Governing Universities

The governance of higher education in the UK was regarded until recently as the 'dignified' element within the constitution of the academy. University councils were trustees rather than directors. But governance is now a contested area and, in particular, lay governors are seen as key change agents, responsible for reforming the old donnish culture of elite higher education. Governing Universities explores who governors are, how they conceive of their new roles, and what they think about higher education policy. It examines whether governing bodies have became more actively engaged in setting institutional policies; and whether governors have changed the old culture or gone 'native'. It sets university governance in the larger context of the massification and 'marketization' of higher education; and draws comparisons both with other parts of the public sector and the private sector and with governance in North America and the rest of Europe. This is the first full-length research-based study of UK higher education governance and is essential reading for all those involved with and interested in university governance.

Table of Contents:
University governance the historical and policy context Governance and the management of higher education The governors backgrounds and perceptions of higher education People like us? the selection and appointment of university governors Governing bodies roles and organizational situations Processes of governance roles and decision-making Key agents and relationships vice-chancellors and chair of governing bodies Clashes of culture comparative perspectives on university governance Changing patterns of governance? References Appendices Index.

Review :
"...provides a valuable contribution to an understanding of the way in which universities are governed and for those involved inthe process will provide much food for thought." - Research in Post-Compulsory Education