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.

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…

Nov 8, 2021 · Natalia Mayorga

UNC-Chapel Hill in a “Mental Health Crisis”

It has been two months since the start of the Fall semester at UNC-Chapel Hill. In those two months, four students have died by suicide on campus. In response to…

Oct 27, 2021 · Jay Schalin

Sheep No More: the Alumni Rise

In my nearly 15 years as a higher education journalist and analyst, I have, unfortunately, witnessed too few victories for the reform movement. In that time, and certainly for several…

Oct 13, 2021 · Scott Yenor

The American Political Science Association Cancels the Claremont Institute

Universities have been going woke across the country. This involves administrators pushing “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” policies in hiring practices, student life, and curricula. But if they choose to, academic…