News & Insights

Reducing expenses, decreasing enrollment, increasing costs, and shrinking revenue. These are the current realities of higher education.

Are your board members asking the right questions in response?

We know from a recent In Trust Center survey of board members at theological schools that a majority (65 percent of respondents) believe they are dedicating the appropriate amount of time in board meetings for strategic conversations. But is that precious time being spent asking the right questions? More specifically, are those questions ones that are related to the school’s future financial vitality?

A recent Trusteeship article, “Seven Questions Every Board Should be Asking to Prevent Becoming Financially Challenged,” helps boards identify those important questions.

Specific questions include:

  • Can we honestly say to our incoming students that “this college will better prepare you to prosper than any other relevant college?”
  • What is the full set of actions the college is taking that we know in our hearts are only temporary measures that buy us time?
  • Are we bringing world-class minds with fresh perspectives to bear on our problems, or are we relying on the same people as last year to fare better simply through more practice, or trial and error?

Read the full article to consider the full list of questions and learn more about what your board should be asking.

How might your board use valuable board meeting time to reflect on these questions and consider your own responses?

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Upcoming Events

The In Trust Center hosts learning community spaces throughout the year. Check out our upcoming events below.

Conflict + Crisis: Navigating the Shoals, Part 2 – A Deeper Dive

Thursday, February 15, 2024, 1:00 p.m. (ET)

Presenter Donna Alexander, President & CEO of Advoxum Global Strategies, offers best practices for navigating conflict and crisis. She examines the crucial elements of defining conflict and crisis, identifying, and prioritizing affected stakeholders, utilizing effective communication strategies, and ultimately, executing a plan of action. Click here to register.

In Trust Center Resource Grants

FEBRUARY 22, 2024, 1 PM (ET)

An In Trust Center Resource Grant offers member schools a chance to explore innovation at their institutions through a matching grant opportunity of up to $15,000. Join us for this 30-minute information session, including Q&A, as we provide details on eligibility requirements, funding priorities, application process. Previous grantees are eligible to apply as long as they are not within our current funding cycle. Click to register.

Conflict + Crisis: Navigating the Shoals, Part 1

ON DEMAND

Presenter Donna Alexander, President & CEO of Advoxum Global Strategies, offers best practices for navigating conflict and crisis. She examines the crucial elements of defining conflict and crisis, identifying, and prioritizing affected stakeholders, utilizing effective communication strategies, and ultimately, executing a plan of action.

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