The experiences of the University of Michigan in developing its Flint campus since the mid-1970s and the use of the Critical Path Method are described. The usefulness of the method during several phases of development is highlighted. (MSE)

The urban university must directly respond to the special needs of the community in which it is located. The university should reflect its commitment to the city through its instructional programs, the interests of its faculty, the character of its student body, and the openness of its events and facilities to the public. (Author/GC)

Argues that when viewed as resources, constituencies of metropolitan universities can be used to effectively communicate institutional quality and garner new support. Outlines steps that external relations professionals can take to create involved constituencies for the university. Notes effective use of alumni in legislative efforts and creation…

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 Exchange collects and shares financial, enrollment, and cost data useful to urban universities in matters related to accountability, benchmarking, policy, and strategic planning. This history of the project includes problems addressed, current uses of data, and special studies under way. (Author/PW)

Describes the University of New Orleans' Research and Technology Foundation, which relied heavily on Steven Covey's "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" to create an innovative model of ownership, construction, and financing to overcome paralyzing barriers to facility development. The effort has resulted in multiple development…

Conducted enrollment analysis and a survey of current students at a large urban institution to examine the segmentation of students into "traditional" and "non-traditional." Found that local traditional students tend to be more like adult students than traditional students with a more distant permanent residence. Proposes…

Discusses how LaGuardia Community College's urban studies courses have reintegrated and reinvigorated the school's core commitments to liberal, career, and developmental education, nontraditional students, and connection to the locale. (EV)

Summarizes survey results and follow-up interviews of Black women college administrators at predominantly White colleges. Gives a profile of a middle-management group of women at different colleges in the City University of New York system. Includes recommendations for both the University and Black women in similar higher education institutions.…

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)

Discusses prospects for City University of New York in light of its recent decision to end both open admissions and remedial programs. Quotes the school's chancellor who wants to restore the school's earlier reputation for high quality general education, professional schools, and Ph.D. programs. Also notes administrative and funding concerns. (DB)

Describes the process by which the Towson State University (Maryland) Center for Instructional Advancement and Technology was created and grew to a staff of 10 within 18 months, noting six factors: response to clear need; a range of programs; rapid staffing and facilities provision; high-level administrative leadership; supportive institutional…

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…

Evaluated the impact of printed promotional materials on the recruitment of college freshmen using focus groups of students attending a large, southern metropolitan university. Students provided detailed suggestions on ways to improve the method of distribution, graphic design, and content of the materials. (Author/DB)

Provides an historical review of state-level assessment research and practice and discusses current objectives and outcomes of state-level assessment policies throughout the United States. Considers possible explanations for the gap between assessment policy objectives and outcomes, and implications for urban institutions of higher education.…