Harvard Board of Overseers

Harvard Board of Overseers

The Harvard Board of Overseers is one of the two governing boards of Harvard University, alongside the Harvard Corporation. It plays an integral role in the governance of the university, providing counsel to the university's faculties and administration, and influencing the university's strategic directions and policies.

History

The Harvard Board of Overseers was established in 1642, making it one of the oldest university governing bodies in the United States. The board was originally created to ensure that the university adhered to its educational mission and maintained its standards of teaching and scholarship.

Function and Composition

The Board of Overseers is composed of thirty members, who are elected by the alumni of Harvard University. Each member serves a term of six years. The board includes a diverse group of alumni who bring a wide range of expertise and perspectives to the university governance.

The primary function of the Board of Overseers is to offer counsel on priorities, plans, and strategic initiatives. The board also has the authority to consent to certain decisions made by the Harvard Corporation, such as the election of Corporation members and the appointment of the President of the University.

Election Process

The election process for the Board of Overseers involves a nomination and a voting phase. Candidates can be nominated through a petition process or by the Harvard Alumni Association. The election is then held, during which all Harvard alumni are eligible to vote.

Notable Overseers

Over the years, the Harvard Board of Overseers has included many notable figures from various fields, including politics, academia, business, and the arts. These individuals have contributed significantly to the shaping of the university's policies and its development.

Controversies and Reforms

The Board of Overseers has been subject to scrutiny and reform over the years. Issues such as the transparency of the board's decisions, the inclusivity of its election process, and its role in university governance have been points of debate among alumni and within the broader Harvard community.

See Also

• Harvard University
• Harvard Corporation
• Higher education governance in the United States