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.

Dec 31, 2021 · Martin Center Staff

Reform in 2022: Our Hopes for the New Year

While the year 2021 wasn’t quite as tumultuous and unpredictable as 2020, the higher education landscape continues to look very different: overall enrollment continues to drop and countless institutions have…

Dec 30, 2021 · Natalia Mayorga

Did You Know? Undergraduate Enrollment Still on the Decline

Despite many universities going back to in-person teaching this fall, undergraduate enrollment is still on the decline. Back in Fall 2020, in the midst of lockdowns and virtual classes, undergraduate…

Dec 16, 2021 · Natalia Mayorga

Did You Know? UNC System’s 50th Anniversary

The University of North Carolina system celebrated 50 years since its establishment as a 17 campus system. On November 16, North Carolina State University chancellor Randy Woodson hosted the anniversary…

Nov 30, 2021 · Jenna A. Robinson

Board Members Object to “$100 Million Raleigh Move”

Last week, the Martin Center reported on the UNC system’s mandated move to Raleigh in 2022. Now, members of the UNC Board of Governors are questioning the speed and the…

Nov 29, 2021 · Jay Schalin

Survey Says: Davidson College Should Mend Its Ways

One of higher education’s most enduring enigmas is the continued support given by relatively traditional donors to their rapidly radicalizing institutions. This deep division between the beliefs of important donors…

Nov 24, 2021 · Jenna A. Robinson

Surprise: The UNC System is Moving!

Last week, the UNC Board of Governors met at NC State’s Hunt Library for its November meeting. In meeting at one of its constituent institutions, the Board is returning to…

Nov 22, 2021 · John Sailer

UNC School of Medicine’s Quiet “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” Revolution

In May, the UNC School of Medicine revised its Guidelines for Appointment, Reappointment, and Promotion. Now, faculty seeking promotion must tout their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. One sample…

Nov 15, 2021 · Shannon Watkins

A Conversation with the Chancellor of UNC-Wilmington

In September, the chancellor of UNC-Wilmington, Jose Sartarelli, announced his plan to retire next year. Sartarelli took office on July 1, 2015. Before coming to UNC-Wilmington he served for five…

Nov 12, 2021 · Gail Heriot

How Short-term Thinking on Race Has Caused Long-term Problems in Higher Education

Editor’s note: This essay is based on a talk given by Gail Heriot on October 29, 2021, for the Martin Center in Raleigh, North Carolina. Ladies and gentlemen, if you’re…

Nov 11, 2021 · Jenna A. Robinson

Did You Know? The UNC-Chapel Hill Board of Trustees Voted Against Ending Discrimination in University Admissions

Last week, the UNC-Chapel Hill Board of Trustees considered a resolution to end discrimination and special preferences in all the university’s activities. The Board ultimately rejected the resolution, but it…