The article is meant to assess the ways in which the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) and its Great Cities Commitment can serve as a model of academic institutional change that anchors or is, otherwise, foundational to academic institutional achievement and urban development. Through both normative discussion and case study, the article…

This study investigates how research participants' desire to make a positive social impression may affect their responses to survey questions. Specifically, participants may react in socially appropriate ways to create a positive social impression for those persons reviewing their responses. This concept is termed "impression management," or more…

Academic staff (n = 305) and administrative staff (n = 595) at a large urban, Catholic, and religious order teaching university completed on-line school sense of community, social desirability, and mission-identity plus mission-driven activity measures. Partial correlates (controlling for social desirability) indicated that for both faculty and…

This article examines the social meaning of security practices at urban university settings. The work first demonstrates the way in which physical fortification and surveillance technology have been implemented in urban institutional settings and considers the role these particular practices may play in shaping the socio-cultural identity of the…

Leaders in an effectively engaged metropolitan university understand, agree on, and invest in thoughtfully chosen outreach commitments. The effective pursuit of such commitments requires also a balance among expectations, behaviors, and practices not always compatible. While outreach thrives on initiative, coordination is critical. Individuals…

Our urban-located land grant institution has long been committed to engaged research, teaching, and service. This paper describes efforts to articulate and implement a strategic urban land grant vision that places urban/metropolitan engagement at the center of our institution's "urban age" future. We describe intentional and broad-based efforts in…

Education is a primary mission of metropolitan universities. This article measures the value of education at the level of a student credit hour-the metric. It applies this metric to determine the value of education transmitted at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) for one academic year and the total contribution of UNO to the economy of the…

The mission of American metropolitan universities has never before been so relevant, both to the future of institutions themselves and to the United States. The success of the mission requires that we develop a deep understanding of the impact of both urbanization and de-urbanization, as well as the challenges metropolitan universities face with…

This paper discusses the model of the "Western university" from the viewpoint of a non-Western person. The concept of an "Urban Public University" is then discussed and analyzed in terms of its role and relevance in today's context. The paper further argues that while universities are non-static, and while their changes and adaptations to new…

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…

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…

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)

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)

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…

The University of Dayton's Raymond L. Fitz, S.M. Center for Leadership in Community has a long history that is emblematic of its mission to "initiate and sustain partnerships with urban neighborhoods and larger communities by working at comprehensive community building and providing a context for connected learning and scholarship" (Fitz…