ACCU offers resources to help trustees of member institutions deepen their understanding of governance within the context of Catholic higher education. This growing collection is available as an ACCU member benefit.
Access the video collection below. Most videos take only 7-10 minutes to watch.
“The Role of Trustees: Trust” (Part I of II)
Rev. Dennis Holtschneider, CM, explains the foundational principle of “Trust” as it relates to the role of trustee in Catholic higher education.
Review & Discuss
Additional Resources
William Byron, SJ., “Essential Ingredients for Trusteeship at Today’s Catholic Colleges,”
Trusteeship, Volume 19, Number 5 (AGB: September/October 2011).
Discussion Questions
- Who at your institution and beyond has entrusted you to your role?
- How might you deepen your understanding of the unique mission of your institution?
“The Role of Trustees: Mission” (Part II of II)
Rev. Dennis Holtschneider, CM, explains the concept of “Mission” as it relates to the role of trustee in Catholic higher education.
Review & Discuss
Additional Resources
William Byron, SJ., “Essential Ingredients for Trusteeship at Today’s Catholic Colleges,” Trusteeship, Volume 19, Number 5 (AGB: September/October 2011).
Discussion Questions
- Who at your institution and beyond has entrusted you to your role?
- How might you deepen your understanding of the unique mission of your institution?
“The Role of the Laity in Catholic Higher Education”
Dr. John Petillo explains how lay people are called to leadership in Catholic higher education, by virtue of their baptism.
Review & Discuss
Additional Resources
Michael J. O’Loughlin, 2022, “Is a Catholic university still Catholic when the priests, brothers and sisters have left?” America Magazine.
Discussion Questions
- What strengths do you bring to your role as Trustee?
- Are there other ways you can bring the fullness of yourself (professional, personal, faith—Catholic, other, or no faith tradition) to your Trusteeship?
“Ex corde Ecclesiae: A Brief Overview” (Part I of IV)
Rev. Kevin M. Scalf, C.PP.S., leads this first lesson in its four-part series to become familiar with Pope John Paul II’s Apostolic Constitution for all Catholic colleges and universities.
Review & Discuss
Additional Resources
Pope John Paul II, 1990, “Ex corde Ecclesiae: Apostolic Constitution on Catholic Universities.”
Discussion Questions
- In what ways does your institution live out Ex corde Ecclesiae?
- How can new faculty and staff become acquainted with this foundational document?
“Ex corde Ecclesiae: Application”
(Part II of IV)
Rev. Kevin M. Scalf, C.PP.S., provides a brief overview and explains how the Application document embodies the spirit of Ex corde Ecclesiae in the United States context.
Review & Discuss
Additional Resources
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 1999, “The Application of Ex corde Ecclesiae for the United States.”
Discussion Questions
- How does the Application document inform your role as Trustees?
- Were there any parts that pose a particular challenge to your specific context?
“The Four Characteristics” (Part III of IV)
Hear from Rev. Kevin M. Scalf, C.PP.S., about how the four distinctive characteristics of Catholic higher education can be lived out on our campuses.
Review & Discuss
Additional Resources
Dennis Holtschneider, CM, “The Identity of a Catholic University: Nature and Objectives,” Ex Corde Ecclesiae: Retrospects and Prospects, Chapter One (Australia: St. Paul’s Publications, 2022).
Discussion Questions
- Which of the four characteristics resonated most with you? Why?
- If you were to add a fifth characteristic, what would it be?
“The Academic Mandatum” (Part IV of IV)
Rev. Kevin M. Scalf, C.PP.S., leads this lesson on discovering the essentials regarding the academic Mandatum to teach theology at Catholic colleges and universities in the United States.
Review & Discuss
Additional Resources
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2001, “Guidelines Concerning the Academic Mandatum.”
Discussion Questions
- Why do you think securing the mandatum can be a benefit to a theologian and the institution?
- What are any remaining concerns you may have about the mandatum?
“The Role of the Bishop at Catholic Colleges and Universities” (Part I)
Bishop David O’Connell, CM shares some effective ways boards of trustees can relate to and collaborate with the local bishop.
Review & Discuss
Additional Resources
Beckie Supiano, “For Catholic Colleges, an Important Goal: Don’t Surprise the Bishop,” The Chronicle of Higher Education, June 18, 2009.
Discussion Questions
- Consider an upcoming occasion when your institution may invite your local bishop to be present on campus.
- How might the occasion be one of fruitful interaction with your bishop?
- How might your campus community partner with the local Church?
