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What is a Think Tank?

Since 1988, NERCHE has sponsored an annual series of Think Tanks, forums that allow college and university leaders to engage in cross-institutional, in-depth dialogues on pressing issues in the academy. Think Tanks offer venues for professional development, for exchanging information and resources, and for translating theory into practice as members consider policy implications from their discussions.  

NERCHE’s Think Tanks bring together groups of leaders serving in one of six strategic positions within colleges across the region:

• Chief Academic Affairs Officers
• Chief Student Affairs Officers
• Chief Financial Officers
• Deans
• Associate Deans
• Multicultural Affairs Directors

How Do They Work?

Each of the Think Tanks meets five times during the academic year. Usually, the day-long meetings are held at a convenient location throughout the academic year, though in some cases the meeting site will rotate. Each meeting addresses three areas: (1) focused topical exploration; (2) networking and; (3) collective problem-solving. 

The subscription fee for one year is $625.

Opportunities for Learning

The Think Tanks provide an increasingly rare commodity for change agents in higher education—a chance to meet with peers from a range of diverse institutions in a relaxed atmosphere—to reflect and learn about shared challenges and opportunities.

• Participation allows members to stay informed about current research and thinking on key issues on college campuses
• An annual conference links members from all Think Tanks on cross-cutting issues of importance to higher education in the region
• Virtual (i.e., Internet-based) opportunities are facilitated among members

What Do Members Discuss?

Sometimes Think Tank groups select themes or topics that they will explore for all or part of the academic year. Topics for past meetings have included:

• Building Cultures of Evidence and Inquiry
• Strengthening the Role of Colleges as Intellectual Communities
• Characteristics of the Essential Organization: Clarifying Institutional Purpose
• Civil Liberties and Student Life: Rights and Responsibilities and the Role of Student Affairs
• Myths and Realities of the CFO: Using Power, Authority, and Leadership to Initiate, Sustain, and Manage Change
• Class and Race: the Perspective of Multicultural Centers
• Student Outcomes Assessment: Implications for the Dean
• The Impact of Changes in Federal and State Financial Aid Policy on Access for Students of Color
• The Dean’s Role in All Phases of Capital Projects: From Initial Idea to Completion

Nominations and Membership

Each of the six NERCHE Think Tanks is currently accepting nominations for membership for the 2008-2009 academic year.

• To nominate a member for one of the six Think Tanks, please fill out the
  nomination form.
• Continuing members should complete the membership form as soon as possible to reserve a space.
• Download a full-page informational sheet on NERCHE Think Tanks

For more information about NERCHE Think Tanks, send e-mail to nerche@umb.edu, or call (617) 287-7740.