FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY BOARD ASSESSMENT SURVEY
AUGUST 2010

General Assessment and Brief Comments

How do you believe the Board has been particularly successful in the past?   
   
With the opportunity of a transition to a new president, where do you believe the Board might consider changes?   
   

Assessment Made by Board Responsibility

1. Mission and Purpose    Not Satisfied    Satisfied    Not Sure   
1.1 All board members are familiar with FAU's mission statement.                  
1.2 FAU's current mission statement is appropriate for the institution’s role in the next 3 to 5 years.                  
1.3 The board's policy decisions and FAU's programs and services reflect the mission.                  
Additional Comments.
   
2. Selection, Support and Review of the President   
2.1 A written job description clearly spells out the president's responsibilities.                  
2.2 All board members respect the responsibilities distinct to the president.                  
2.3 The board conducted its last search for a president in a professional and competent way.                  
2.4 The board assesses the president in a systematic and fair way on a regular basis.                  
Additional Comments.
   
3. Approval and Monitoring of FAU's Programs and Services   
3.1 The board is knowledgeable about FAU's current programs and services.                  
3.2 The board knows the strengths and weaknesses of FAU's major programs.                  
3.3 The board periodically considers adopting new programs and modifying or discontinuing current programs.                  
Additional Comments.
   
4. Raising Money    Not Satisfied    Satisfied    Not Sure   
4.1 The board understands the fundraising activities and strategies of FAU's foundations.                  
4.2 The Foundation annually solicits the full board to support FAU financially.                  
4.3 On behalf of the Foundation, Board members actively ask others in the community to provide financial support to FAU.                  
4.4 The board has a clear policy on the individual board members' responsibility to raise money.                  
Additional Comments.
   
5. Ensuring Effective Fiscal Management   
5.1 The board discusses thoroughly FAU's annual operating budget before approving it.                  
5.2 The board takes advantage of the budget process to consider the most effective allocation of limited resources.                  
5.3 The board receives financial reports on a regular basis that are understandable, accurate and timely.                  
5.4 The board requires an annual audit and considers all recommendations made in the independent auditor's report and management letter.                  
Additional Comments.
   
6. Engaging in Strategic Planning   
6.1 The board focuses much of its attention on long-term significant policy issues rather than on short-term administrative matters.                  
6.2 The board discusses what FAU's strategic vision for a 3- to 5-year period should be with the president.                  
6.3 As part of an overall institutional process organized by the president, the board periodically engages in a strategic planning process that helps it consider how FAU should meet new opportunities and challenges.                  
Additional Comments.
   
7. Selecting and Orienting New Board Members    Not Satisfied    Satisfied    Not Sure   
7.1. While State-appointed, the board makes recommendations concerning the qualification and expertise that new board members would ideally bring to FAU.                  
7.2 Once appointed, the board ensures that all new members have a comprehensive orientation to board responsibilities, FAU's programs and services, and administrative procedures, etc..                  
7.3 The board has policies in place concerning regular attendance by its members at meetings.                  
7.4 The board's responsibility is to act in the best interests of the institution and the citizens of Florida.                  
Additional Comments.
   
8. Understanding the Relationship between Board and Staff   
8.1 The respective roles of the board and staff are clearly defined and understood by all board members.                  
8.2 A climate of mutual trust and respect exists between the board and the president.                  
8.3 The board gives the president enough authority and responsibility to lead and manage FAU successfully.                  
8.4 The board has adopted adequate policies for staff selection, training, promotion, and grievance procedures.                  
Additional Comments.
   
9. Enhancing FAU's Public Image   
9.1 The board has approved an effective enrollment management, marketing and public relations strategy for FAU.                  
9.2 Board members promote a positive image of the organization in the community.                  
9.3 The board understands who can serve as the official spokesperson for FAU.                  
Additional Comments.
   
10. Organizing Itself so that the Board Operates Efficiently and Effectively    Not Satisfied    Satisfied    Not Sure   
10.1 Board members are familiar with the bylaws.                  
10.2 The board regularly reviews its policies, procedures and bylaws.                  
10.3 Board members receive clear and succinct agendas and supporting written material in enough time to prepare for board and committee meetings.                  
10.4 The agendas of board meetings focus on substantive issues appropriate for board consideration.                  
10.5 Board members have adequate opportunities to discuss issues and ask questions.                  
10.6 Current committee structure contributes to board productivity.                  
10.7 Committee assignments reflect the interests, experiences and skills of the board members.                  
10.8 Each committee has a stated purpose and an annual plan of work.                  
10.9 Policies regarding committee assignments offer adequate opportunities for leadership development.                  
Additional Comments.
   

Supplemental Responsibilities

A. Understanding and Maintaining Relationships with Affiliated Organizations and Members, e.g. Foundations and Board of Governors    Not Satisfied    Satisfied    Not Sure   
A.1 Policy making and planning are coordinated between the respective boards.                  
A.2 There is a clear understanding between the board and the affiliated organizations regarding their respective roles.                  
A.3 There are clear lines of communication between the Board and affiliated organizations regarding ways to support the University.                   
Additional Comments.
   
B. Understanding the Relationship between the Board and FAU's Alumni and Other Service Volunteers   
B.1 Policies are in place that support alumni/ volunteer recruitment, retention and recognition.                  
B.2 The board has adequate access to information about the nature and extent of alumni and other volunteer activities.                  
B.3 The respective roles of the staff, governing board and alumni/volunteers are clearly understood and defined.                  
B.4 A climate of mutual trust and respect exists between the board and the alumni/volunteers.                  
B.5 A climate of mutual trust and respect exists between staff and alumni/volunteers.                  
Additional Comments.
   
Member Responsibilities (Complete the following statements: "I...)                            Not Satisfied    Satisfied    Not Sure   
1. Understand FAU's mission.                  
2. Support the mission.                  
3. Have a good working relationship with other board members and the president.                  
4. Am knowledgeable about FAU's major programs and services.                  
5. Follow trends and important developments in higher education in general and those areas that define FAU specifically.                  
6. Assist in fundraising by, for example, identifying prospective donors, personally asking others to make contributions, giving an annual gift, or signing thank you letters to contributors.                  
7. Read and understand FAU's financial statements.                  
8. Act knowledgeably and prudently when making recommendations about how FAU's funds should be invested or spent.                  
9. Focus my attention on long-term and significant policy issues rather than short-term administrative matters.                  
10. Prepare for and participate at board committee meetings, as well as other activities at FAU's campuses.                  
11. Willingly volunteer and use my special skills to further FAU's mission.                  
12. Complete all assignments in a responsible and timely manner.                  
13. Take advantage of opportunities to enhance FAU's public image by periodically speaking to leaders in the community about the University's work.                  
14. Respect the confidentiality of some of the board's work.                  
15. Speak for the board or FAU only when authorized to do so.                  
16. Suggest agenda items for future board and committee meetings.                  
17. Advise and assist the president when my help is requested.                  
18. Avoid burdening the staff with requests for special favors.                  
19. Ensure that any communication with staff below the president does not undermine the relationship between the president and the staff.                  
20. Avoid, in fact and in perception, conflicts of interest that might embarrass the board, FAU or the State and disclose to the board in a timely manner any possible conflicts.                  
21. Am heard and considered when I give my opinions and views.                  
22. Find serving on the board to be a satisfying and rewarding experience.                  
Additional Comments.