Guidelines are given for new governing board trustees to prepare themselves for their responsibilities. Briefly outlined are the trustee's 10 major responsibilities: selection, nurture, and termination of the president; financial support and management; maintenance and expansion of the physical plant; public relations; clarification of purpose; assessment of performance; bridging the gap between community and campus; preservation of institutional independence; court of final appeal; and self-evaluation. These issues and elements of governance are briefly discussed: learning during. the first year; background of higher education, and keeping up with current issues; knowing the institution; the issue of policy and administrative roles; delegating authority; faculty and student relations; and assessing one's own performance. A checklist is given for the latter. Suggested reading materials are listed. (MSE)