Two important responsibilities of a trustee investment committee are the selection of the managers and the asset allocation of the endowment fund. Benefits from outside management include the ability to select firms that specialize in a particular segment of the market and the spreading of assets to reduce risk. (Author/MLW)

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 discussion of the place of advisory boards in college administration looks at board types (general, program, and ad hoc), general and specific purposes, and steps to keep the board involved and functioning. Cultivating a productive and directed relationship between institution staff and these volunteer consultants is emphasized. (MSE)

For effective trustee participation in planning, it is suggested, a college president should provide a good flow of information, conduct trustee orientation, establish a schedule of planning documents, and encourage trustee committees. A board planning agenda is provided. (Author/MLW)

The educational and financial health of private colleges and universities in the coming years, it is suggested, will depend on the competence of those who are chosen to serve as trustees and regents. The National Commission on Trustee Selection's 14 recommendations for improvements in the selection process are provided. (Author/MLW)

The chairman of a presidential search committee must squander months of time trying to find a candidate who meets impossible requirements, and even then the candidate may back out. (LBH)

The president of Ramapo College in New Jersey recruited business leaders and set up a quarterly seminar to advise his board members about the strategic planning process. (Author/MLW)

Possible advisory committee roles and responsibilities, and some examples of these in action, are described and discussed. Included are the Indiana State Advisory Council on Vocational Education's recommendations for maintaining an active advisory committee, which are based on the assumption that a board can be effective only if it receives…

Channeling the energy of volunteer boards of parents and community members can produce unexpected dividends. At Alma College (Michigan), a parent board raises $250,000 annually and helps recruit new students. A formal and communicative relationship between advisory board and governing board is essential for effective operation. (Author/MSE)