LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 2004, Page 224

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224 HIGHER EDUCATION

will work to ensure a strong fiscal future for its institutions; (4) The
CUS will establish expectations for the quality of its institutions;
and (5) The CUS will implement the preceding four principles
through governance structures that require more clearly focused ac-
countability of its institutions to the system-wide board while ex-
pecting stronger governance of the institutions by their Boards of
Regents; and

WHEREAS, The structural changes proposed in this memorial
place more fiscal responsibility upon Boards of Regents to ensure
effective institutional operations while requiring Boards of Regents
to clearly demonstrate that their institutions are providing quality
education that is faithful to the doctrine and mission of the LCMS;
and

WHEREAS, The BHE/CUS Board encourages adoption of the
proposed changes so that college/university/seminary education can
serve the Synod’s mission and ministry needs with a more effective
structure; therefore be it

Resolved, That each Concordia University System institutional
Board of Regents be composed of the following members, all of
whom are members in good standing of LCMS congregations: one
ordained, elected by the Synod; one commissioned, elected by the
Synod; one ordained, elected by the District; one commissioned,
elected by the District; four laypersons, elected by the Synod; two
laypersons, elected by the District; the geographical District Presi-
dent or his representative (ex officio, voting); and up to nine others,
appointed by the Board of Regents (voting). All members appointed
by the Board of Regents must receive prior approval by the Board
for University Education. Each institution will establish the proce-
dures and processes for selecting the board-appointed members.
Current regents stay in place through their terms, and then each is
replaced according to each institutional Board of Regents’ policy.

Board for Higher Education/Concordia University System;
Florida-Georgia District

5-06

To Restructure Seminaries’ Boards of Regents

WHEREAS, The colleges/universities/seminaries of The Lutheran
Church—Missouri Synod find that new challenges and opportuni-
ties are facing them as they seek to sustain their service to the
Synod in an increasingly difficult educational environment; and

WHEREAS, The local campus leaders must exercise a higher
level of governance and leadership in response to the needs and op-
portunities presented by campus constituencies while remaining
faithful to the mission and needs of The Lutheran Church—Mis-
souri Synod; and

WHEREAS, The structural changes proposed in this memorial
place more fiscal responsibility upon Boards of Regents to ensure
effective institutional operations while requiring Boards of Regents
to clearly demonstrate that their institutions are providing quality
education that is faithful to the doctrine and mission of the LCMS;
and

WHEREAS, The BHE/CUS Board encourages adoption of the
proposed changes so that college/university/seminary education can
serve the Synod’s mission and ministry needs with a more effective
structure; therefore be it

Resolved, That each seminary institutional Board of Regents be
composed of the following members, all of whom are members in
good standing of LCMS congregations: three ordained parish pas-
tors, elected by the Synod; one commissioned, elected by the.
Synod; three laypersons, elected by the Synod; the Synod Presi-
dent or his representative; a District President appointed by the
Council of Presidents; and up to nine others appointed by the Board
of Regents (voting). All members appointed by the Board of Re-
gents must receive prior approval by the Board for Pastoral Educa-
tion. Each institution will establish the procedures and processes
for selecting the board-appointed members. The board-appointed
members at each institution will be equal in number as agreed upon
by the seminary presidents. Current regents stay in place through

their terms, and then each is replaced according to each seminary
institutional Board of Regents’ policy. ; ;

Board for Higher Education/
Concordia University System

5-07

To Include Qualifications for Laity on
BHE/CUS Board and Boards of Regents in Bylaws

Rationale

Because of the increasing complexity of oversight and gover-
nance of higher education programs and facilities, individuals who
serve as board members should be expected to possess special qual-
ifications (in addition to Bylaw 3.69 a, which requires members to
be members of member congregations of the Synod). These qualifi-
cations grow out of a list of specific responsibilities that members of
an oversight or governing board must understand and deal with.

1. Colleges/universities/seminaries of the LCMS are academic in-
stitutions. They are in the business of education at the profes-
sional level.

2. Colleges/universities/seminaries on the average have more than
1,000 students and more than 100 faculty/staff personnel. Per-
sonnel, legal, and human-resource management issues are inher-
ent in such complex organizations.

3. Colleges/universities/seminaries manage operational budgets
from $10 million to $25 million. Fiscal management requires
strategic decision making to maintain fiscal viability.

4. Colleges/universities/seminaries of the LCMS insure facilities in
excess of $1 billion, some of which is financed through state and
local bond issues. Management, maintenance, financing, and
scheduling of multiple facilities to minimize capital debt is es-
sential.

5. Colleges/universities/seminaries rely almost exclusively on tu-
ition/fee charges and individual donor gifts for operating rev-
enue sources. Recruitment of students and encouragement of
donors for support is a daily requirement.

Desired qualifications for lay board members (to be inserted into
the Synod Handbook):

1. Committed to the mission and purpose of the respective institution.

2. Is knowledgeable regarding the region in which the institution
is located.

3. Earned baccalaureate or advanced academic degree.

4. Experience in at least one of the following:
a. Fiscal management and operations of complex organization
b. Higher education administration
c. Executive administration of large organization
d. Legal counselor

5. Committed to allocating time, talent, and treasure to the institu-
tion and to assisting with the identification and encouragement
of donors.

therefore be it

Resolved, That the desired qualifications to serve on the
BHE/CUS Board or the Board of Regents of a Synod institution of
higher learning be adopted and stated as a Bylaw in the Synod
Handbook.

Board of Regents, Concordia University, River Forest, IL;
Board for Higher Education/Concordia University System

5-08

To Revise Bylaw Requirements
for Deciding Future of Schools

Rationale

An institution of higher education that is unable to increase or
maintain a substantial student body or receive significant gift in-