Mishka Zena

American University has made reforms from the BOT level and all the way down to employee’s right to blow whistles on improper activities (a deterrent to management by intimidation culture). Gallaudet can benefit enormously from similiar reforms. This may explain how the current presidential selection process was flawed from the beginning. AU decided to reform itself first, before it is currently engaged in a new Presidential Search process.

AU Chair of BOT sent a letter to the alumni about its Board Governance Reforms, sent on September 1, 2006:

http://www.american.edu/trustees/new/letters/09012006.pdf, making AU a model for open and participatory governance in higher education. Their reform theme: inclusiveness, accountability, and transparency.  Excerpts:

Trustees Commitment and Responsibilities:

At least two forums will be held each year at which the president, trustees, and university community members can interact and discuss issues of concerns.

12-point statement of responsibilities, obligations, and expectations for board service, to help those considering joining the board to understand more fully what is expected.

An orientation program, to better immerse all in the life of AU and enhance their understanding of it.

Oversight of the President

The President will continue to be a board member, but as a nonvoting exofficio member.  A comprehensive presidential performance assessment will be done at least every three years, with interim reviews at least annually, and to include input from campus consitutents.

Faculty and Student Representation

Three new nonvoting trustees have been added (two faculty members and one student).  In addition, one “nonaffiliated” trustees will be a recent AU graduate chosen after consultation with student and alumni representatives.  Although some 85 percent of independent colleges and universities do not have faculty and student trustees, the board endorsed this recommendation as appropriate for American University.

Whistleblower Policy

Provides a procedure to complement various exisiting compliant and grievance procedures, where employees and others may report to the Audit committee any misconduct suspected to have occured.  This ensures there will be no retailation against persons who in good faith bring such compliants.

Conflict of Interest Policy

Requires that trustees disclose defined material interests in certain entities which, known to the trustee, the university has or is considering a business relationship.

The tremendous dedication and substantial commitment by all have helped this board become more integrated into the life of the university and to construct a governance framework that can become a model for higher education.  American University is stronger today than it has ever been.  I look forward to the bright future before us, as we begin the search for a permanent president.

Signed by Gary Abramson, Chairman of AU Board of Trustees.

This reform was possible through two consultants, Martin Michaelson, ESQ, nationally regarded advisor on university board governance, and Tom Ingram, a leading authority on university board practices, as well as engaging AU communities and committee meetings.

AU Board Transparency and Communications

Another interesting AU website http://www.american.edu/governance/docs/Report.pdf

talks about setting up:

Board Goverance Webpage as a depository for official memos, board actions, resolutions, and student government actions.  This reference site for persons interested in the governance improvements and board changes is linked to the AU main page.  Links are provided to other relevant sites, such as President’s Office, BOT, Campus Life, Student Government, Graduate Leadership Council, Faculty Senate, Staff Council, and the Alumni Association.

Board Communications to Campus In autumn 2005, the board initiated direct communciations, memos, and updates to the campus and constituencies regarding board actions.

Board Contact  A dedicated e-mailbox, AUBOT@american.edu was created for those who wish to contact the board.  This e-mailbox was particularly valuable during the height of the fall semester controversy; an estimated 70 to 80% of e-mails sent to AUBOT were from alumni and parents.

American University’s Board of Trustees has announced that a search for a permanent president will formally begin in September 2006.  The search will be coordinated by a 15-person committee consisting of members of the board and the AU community, and will be chaired by Trustees Chairman Gary Abramson.  The search committee will include eight trustees; three faculty members; two students; a dean, and a staff member.  The recognized faculty and student governance groups will recommend their prospective members to the board for potential committee service, with recommendations subject to final board approval.  As committee chair, Mr. Abramson will identify the trustee, dean, and staff representatives, in consultation with those groups and the board, and will strive to ensure diversity in the committee composition.  The eight trustee representatives will include alumni members.

Echoing the spirit of the sweeping governance reforms adopted at the May and June board meetings, the search will reflect the values of inclusiveness, accountability, and transparency. 

Paul Singleton

GALLYNET-L@gallynet.org

Reprinted with permission by listserv moderator