"Higher education governing boards have existed at colleges and universities since the first institutions opened during the 1600s in the U.S. Despite all the major changes that have occurred in higher education resulting in very different institutions being developed and opened governance has remained much the same since the first colleges and universities were opened. Yet during the past few decades many events and influences on campuses have required governing boards to be more involved and engaged. Therefore, having a better understanding of how boards reach decisions is very important to appreciate and understand. Governing board decisions are made about a large variety of topics and may be small, perfunctory, or have significant impact and have long term effects on an institution. Identifying and understanding how board members are able to interact with each other and then with the university they serve, to discuss, debate and make any of those decisions is a challenge. This study focused on governing board decision making that led to the establishment of a college of medicine at a comprehensive university. Governing board members and administrators were interviewed and board documents were reviewed to gain insight into how the board studied, deliberated and ultimately reached a decision about establishing a new college and the initial steps followed to begin implementation once the decision was made. This specific case study allows for some conclusions to be made about governing board decision making in general."--Page ii.
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