Board Frameworks | Origin: OP110
This is a general discussion forum for the following learning topic:
Developing Effective Advisory and Governing Boards --> Board Frameworks
Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.
Learning the difference between an advisory board and a governing board of directors for a college or university is crucial for understanding institutional leadership and decision-making. A governing board, often called the board of trustees or board of regents, holds the highest level of authority, making policy decisions, overseeing finances, and ensuring the institution fulfills its mission. This board has legal and fiduciary responsibilities, including hiring and evaluating the president. In contrast, an advisory board provides non-binding strategic guidance and expertise but does not have decision-making power. Advisory boards are typically composed of industry experts, alumni, or community leaders who offer insights and support without direct governance responsibilities. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the roles each board plays in shaping a college or university’s direction.
Creating a "job description" for governing boards is ideal. This helps to ensure that they understand their roles and responsibilities.
I think board orientation is very important and set the expectations of board members.
governing and advisory boards have very different roles but are equally important to success
I liked this because I have my fist advisory board being new in the education field and this has sure helped me to understand the importance of the board.
The effectiveness of both the governing Board and Advisory board may depend on how the members were identified, recruited, and trained. Therefore, policies must be very strategic.
With employment trends changing so often now, having a diverse advisory board can help better field the needs of the college, curriculum and the students, along with being better able to tailor the curriculum to meet future needs in the industry.
Advisory boards are a great way to stay abreast of the upcoming and changes that are happening in the industry. They also are a good source to ensure that the schools curricula are teaching the students skills that employers are seeking. The boards are giving us a great view and can suggests ideas to improve the students experience and education overall.
Advisory board members participate on a voluntary basis and their primary purpose is to be a management reaource that enhances resident skills for a specific purpose.
The importance of finding the right members for your advisory board and what type of board will better suite your needs. This made a lot of sense when thinking about the advisory board I have now for my program. I will train my members and make sure they fully understand what their role is.
I intend to use the information in the section to further bolster both our advisory board and our governing board. I will incorporate the sections of this lesson for greater feedback from both groups.
An advisory board can focus on specific areas of need. In my case we are a technical institution that focuses on motor vehicle repair and maintenance. We are required to have a yearly advisory board meeting. What was interesting is the concept of having as advisory board with a broader scope to include things like student retention and new program evaluation.
A school may benefit from forming special-purpose advisory boards to assist with solving unique problems that the school's staff may not be qualified or experienced enough to resolve.
Board members provide their time voluntarily. They are not vested in the institution
Board of Governance as the authority to fire the CEO.
Within board frameworks I found it enlightening to learn the difference in governing and advisory boards. While governing is more related to the fiscal and fiduciary health of the organization, an advisory board with the proper oversight can make a valuable impact in the curricular and student retention side of an institution. Knowing the inherent difference in the two is not only important in forming boards, but also when speaking to compliance and when the organization is under review by regulatory agencies. Having insight into the framework is important for forming but also in maintaining the boards or committees long-term, as they are a commitment and take time and planning to create and maintain.
This has been enlightening. It has reinforced what I need to do with our governing board and how to best utilize the members.
it will help my to understan how policies are formed and transformed into decisions and actions at the operational level.
I never realized the important differences between an advisory board and a governing board. Additionally, the task of choosing the right members requires careful evaluation and selection of the most competent individuals for their defined role. I am also surprised to learn that advisory boards are limited in their legal responsibilities, while governing boards oversee the legal, finacial and mission goals related to an institution. This module has been both eye opening and thought provoking.
