This book explores the historical and social foundations of Canadian higher education and provides a detailed analysis of university boards within this broader context of university governance.

Glen A. Jones is the Ontario Research Chair on Postsecondary Education Policy and Measurement, Professor of Higher Education and dean emeritus, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto. He has received numerous awards in recognition of his contributions to scholarship in the field of higher education, including an honorary degree.

Dominik Antonowicz is a Chair of Department of Science and Higher Education, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Poland. Dominik specializes in policy analysis including agenda-setting, implementation and evaluation studies with a particular focus on government-university relationships, institutional governance and leadership.

Part I. The Historical Context of the Development of Boards of Canadian Universities. 1. Introduction: Governing Boards as a Part of University Governance. 2. The Social Foundation of Canadian Higher Education. 3. Exploring University Power Structures. 4. Studying University Governance in its Social Environment. Part II. - The Critical Analysis of Governing Boards of Canadian Universities. 5. Legal Foundation and Structure of University Governing Boards. 6. Composition of University Governing Boards With an Emphasis on Lay Members. 7. Work of University Governing Boards. 8. The Impact of Board Governance. 9. Change and Continuity: Comparing Findings from 1994 and 2021.