The University of Colorado Board of Regents will work to articulate the roles and responsibilities of the board and the administration at its retreat next week, and focus on the internal and external pressures that affect strategic planning for the university.

The board will meet for its annual retreat July 15-17 at President Bruce D. Benson's home in Silverthorne, Colo.

"With all the challenges the university faces, it's important that we have a clear understanding of where we need to focus our energies, and who will be responsible for what," said Board of Regents Chairman Steve Bosley (R-Longmont). "This is a good opportunity for us to get together with the president outside our regular meeting format to have a meaningful discussion about how we move CU forward."

The context of the retreat will be the major influences on CU from outside the university, including economic, political, social, legal, regulatory and public expectations. It will also focus on influences from the university's internal culture.

Retired University Counsel Charles Sweet and Nina Polok will facilitate the retreat. Polok holds a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, an MBA in information systems, and a doctorate in strategy, organization and management with an emphasis in organizational change and development. She is a visiting associate professor in the UCCS College of Business, and is a program executive for the campus's bachelor of innovation program.

Retreat discussions will examine the role and responsibilities of the board as a body and as individuals. It will also detail the board's expectations of the president and vice versa. The board will also discuss guiding principles of good governance.

The board is also scheduled to have sessions on branding, strategic planning, the president's priorities, and discuss budget constraints and their impact on planning.