Relationships between educational institutions and their communities are seen as significantly affected by activities requiring mutual support and participation. An institution makes itself useful to the community by providing services, conducting special events, furnishing facilities, accommodating conferences, and offering cultural attractions.…

Community is defined and several methods, ranging from formal research to informal observation, that can be used by a college or university to learn about the community are described. Identifying the influentials in the community is seen as essential. (Author/MLW)

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)

In seeking ways to extend their campuses, institutions should assess the community's needs in relationship to their own goals and purposes. To better serve the community, a college or university must go to the people through publications, electronic media, exhibits, speakers, volunteers, and continuing education. (Author/MLW)

In the early 1970s neighborhood movements developed around the concept of community integrity. As institutions expanded, neighbors began to fight encroachment on their way of life. Three case studies involving disputes between expanding urban universities and their neighborhoods reveal similarities in the development and resolution of…

A college or university is a member of a community. Whether it withers or grows depends on its relationships within that community. Institutions can strengthen community ties by organizing advisory councils, conducting economic impact surveys, involving alumni and retired faculty, and encouraging athletic booster clubs. (Author/MLW)

Hard times for higher education will make community understanding and support more important than ever. Institutions must look for creative ways to involve themselves in community relations and community services. Organizing, setting measurable objectives, the urban challenge, serving as information center, promoting campus services, and…