“The Role of the Bishop at Catholic Colleges and Universities” (Part II)
Bishop David O’Connell, CM explains ways boards of trustees can relate to and collaborate with the local bishop.
Review & Discuss
Additional Resources
Beckie Supiano, “For Catholic Colleges, an Important Goal: Don’t Surprise the Bishop,” The Chronicle of Higher Education, June 18, 2009.
Discussion Questions
- Consider an upcoming occasion when your institution may invite your local bishop to be present on campus.
- How might the occasion be one of fruitful interaction with your bishop?
- How might your campus community partner with the local Church?
“The Role of the Bishop at Catholic Colleges and Universities” (Part III)
Bishop David O’Connell, CM discusses effective ways boards of trustees can relate to and collaborate with the local bishop.
Review & Discuss
Additional Resources
Beckie Supiano, “For Catholic Colleges, an Important Goal: Don’t Surprise the Bishop,” The Chronicle of Higher Education, June 18, 2009.
Discussion Questions
- Consider an upcoming occasion when your institution may invite your local bishop to be present on campus.
- How might the occasion be one of fruitful interaction with your bishop?
- How might your campus community partner with the local Church?
“The Role of the Bishop at Catholic Colleges and Universities” (Part IV: Summary Activity)
“The Role of the Bishop at Catholic Colleges and Universities” (Part IV: Summary Activity)
Review & Discuss
Additional Resources
Beckie Supiano, “For Catholic Colleges, an Important Goal: Don’t Surprise the Bishop,” The Chronicle of Higher Education, June 18, 2009.
Discussion Questions
- Consider an upcoming occasion when your institution may invite your local bishop to be present on campus.
- How might the occasion be one of fruitful interaction with your bishop?
- How might your campus community partner with the local Church?
“Components of a Strong Catholic Mission”
Dr. Julie Sullivan explains key components that strengthen the Catholic mission of a college or university.
Review & Discuss
Additional Resources
David McCallum, SJ, “Mission integration and the Board of Trustees: Formation for Transformational Leadership,” A Mission Officer Handbook: Advancing Catholic Identity and University Mission, Volume One (Washington, DC: ACCU, 2014).
Discussion Questions
- Reflect on your institution.
- In which areas and programs are the institution’s mission components strong and vibrant?
- Which areas could be strengthened? And, where are there opportunities for new growth and innovation, given the demands of today and your institution’s unique history, intellectual tradition, founding vision, and institutional charisms?
“The Liberal Arts: A Defining Characteristic of Catholic Higher Education”
Vincent Rougeau, J.D., submits reasons why a Liberal Arts education is a key and defining characteristic of Catholic higher education.
Review & Discuss
Additional Resources
James L. Heft, 2021, The Future of Catholic Higher Education. Oxford University Press. See especially Chapter 12 on Liberal Education.
Monika Hellwig, 1998, “The Heart of Catholic Higher Education: The Liberal Arts,” Sacred Heart University Review.
Discussion Questions
- Discuss how integrating Catholic Social Teaching into the liberal arts on your campus can enrich the educational experience of your students and also your faculty, even for those who are not Catholic.
- Which disciplines lend themselves well to integrating Catholic Social and Intellectual Thought?
“The Value of Philosophy at Catholic Colleges and Universities.”
Rev. John Jenkins, CSC explains why Philosophy is a vital part of the core curriculum.
Review & Discuss
Additional Resources
Gregory Bassham, 2015, “Does Philosophy Still Deserve a Special Role in Catholic Higher Education?” Journal of Catholic Higher Education.
American Catholic Philosophical Association
Discussion Questions
- Does philosophy have an integral place in the undergraduate curriculum at your institution? What are the undergraduate philosophy requirements for your college or university?
- Are there co-curricular activities to support and encourage a culture on campus that values philosophy?
- How are transfer students sufficiently introduced to philosophy?
“Catholic Teaching in Dialogue with Scholarly Work”
Dr. Lisa Sowle Cahill explains how the Church and the world need scholars to study, discuss, and debate important questions. Catholic higher education offers this gift.
Review & Discuss
Additional Resources
John T. Noonan, 2005, “A Church That Can and Cannot Change,” Erasmus Institute Books.
Discussion Questions
- How does your institution encourage rigorous intellectual debates and discussions involving Catholic identity in dialogue with current topics of our day?
- How might your institution engage with your local church or sponsoring congregation to encourage such dialogues?
“Two Bodies of Law: Canon Law Essentials for Trustees of Catholic Colleges and Universities”
John Garvey, J.D. explains some important aspects of canon law affecting governance at Catholic institutions.
