Governing boards of colleges and universities wield tremendous power, including the authority to appoint presidents, set tuition rates, and vote on policy changes.

But emerging research is questioning the relationship between the diversity of board members and student success. It comes at a time when the rising political influence of some governing boards is increasingly shaping student and faculty experiences.

 

The class of 2024 largely began college during the pandemic’s early days, meaning the beginning of their undergraduate career was marked by social isolation, virtual learning, and economic uncertainty. During that time, many college students reported worsening mental health, feelings of chronic exhaustion, and lack of motivation.

A new survey warns that many of these students expect to carry those feelings into their early careers.