsEducation +

orientation Culture focused on

strategy + risk

Skillfully keep your strategy intact, while monitoring risks to it’s objectives. Utilize your ERM program + spend time mitigating those risks.

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