The concept of the anchor institution, and its subsequent mission, was first considered in the mid-1990s, a time during which the dominant academic culture of higher education was driven by the "public good regime." The decades since have seen the emergence of the public engagement knowledge regime, and the academic capitalist regime.…

This article explores why some universities may be "invisible" to adults in their local communities. It suggests that funding changes in UK higher education, particularly those initiated by the Browne Review in 2010, may reinforce such a divide. The article draws on Stefan Collini's critiques of government policy, particularly in…

In this report, the Carnegie Commission considers the special issues and opportunities of the urban setting and the nature and quantity of higher education resources required to respond adequately to the needs of a metropolitan area. Recommendations deal with higher education's relationships with cities as educator, as expert, and as a major…

Describes eight years of efforts converting the University of South Carolina Spartanburg from being a "regional" to a "metropolitan" university, including the stages of development of its community, Greenville-Spartanburg, South Carolina, as an internationalized metropolitan area. Describes ensuing university goals in campus…

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)

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…

Asserting that exploration of the role of higher education in community building is not unique to the United States, describes examples of collaborative efforts involving universities and communities working together in the United States, Switzerland, Northern Ireland, and Mexico. (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)

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…

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…

An early proponent of university development of community outreach partnership centers (COPCs) outlines his philosophy and encourages institutions to establish and nurture such programs, both for the public good and to promote positive change within the university. (MSE)

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…