Governance

University boards have the primary responsibility for ensuring fidelity to the institution’s mission, managing university finances, and setting personnel policies. The following articles expose poor governance practices and identify policies that keep boards accountable to the taxpayers, students, parents, alumni, and donors whom they serve.

Aug 27, 2009 · Jane S. Shaw

The Croaking Frog Paradigm

In this dialogue, educators and reformers consider whether the federal government should insist that colleges reveal student learning outcomes.

Aug 18, 2009 · Roger Peterson

Turning Left and Driving Blindly

Macalester College is alienating its alumni at a time when liberal arts colleges are scrambling for their donations.

Aug 3, 2009 · Jay Schalin

The Bane of Bureaucracy

A private consultant’s investigation of UNC-Chapel Hill is a model for the reform of higher education business practices.

Jul 28, 2009 · Roger Clegg

Dousing the Fires of Racial Discrimination

The Ricci case concerning racial discrimination against New Haven firefighters has important implications for the hiring practices of academia.

Jul 13, 2009 · Jenna A. Robinson

Which College for You?

You should start the process of choosing a college by thinking about what you personally want out of it.

Jul 2, 2009 · George Leef

Breaking into Colgate’s Inner Circle

To strengthen oversight, “A Better Colgate” presses for direct alumni election of some trustees.

Jun 30, 2009 · George Leef

All the Wrong Incentives

A new Pope Center paper says the cost of college keeps rising because there’s no reason for administrators to be thrifty.

Jun 19, 2009 · Jay Schalin

The Chancellor’s Last Stand

James Oblinger’s actions during the recent scandal at N.C. State were predictable, considering the criteria used to appoint chancellors.

Jun 4, 2009 · Jane S. Shaw

Raise Our Taxes, Please

The largest professors’ association in North Carolina asks the legislature for progressive tax increases to address the state’s budget deficit.

Jun 1, 2009 · Jenna A. Robinson

President Obama is planning to change the ways that students obtain loans, with more funds coming directly from the government rather than through subsidized lending. But the fundamental issues surrounding college loans aren’t going to change. They are worrisome.

If you are a taxpayer, you might be surprised at how generous the government is in providing loans and how lax about repayment. If you are a student, you should know that government policies change your incentives: they encourage you to borrow more than you should, to hold on to the loans for years without repaying them, and even to enter jobs that you wouldn’t otherwise have picked.