"In 2020 (FY21), Boston College’s University Advancement revised its Board of Regents engagement from a committee-based structure to a curricular approach. The change was precipitated by challenges aligning University and Board member expectations of impact, which led to waning satisfaction and participation.
The stated goal of the new structure was to inform and inspire them in a way that allowed Regents to speak confidently as ambassadors about the value proposition and distinction of a BC education. Utilizing design-thinking, we created two tracks per year called “Discovery Expeditions.” Expeditions immerse Regents in a values- and educational-driven journey and Regents experience the University as lifelong learners while being exposed to our core strategic initiatives.
The 110-member Board is divided into the two expert-led Expeditions with several stops, or "sojourns," along the way. Regents may be given hands-on problems to solve, exposed to outstanding teaching faculty, or work alongside students in the virtual classroom. There is an emphasis on participation for each session. Regents meet in person at the beginning and end of the term. Other sojourns are virtual, utilizing synchronous and asynchronous methods. We ask Regents to engage as they go and journal their thoughts in custom journals.
The capstone sojourn asks Regents to reflect, share observations, and offer ideas to University leaders. Expeditions successfully engage Regents, exposing them to complex pedagogy in a digestible and satisfying way. Many have shared that they feel more connected than before to the University and our mission."
From the Judges
Very detailed strategy and a good use of resources. Interesting way to provide a deeper dive of understanding for those who are highly engaged but perhaps not as knowledgeable about campus today.