Review & Discuss
Additional Resources
Codes of Canon Law pertinent to Catholic Higher Education, Canons 807-821
Canon 1297: Complementary Legislation on Leasing of Church Property
*Always consult a canon lawyer to know which laws apply to your institution.
Discussion Questions
- Which areas of decision making at your institution may benefit from consultation with a canon lawyer?
- If you do not have a trusted canon lawyer, consider securing one your Board may call upon when needed.
Note: ACCU can be of assistance in locating a canon lawyer who is well-versed in higher education.
“The Distinctive Nature of Student Affairs in Catholic Higher Education.”
Dr. Bassam Deeb shares how Catholic colleges and universities expect more from students than only an education in an academic area.
Review & Discuss
Additional Resources
Principles of Good Practice for Student Affairs at Catholic Colleges and Universities
Discussion Questions
- What are some current issues facing the students on your campus?
- How can your institution better support your students in these challenge areas?
“Catholic Higher Education’s Mission to Women”
Dr. Katie Conboy conveys how Catholic colleges and universities have a long legacy of educating women, and how this valuable mission endures today.
Review & Discuss
Additional Resources
Katherine Greiner, 2014, “A College of One’s Own: The Need to Explore the Contributions of Women Religious in Catholic Higher Education,” Daily Theology.
Kavitha Cardoza, 2019, “The Evolving Legacy of a Women’s College: Trinity’s Pat McGuire,” American University Radio/Local News.
Discussion Questions
- Discuss places and programs on your campus where women are currently being left out.
- As a Board, what action can you take to help increase access in those areas?
“Catholic Higher Education’s Mission to People of Color”
Dr. Reynold Verret, President of the only Catholic HBCU in the country, speak about the call Catholic colleges have of ensuring access for people of color.
Review & Discuss
Additional Resources
“A Black Catholic Syllabus,” 2020, U.S. Catholic. A reading list on the history of Black Catholics in the United States and their contributions to Catholic theology, history, and activism.
Daniel Philpott, 2021, “A Catholic Approach to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Notre Dame: 10 Theses,” The Observer.
Discussion Questions
- Is your Board comprised of diverse members?
- If more diversity is needed, how can you invite in different perspectives now, even prior to your next recruitment cycle?
- Which policies and procedures could be more explicit in expanding access to underrepresented minority groups?
“Catholic Higher Education’s Commitment to Immigrants”
Dr. Donna Carroll tells how Catholic higher education has always had a special commitment to increasing access to new immigrants, and how that same promise continues today.
Review & Discuss
Additional Resources
Thomas Mengler, 2017, “Catholic Universities United in Welcoming Immigrants, Refugees.”
Elizabeth Redden, 2016, “Catholic College Presidents Defend Undocumented Students,” Inside Higher Ed.
Discussion Questions
- How does your campus care for students who are newcomers or refugees?
- As a Board, consider which existing programs could benefit from additional funding to expand support to immigrant communities who may be underserved.
“From the Center: How the Church Supports and Coordinates the Work of Catholic Higher Education”
Barbara Humphrey McCrabb explains two of the ways the Church supports and coordinates the work of Catholic education.
Review & Discuss
Additional Resources
Visit the USCCB’s website on Catholic Higher Education
Visit the Vatican’s website of the Dicastery for Culture and Education
Discussion Questions
- How has your understanding of your institution as a ministry of the Catholic church grown by hearing about the USCCB’s Committee on Education and the Vatican’s Dicastery for Culture and Education?
- In what ways may they help inform your work as Trustees?
“Clarity of Mission in Educating People Who Are Marginalized”
Patricia McGuire speaks about Catholic higher education’s long legacy of educating immigrant communities, students with few socio-economic resources, women, racial minorities, and other marginalized groups.
Review & Discuss
Additional Resources
A. Gabriel Esteban, 2021, “Higher Education’s Responsibility to Generate Social Mobility,” President2President.
Discussion Questions
- Consider how you may increase access at your institution.
- How can your reasons for expanding access be tied to your Catholic mission, and to your founding religious charism?
“Free Speech and Civil Dialogue Beyond the Classroom”
Dr. Tom Flynn posits that free speech and civil dialogue on campus support Catholic higher education’s commitment to educating the whole person.
Review & Discuss
Additional Resources
Thomas Mengler, 2017, “Catholic Universities United in Welcoming Immigrants, Refugees.”
Elizabeth Redden, 2016, “Catholic College Presidents Defend Undocumented Students,” Inside Higher Ed.
