What are the responsibilities of a university advisory board?

University and college governing boards provide guidance and direction for the faculty, the administration and the institution itself. They are responsible for making sure that the institution’s offerings are relevant and of the highest quality.

In environments with highly complex issues, forming advisory boards with specialized experience can be an asset for trustees who are facing a high degree of change or dealing with numerous major issues at once.

University advisory boards are a vital link between academia, the administration and external expertise, offering crucial guidance to help institutions navigate today’s complex educational landscape. Membership composed of stakeholders from local businesses, industries, government and education provide value in demanding situations and support the board in achieving its goals.

Why does a university need an advisory board?

Not all universities necessarily need an advisory board. However, if they think they need one, they probably do. Boards should consider establishing an advisory board when they’re facing issues or projects that fall outside the usual, ongoing roles and responsibilities of the board, for example, student unrest, internationalization or for cybersecurity advice.

Boards can establish advisory boards as standing boards or implement them on an ad hoc basis. Boards that form an advisory board because of ongoing, major activities that they project will last more than a year should create a standing advisory board. If advice and consultation is only needed for one to nine months, an ad hoc advisory board will work.

Once trustees have assessed the type of advisory board they require, they should determine the scope and expectations of the advisory board and formally document these, along with member responsibilities.

How does a university advisory board function?

Advisory board members provide guidance, knowledge, skills and feedback to the university board, typically as it pertains to a specific area of expertise. Therefore, boards should

consider the composition of their advisory boards carefully and ensure members have skills and expertise that complement the full board.

Well-structured advisory boards can be a critical link in partnering with board members and the administration in research and community collaborations as well as in other areas such as major fundraising, alumni relations or student affairs.

What does a university advisory board do?

A university or college advisory board may be charged with many duties to support the board of directors and institution at-large. These responsibilities should be documented so that members and other constituents understand the scope of the advisory board.

Typically, advisory boards do not have formal authority to govern the institution or issue directives of any kind. Advisory board members who are active and involved in their duties will become valuable assets as program ambassadors and advocates.

These are some responsibilities advisory boards in colleges or universities may have:

• • Provide university trustees with critical information and developments in their respective fields.
  • Assist trustees in identifying and implementing best practices for new and existing programs.
  • Ensure that programs are current and relevant to business, industry, labor and professional development practices.
  • Evaluate labor market and potential demand for new programs.
  • Engage in other areas of programming including marketing, promotion, fundraising and assisting with job placement for program graduates.

What is the time commitment for university advisory board members?

Serving on an advisory board requires less time than serving on a board of directors. Depending on their function, advisory boards may meet on a regular basis, perhaps biannually or as needed.

Often, most of the work is done behind the scenes and will include research, informal discussions and review of relevant materials in preparation for meetings. Advisory boards should select a chair, who will communicate findings and recommendations to the intuition’s board of directors.

The number of members on a university advisory board can vary significantly. An advisory board may be as small as two or three members or may have up to 15 members or more. Boards of trustees may set terms for advisory board members.

Typically, they choose a two-year term limit, after which they may renew additional terms based on the advisory board member’s interest, involvement or the needs of the board or university.

How should advisory board members be selected?

Boards of directors should carefully consider the personal characteristics of their advisory board members. They should be individuals with a reputation for honesty and integrity. Advisory board members should be skilled at active listening and analyzing and should express clear thinking.

Advisory board members need to be willing to work collaboratively and to provide constructive feedback to each other and to the board. As with any other type of board service, advisory board members should be open to differing points of views, be patient and responsive, and be willing to engage.

In choosing members for an advisory board, trustees should consider the candidates’ interest and concern for developing or enhancing programs. Advisory board members should make it a practice to be informed about programs, students, curricula, services, support and activities.

It is also advantageous to consider how diverse perspectives and experiences based on gender, race, ethnicity, geographic location, age or other issues may enhance the work of the advisory board.

BoardEffect enhances collaboration between university advisory boards and trustees

For university advisory boards to perform efficiently and provide essential support to the trustees and academic institution, they need board management solutions, such as BoardEffect.

BoardEffect’s enables better and stronger communication, and facilitates collaboration between the main board and advisory board members.

Secure workrooms can be used by committees and working groups to collaborate, discuss and work together on projects.

Advisory board meeting preparation can be done with even greater efficiency, using features such as drag and drop agenda builders, customizable tailored workflows and secure communications for the preparation and distribution of board packets to board members.

Find out how BoardEffect can assist your advisory board with good governance. Request a demo today.