Governing Boards as Architects For Black Campus Success: A Green Book to Establishing a Governance Blueprint

• In Event: The Possibilities of "Green Book" Approach to Higher Education

Abstract

This paper not only envisions transformative strategies to bolster support for Black students within academia but also emphasizes the pivotal role of governing boards in fostering equity and inclusivity. Rooted in my extensive research and practice work focusing on the experiences of Black students in higher education, my contribution offers practical insights and actionable recommendations for university governing boards seeking to create a more welcoming and empowering environment for marginalized communities. How might university governing boards better center equity-minded decision-making and culturally sustaining governance to better support the needs of Black campus groups? By aligning with the nine common roles and responsibilities of governing boards in higher education, my paper underscores the imperative for boards to actively engage in fostering institutional change, cultivating a campus culture that uplifts and supports Black students, staff, and faculty. A Green Book for higher education is incomplete and ineffective without intentional consideration of the roles of boards of higher education. In the paper, I examine how we might leverage boards in the quest for more equitable campus environments.

Author

• Raquel M. Rall, University of California - Riverside