The states and higher education legislative views on the governance of public colleges and universities: Enhancing the public interest

This study describes legislative perceptions about the governance of higher education and the specific responsibilities that policy makers associate w ith the public interest. Based on a survey of state legislators conducted f or the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges, it exa mines factors that influence governance and their relationship to the gover ning board's dual role as institutional advocate and guardian of the public trust.