Discussion Questions
- What is your institution’s policy for inviting speakers to campus? For honorary degrees and awards?
- Reflect on a time that was particularly contentious regarding an invited speaker or award.
- Are there any policy refinements or practices that could improve such situations in the future?
“Diocesan Catholic Universities and Their Unique Relationship with the Local Church”
Jim Collins explains the unique nature of diocesan Catholic institutions and outlines their special relationship with their local dioceses and their surrounding communities.
Review & Discuss
Additional Resources
Michael Galligan-Stierle and Rev. Msgr. Franklyn Casale, 2010, “The Transformational Mission of a Diocesan University,” The Journal of Catholic Higher Education, 29 (1).
Discussion Questions
- What do your institution’s by-laws, charter, and articles of incorporation say about the structure and decision-making processes of your institution with regard to its relationship with the diocese?
- Are there any ways that your institution’s relationship could be strengthened with the local diocese?
“Hiring Your President”
Dr. Rick Artman heightens your awareness of the distinctiveness of a presidential search for a Catholic college or university and shares suggestions for a successful presidential search in this ministry of the Catholic Church.
Review & Discuss
Additional Resources
ACCU, 2018, “Choosing the Catholic University President: A Resource for Boards, Religious Communities, and Search Firms.”
Janice Fitzgerald and James McCormick, 2023, “Change is Inevitable: Preparing for a Leadership Transition,” AGB Search.
Roderick McDavis, 2023, “Transparency in Higher Education Presidential Searches,” AGB Search.
Discussion Questions
- In the search for your institution’s next president, what structures will the search committee of the Board put in place in the search process to be sure candidates are asked questions related to the Catholic mission of the institution?
- Who will be selected to be on the search committee, and why?
“Socially Responsible Investing at Catholic Institutions”
Roberto Herencia explains ways to steward the funds that have been entrusted to your care for the good of society and for the long-term strength and work of our Catholic universities.
Review & Discuss
Additional Resources
Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) Association, N.D., “What are the Principles for Responsible Investment?”
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2021, “Socially Responsible Investment Guidelines for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.”
Discussion Questions
- How (and how often) does your finance committee assess where your institution’s funds are invested?
- If you’re not doing so already, consider discussing socially responsible investing (SRI) with your board as a whole and how SRI may help to strengthen your institution’s Catholic mission.
“You Carry the Charism Now”
Dr. Moya Dittmeier reflects on how founding charisms offer stable ground in the ever-changing landscape of Catholic higher education.
Review & Discuss
Additional Resources
Elizabeth Eisenstadt Evans, 2017, “Sisters who Blazed Trails in Higher Education Preserve Heritage, Charisms of Catholic Universities,” Global Sisters Report.
Susan Sanders, RSM 2010, “Charisms, Congregational Sponsors, and Catholic Higher Education,” Journal of Catholic Higher Education, 29:1.
Discussion Questions
- What is the charism of your institution?
- How does your institution carry on the legacy of your founders well?
- In what ways could the board further strengthen the charism?
Conference for Mercy Higher Education: “History and Heritage”
Sister Jane Gerety, RSM, shares the history and heritage of the Sisters of Mercy starting with Catherine McAuley in Dublin, Ireland in the 1830s.
Review & Discuss
Additional Resources
Short Film: “In God Alone”: The Story of Catherine McAuley
Discussion Questions
- How are you relying on Catherine McAuley’s vision of mercy in your deliberations and decision making?
- How does your leadership, collaboration, and presence reflect the mission of Mercy?
Conference for Mercy Higher Education: “Critical Concerns”
Dr. Greg Baker introduces and discusses the five critical concerns of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas.
Review & Discuss
Additional Resources
Discussion Questions
- Are our actions and responses as Mercy leaders keeping our mission and the Critical Concerns in focus
- How well do we integrate our Critical Concerns into our deliberations and decisions?
Conference for Mercy Higher Education: “Mercy Covenant and Education”
Presidents Kathy Humphrey and John McKeegan animate what makes a Mercy education distinctive and highlight the Mercy Higher Education Covenant.
Review & Discuss
Additional Resources
The Mercy Covenant, Conference for Mercy Higher Education
M.C. Sullivan, RSM., 2006, “Catherine McAuley and the Characteristics of a Mercy Higher Education,” The Journal of the Mercy Association in Scripture and Theology, 16(2), 18–26.
Discussion Questions
- Are our actions and responses as Mercy leaders keeping our mission and the Critical Concerns in focus
- How well do we integrate our Critical Concerns into our deliberations and decisions?