Board Governance and the SU

Objectives

• To understand the concept of board governance and how it is used in the organization of the SU.– Types of boards– Board responsibilities

• To distinguish between governance and operational functions of the SU.

What is a board?

• A board is the governing body of a non-profit organization

• Effective boards have:– A structure that fits the organization – the SU is unique!– Processes that help them be effective– A mission, vision and values– Accountable leaders

Types of Boards

Policy Governance

Administrative Governance

Types of Boards

Policy Governance• sets policy • hires a senior staff person

(General Manager) to implement policy

• staff carries out day-to-day work of the organization

• GM is accountable to the board and responsible for staff

Administrative Governance• sets and implements policy • carries out day-to-day

work of the organization• paid staff have no

management responsibilities

Types of Boards

Policy Governance• What do we want to

achieve?• Strategy• Long term perspective

Administrative Governance• What do we want to

achieve? How can we achieve it?

• Strategy and operations• Long term and day-to-day

perspective

What kind of board model best describes

the SU?

Operations

GovernanceSLC

Executive

General Manager

Staff

Board Responsibilities at the SU

Generative

StrategicFiduciary

Fiduciary

The Sentinel• Oversees operations on a high level• Creates policies and procedures• Ensures resources are deployed

efficiently, effectively, and ethically• Represents the organization• Always acts in the best interests of

the organization• Considers the immediate impact

Strategic

The Strategist• Establishes mission, vision, and

values• Creates an operational plan to

achieve goals• Sets advocacy directions• Considers external and

environmental influences• Consults with stakeholders• Considers impact of next 1-5

years

Generative

The Philosopher• Envision changing

circumstances• Anticipates emerging

opportunities• Asks “WHY”?• Generates new, innovative

ideas• Considers impact of next 25

years

Example: Home Renovation

Generative

Fiduciary Strategic

• What is our personal style?

• What will we use the space for?

• What does everyone in the family want to see?

• Can we afford a home renovation?

• Do the bylaws allow for renos?

• How long will it take?• DIY vs Contractor?

• Why should we renovate our home?• How long will we live here?• Are we creating a home or investing in real estate?

Budget

Generative

Fiduciary Strategic

Events

Generative

Fiduciary Strategic

How do your strengths help you make decisions?

CASE STUDY: Advocacy vs. Service Provision

Creating new services Lobbying

USRIs

Study space

Ombudsperson

Prayer space

De-stress initiatives

Q Centre

Advocacy vs. Service Provision

When would we want to “fix the problem” ourselves?• We can do it faster and more effectively• Our responsibility• Political capital

Advocacy vs. Service Provision

When would we not want to “fix the problem” ourselves?• Lack of resources (money, staff, facilities, time, etc.)• Someone else is already doing it• It’s not our problem or responsibility• It’s not actually a problem

Advocacy vs. Service Provision

ProblemConsultation

Research

Institutional Memory

Who does what?