Governance in higher education institutions : a glimpse from the US

Abstract

Governance is a multi-layered concept that depicts a myriad of formulations and potential affordances. In this paper we present and discuss some of the key topics that frame the governance problems European Universities face nowadays. We depart from institutions and their interactions with the outer world and their own organizational structures and then focus on power and productivity as the two core variables influencing governance. Following the contributions and remarks of several thinkers throughout history, we then reflect on the emergence of governance and the central function it has had throughout history in supporting how institutions survive and prevail sometimes in daring circumstances. We end our notes with an assertion of the plasticity of the concept and its many affordances that go way beyond managerial or political thinking, making governance uncapturable.All over the world, higher education (HE) is perceived to be crucial and strategic for the development of regions and nations. In this aspect, the United States (US) higher education plays an important role, and it is recognized for several enduring features that make it distinct from other HE systems throughout the world. The US higher education is diverse and dynamic, with a commitment to academic freedom and cutting-edge research, and a wide range of institutions and programs are available to students. The enormity of the system exceeding 4,000 institutions and serving around 20 million students is clearly one feature. Its emphasis on access and availability is another. In recent times, one might wish to add its, perhaps, overzealous affinity for a market-driven philosophy. Finally, the mechanism of control through governing boards consisting of citizen-trustees that has endured since its beginning at Harvard College must be highlighted. The aim of this article is to present an overview on governance of higher education institutions (HEIs) in the US. We attempt to describe the main parameters around governance of public higher education, and we offer critical insights through a comparison with the private sector in the US and its European counterpart. Keywords: Higher Education Governance; American Higher Education; Higher Education