A "trustee" means different things to different people. Some have suggested abolishing Boards of Trustees and handing all power to the students and faculty. Yet, if the University is to remain a center of learning and free inquiry, it will be easier to preserve this function with the support of a dedicated board of lay trustees. One responsibility a Baord serves is as an interpreter of the University, to defend the academy to the alumni and public, and to convey public sentiment to the academy. It also has the responsibility to anticipate grievances regarding broad policies and to act upon those to prevent disruptive action, to review and pass upon basic policies, and to assure that the necessary research has been done, and consultations made before decisions are reached. A Board of Trustees makes a mistake if it enters into administrative detail, instead of dealing with broad policy questions; if it interferes with the curriuculum, or personnel problems; if it thinks that it stands in loco parentis; if it is a house divided; if a member makes extreme statements to please a part of the public; if it allows leading politicians to be ex officio members; or if it thinks that the university can be operated like any other business. Since many of these abuses do occur, reforms for the future are essential. (AF)