The tension between "urban" and "research" in an urban research university has led to the creation of a small, service- and community-oriented honors program that serves the needs of academically talented students at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Another hallmark of the program is its constantly evolving…

Describes the origins, design, and students of the honors program at the University of California at Irvine. Over half the honors program students are foreign born and over half use English as a second language. The program encourages development of leadership skills and provides a supportive academic community within a growing research university…

At the University of Minnesota, the Center for Urban and Regional Affairs was established as an all-university unit with resources to establish community connections, facilitate and support faculty and graduate student urban research and outreach, and help integrate urban concerns into a large, urban-located land-grant university. Its structure,…

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…

The honors program at the University of Texas at San Antonio serves an ethnically diverse, often underprepared, and commuter student population with special courses and support. The program's success to date illustrates the importance of strong support and effective leadership at all levels within the institution. (Author/MSE)

Argues that any college or university policy change that enlarges rather than restricts faculty roles must address five aspects of scholarship that interact with each other: scholarly activities; expressions of scholarship; motivations for scholarship; and quality and significance of scholarship. Offers a comprehensive model of scholarship and…

The three basic strategic objectives any metropolitan university must address in order to build a solid base of alumni support are the characteristics of the current student population, demographics and mindset of the alumni base, and relationships with the surrounding community. Activities at Boise State University (Idaho) in each of these areas…

Discusses the origins and meaning of civic responsibility in the Australian model of the university, beginning with medieval European universities and progressing through Australian reforms of the 20th century. Warns against the university without a civic mission. (SLD)

The Honors College at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County has an interdisciplinary curriculum rich in the liberal arts, serves a diverse student population, and frequently takes advantage of the cultural resources of the Baltimore metropolitan area. The college attempts to make intellectual exercise for its own sake available to as wide…

Health professions schools can contribute significantly to the mission of metropolitan universities and have substantial impact on their communities. In addition to the direct impact of their graduates and affiliate health care facilities, they can make a major contribution serving the community's health care needs, as illustrated by activities at…

A thorough review and revision of curriculum at San Jose State University (California) illustrates that the modern university can achieve major internal academic reforms when two important conditions are met: legitimacy and energy. These two concepts are defined and practical illustrations are drawn from the institution's recent experience in…

Describes the development of the University of Western Sydney, Australia, from being a university with spasmodic and uncoordinated outreach programs to one that is truly engaged with its community. Presents two examples of educational partnerships in which the university exercises coherent purpose and strategic direction. (SLD)

Describes the various factors that motivate higher education institutions in their pursuit of engagement with the community. Discusses the challenges facing those pursuing such engagement, such as disagreements in the academic community about the merits of community engagement. Asserts that engagement, despite such challenges, is well worth it.…

Metropolitan research universities are at the vanguard in addressing current challenges to society. They are successful because they can integrate service and outreach into their mission. To enhance their role, universities should encourage and reward those who can make contributions outside the traditional research model.(JB)

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…