This keynote address encourages urban and metropolitan universities to be courageous and creative in meeting new social and economic challenges. Explores why universities, products of the Age of Reason, must now face the competitive pressures arising from a collapse of the Authority of Reason. (EV)

The traditional pastoralism of American higher education has interfered with efforts to develop an urban mission for the university. In addition, current open-door metaphors of access, political trends, and media coverage are promulgating closed-door, wall-building rhetoric and policies. Now is the time to counter antiurban attitudes by reviving…

The urban university is a citizen of the city and should hold itself to high standards of civic commitment. However, such citizenship should not deter it from its traditional roles of asking questions, seeking knowledge, teaching, and conducting research. There is no inherent inconsistency between these functions and urban citizenship. (MSE)

Metropolitan university fund-raising efforts that are clearly related to the institution's mission, strategic plans, and a coherent image of the university are most likely to succeed. These institutions must build on their unique strengths and develop strong relationships with individuals, foundations, and corporation in the local community.…

The mission embraced by urban universities creates an environment for intellectual inquiry and purposeful societal action equal or superior to the notion of "collegiate ideal." They have expanded the concept of place, encompassing society in general and the urban community in particular, by maintaining a commitment to educating urban populations…

The destinies of cities and their universities are seen as inextricably linked. The fate of society depends to a great extent upon the university's ability to fulfill its unique role to give new meaning to the quality of urban life in this country. (MLW)

The many different kinds of urban institutions are identified and the state of higher education in urban areas is discussed. The effect of the land-grant colleges movement is described. Three guiding philosophies during the present century about American education are identified: colleges as aristocratic institutions, meritocracy, and…

Strategic, academically based community service holds promise for creating the structural change needed to reduce deprivation and inhuman suffering found in urban areas. The early history of the modern urban university, particularly in the late 19th century, is an example and can provide a model for further development of this mission. (MSE)

A British observer compares relationships between universities and local communities in Britain and the United States, highlighting institutional changes necessary to make community involvement central to institutional mission. While U.S. institutions are increasingly involved with communities, British counterparts are limited by external…

Creating genuine partnerships between urban universities and their communities is self-interest for the academic institution because their survival is in danger. Commitment to access is only one dimension of collaboration; it must be enhanced by full participation of the university, as corporate citizens, in community development. Partnerships are…

This article argues for the civic value of the humanities scholar. Scholars can contribute to the community through their state humanities councils. Many institutions of higher education may be indifferent to how scholars can participate in civic life. A listing of possible scholar roles in humanities council programs is included. (JB)

Suggests that the Association of Urban Universities (A.U.U.), before its dissolution, contributed significantly to the history of the American city and higher education by helping member institutions to respond to changing times. (Journal available through: Department of History, University of Wisconsin, Box 413, Milwaukee, WI 53201) (MJL)

Faculty evaluation and reward definitions should include an expanded definition of scholarly teaching and service. Community college faculty, who focus on teaching, should participate in the public discussion of faculty roles to shape its outcome, to strengthen ties with four-year institutions, and to clarify their own role. (JB)

The Great Cities Institute at the University of Illinois, Chicago is a high-visibility urban-policy research center that is sometimes drawn into controversial issues. University leadership must defend academic freedom vigorously, but that freedom cannot be used indiscriminately for faculty pronouncements; faculty and administrators must ensure…

All institutions of higher education recognize the importance of good relationships with their communities. To avoid confusion and disappointment about its community relations, the institution must know what it wants to achieve through a clearly defined mission statement or a set of goals and objectives. (Author/MLW)