It's not too late for credit unions to take part in what theFilene Research Institute calls the first of its kind study ofcredit union governance practices.

Designed by a team of three credit union governance experts ledby Peter Goth of the University of Dublin, the study seeks toidentify the best models for future industry growth.

Covering governance issues ranging from credit union motivatorsfor change/growth, board composition, director diversity, andregional representation; and director competencies, recruitmentpractices, and training; to director term limit policies and boardself-evaluation/director assessments, the online survey is open tocredit unions of all sizes.

According to Filene,the survey takes about 20 minutes and individual responses will bekept in strict confidence by the researchers.

CEOs, board chairs and governance committee chairs at creditunions in the United States and Canada, including the Quebec'scaisses Desjardins system, have until Oct. 31 to take part in theonline survey.