The Task Force recommends that the boards of trustees of the University of Massachusetts and the state and community colleges advertise vacancies six months before a term expires in order to broaden and deepen the pool of qualified candidates for trustee positions.

In addition, the Task Force recommends that the Speaker of the House and the Senate President appoint (1) member each to the Nominating Council. For each board vacancy, the Nominating Council will select one name to forward to the Governor. The Governor will then either appoint that nominee, or ask the Nominating Council to submit a
different nominee.

The Task Force further recommends that appointments be made within 90 days of the submission of names by the Nominating Council. If the process is not completed within the 90-day period, then the Board of Higher Education shall make an interim appointment for one year. At the end of one year, if the Governor does not act, the BHE may extend the interim appointment for the full Trustee term. The interim applicant may also reapply for the position after the one-year interim appointment if the BHE does not extend the appointment.

To foster excellence in stewardship of higher education, the Task Force recommends that the Board of Higher Education establish and administer mandated training and orientation sessions for newly appointed trustees.