Governance refers to the system of rules and procedures that determines how an organization is run. In the context of higher education, governance refers to the way in which colleges and universities are managed and controlled.

There is no single, universally accepted model of governance for higher education institutions. However, there are some common features that can be found in most systems of governance. These features include:

• A governing board: A governing board is responsible for setting the overall policies and direction of the institution. The board is typically made up of representatives from the community, faculty, staff, and students.
• A president or chancellor: The president or chancellor is the chief executive officer of the institution. The president is responsible for implementing the policies of the board and for day-to-day management of the institution.
• Academic senate or faculty council: The academic senate or faculty council is responsible for representing the interests of the faculty. The senate or council typically has a role in approving academic policies and in making recommendations to the governing board.
• Other bodies: There may be other bodies involved in the governance of higher education institutions, such as student government, alumni associations, and advisory boards.

The specific structure of governance for a particular institution will vary depending on the size, type, and mission of the institution. For example, a small, private college may have a simpler system of governance than a large, public university.

Differences between Higher Education institutions and K-12 school divisions

There are a number of key differences between the governance of higher education institutions and K-12 school divisions. These differences include:

• Level of autonomy: Higher education institutions tend to have more autonomy than K-12 school divisions. This is because higher education institutions are typically governed by a private board of trustees, while K-12 schools are typically governed by a public board of education.
• Role of the state: The state plays a more direct role in the governance of K-12 schools than in the governance of higher education institutions. This is because the state is responsible for providing funding for K-12 schools, while higher education institutions are typically funded through tuition and private donations.
• Role of the faculty: The faculty plays a more central role in the governance of higher education institutions than in the governance of K-12 schools. This is because the faculty is responsible for setting academic policies and for approving the curriculum.
• Role of the students: Students play a more limited role in the governance of higher education institutions than in the governance of K-12 schools. This is because students typically have less representation on governing boards and other decision-making bodies.

Conclusion

The governance of higher education institutions is a complex and ever-evolving system. There is no single, perfect model of governance, and the best system for a particular institution will vary depending on the institution’s size, type, and mission. However, the key features of governance outlined above are common to most systems of governance for higher education institutions.