The university-city relations are changing along with the engagement of universities in public service beyond teaching and research and the dependence of cities on networks rather than enclosure to promote urban competitiveness. Taking China as an example, this article discusses the challenges and tensions of university-city interaction in the…

Universities are being asked to prepare our students to navigate successfully in a complex and interconnected world and to contribute to the solution of difficult problems at work and in the communities where they live. Our universities must do the same. We must adapt our approaches to education, scholarship and community involvement in order to…

To understand the context of urban Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and their role in educating Black males, we conducted a literature review examining the academic contributions of these institutions to Black males. To bolster the literature, we examined Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System data, determining a set of…

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…

Urban colleges and universities are reassessing their purposes and roles in American life in an era when they are increasingly challenged by social change. The modern university finds that it will be necessary to involve itself more actively in social participation. This outlook will require curriculum changes, enhancing the otherwise traditional…

Conceptualizes the scope and highlights the focus and mission of the metropolitan university in its relationship to and impact upon the urban community. Sketches the historical roots of the university in early U.S. history and since World War II. Defines the metropolitan university, describes its characteristics, and offers student profiles. (RJM)

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)

Claims that student affairs personnel must be active in developing and providing student services that also help reinforce and support the learning community. Focuses on the delivery of necessary services, retention, campus life, technology, assessment and planning, financing, and the structure and organization of services. (RJM)

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)

Describes how connections between university and community occur at several sites. Focuses on nonprofit connections, elementary and secondary schools, government, businesses and corporations, graduates, and other colleges and universities. Also examines university coordination of student involvement within the community. Argues that metropolitan…

Strategies for building the connection between an urban university and the surrounding community through a service learning program are discussed, drawing on the experience of the Shriver Center at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County campus. Issues addressed include consideration of program form and function, faculty involvement, and…

Discusses how metropolitan universities pose unique challenges and opportunities for student affairs professionals. Describes how student characteristics reflect the diversity of the surrounding population; explores enrollment patterns, sources of college funding, recruitment and retention, campus environment, international students, student…

Health professions schools can contribute significantly to the mission of metropolitan universities and have substantial impact on their communities. In addition to the direct impact of their graduates and affiliate health care facilities, they can make a major contribution serving the community's health care needs, as illustrated by activities at…

The Detroit Hearings are an effort at developing an additional method of collaboration between the city and the university. The aim is to develop an environment of collaboration around major areas of concern out of which a wide range of collaborative efforts could develop. It is both a complement and supplement to the traditional methods of…