This report argues that many higher education institutions in metropolitan areas, in order to fulfill their mission of enhancing the utilization of research knowledge, must develop appropriate internal and external bridging mechanisms between scholarship and utilization. It further argues for the development of appropriate adaptations in the…

Describes the process of redesigning faculty roles and reward structures at Towson State University (Maryland) and in the University of Maryland System from 1988-95, noting the pressures and outcomes it created. Topics addressed include workload; alignment of roles, policy, mission, and values system; clarification of roles and workload; faculty…

The University of Illinois at Chicago is using the Great Cities concept to address critical urban issues through new ways of combining teaching, research, and service and by working in partnership with others. Key factors in establishing this institutional mission nd partnership process are leadership, broad-based participation, and realism. (JB)

Ways that colleges are involved in economic development and how these roles develop at different colleges are discussed, along with the rationale and benefits for college involvement in economic development. Attention is directed to key programmatic, policy, organizational, and strategic issues that need to be addressed with increased college…

This paper reviews the literature on student retention at urban colleges and explores notions of student involvement and academic and social integration especially in relation to nontraditional students. It describes some programmatic interventions designed to improve retention. The paper concludes that partnerships with public schools may have a…

Kent State University (Ohio), a traditional residential institution located near an urban center, is grappling with urban challenges by redefining institutional success, expanding definitions of scholarship, reducing program complexity to enhance completion rates, supporting teamwork and unit productivity, valuing senior members of the…

This document is a guideline for institutions in the Florida State University System to use as they comply with state mandates requiring them to develop campus master plans and land management plans. It supplements the minimum criteria in the state's Administrative Code. For each element the guide offers description of its purpose, data…

To develop a set of effective performance indicators, three campuses of Texas A&M University collaborated: a large research university, a historically black institution, and an urban campus undergoing major changes. Evolution of the project and the strategies used to develop core indicators while addressing the different institutional missions…

Kennesaw State College (Georgia) adopted an invitational approach to create an environment which encouraged and affirmed students, faculty, staff and administrators. A new institutional environment aimed at serving diverse, contemporary needs and involved commitment to shared governance, encouragement of leadership at all levels, community…

Weber State University (WSU) in Utah adopted, as part of its mission, increased collaboration with schools to influence the quality of precollege education. Sixteen formal partnerships with local teachers and school districts have affected interactions among faculty, sense of institutional mission, public perceptions of WSU and the professional…

This volume contains 29 readings reprinted from the journal "Metropolitan Universities: An International Forum," selected to demonstrate the unique mission and characteristics of metropolitan universities and to recognize the special challenges they face in addressing the nation's major urban issues. The papers include: "What Is a Metropolitan…