This report is a distillation of an extensive analysis of the governance patterns of 50 private, senior, predominantly Negro colleges and universities. At the time of the investigation (1967-68) these institutions had 33 percent of the enrollment of all predominantly Negro colleges. The purpose of the study was to delineate the structures of the boards and describe their orientations and the methodologies they employed in facing the problems and challenges peculiar to these institutions. In this context an attempt was made to identify (1) the governance personnel of these institutions and their chief characteristics; (2) their perceptions regarding their tasks and responsibilities as trustees; (3) the priority of their commitments; and (4) the ways in which their role-functions are relevant to present challenges and their performances enhance the future of these institutions. The report has three chapters: CHAPTER I gives a profile of governance structure; Chapter II gives a profile of governance function; and Chapter III gives conclusions and makes recommendations. Included in the appendices are (1) the questionnaire; (2) a statistical summary of the board structure; (3) a statistical summary of role-function; and (4) a profile of the institutions. (AF)