This article examines how the history of land-grant universities in America shaped the views of higher educators, public officials, and foundations on the role of urban universities in addressing the problems of American cities. Higher education leaders urged the federal government to provide funds that would enable urban universities to do for…

Describes the "Implementing Urban Missions" grant program, sponsored by the Council of Independent Colleges, and the eight recipients. Explores the historical context of the private college urban mission and common experiences across the institutions in fulfilling their urban missions. Provides overviews of the articles in the journal…

Examined for more than 3 years 8 private colleges that had received an "Implementing Urban Missions" grant from the Council of Independent Colleges. Found that private institutions have greater and more natural campus consensus than most public institutions on their civic responsibilities, but capacity and resources are often a…

Explores models of advisory boards and their relationship to the urban mission of colleges. Describes four models based on conceptual frameworks derived from two key articles on empowerment and citizen participation, and on the experience of "Implementing Urban Missions" grantees. Found that the Hybrid Model (all partners/stakeholders)…

Describes how Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina, an "Implementing Urban Missions" grantee, used an Urban Research Group model to involve undergraduates in community research; the needs of community-based organizations and the service mission of the university determine the amount of student involvement. (EV)

Asserts that building an infrastructure to sustain an organic movement such as experience-based education involves timing, tension, and respect. Describes how these elements have played a vital role in creating a solid foundation of support for civic engagement and service learning at Los Angeles' Mount St. Mary's College, an "Implementing…

Explores how Columbia College Chicago, an "Implementing Urban Missions" grantee, approached the implementation of its urban mission, and how other universities might also play the role of facilitators while being inclusive, trustworthy, and respectful to community partners. (EV)

Describes how Lesley University's School of Management, an "Implementing Urban Missions" grantee, developed partnerships with the local business community and community-based organizations to support the Area 4 neighborhood in Cambridge, Massachusetts. (EV)

Describes how Bloomfield College, an "Implementing Urban Missions" grantee, used a capstone course incorporating oral history, creative writing, and technology to work with Newark, New Jersey to revitalize its cultural history and create a community transformation. (EV)

Describes how Holy Family College in Northeast Philadelphia, an "Implementing Urban Missions" grantee, created and maintained an urban nursing center. Discusses the challenges of translating one department's experience with a community partnership into the context of other academic departments. (EV)

Describes how "Implementing Urban Missions" mini-grants proved successful in encouraging personnel at Ohio Dominican College in Columbus to forge learning partnerships with community agencies and residents; the grants also served to identify future leaders in the ongoing implementation of the college's urban mission and leveraged support…

Describes how Marygrove College, an "Implementing Urban Missions" grantee, partnered with the Detroit Public Schools to design an innovative program called "Marygrove Griots" that prepares mid-career African American men from other professions to become teachers. (EV)