Certain basic principles must be accepted if colleges and universities are to function in an orderly, purposeful way and to lay down those conditions necessary to insure the presence of effective leadership on the campus. Some basic principles are: (1) a college or university exists to serve the general society that created it and that supports it; (2) its constituencies should be provided with an opportunity to be informed and heard; (3) in the eyes of the law a college or university is its governing board, commonly known as the board of trustees; and (4) the major functions of a public college or university are teaching/learning, scholarship/research, and appropriate public service, as determined ultimately by the board of trustees. The role of the president is: (1) to serve as chief executive officer; (2) to act with authority; (3) to recommend policies for consideration by the board and the implementation of these policies; and (4) to understand and work with the board. (KE)