Institutions of higher learning are located within the context of neighborhoods. But to what degree do they see themselves as neighbors? What does it mean to be an engaged institutional neighbor? Inspired by this question, I utilize place-based community engagement principles, combined with self-study research methods, to trace the development of…

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…

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…

Explores how Columbia College Chicago, an "Implementing Urban Missions" grantee, approached the implementation of its urban mission, and how other universities might also play the role of facilitators while being inclusive, trustworthy, and respectful to community partners. (EV)

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…

Describes how Holy Family College in Northeast Philadelphia, an "Implementing Urban Missions" grantee, created and maintained an urban nursing center. Discusses the challenges of translating one department's experience with a community partnership into the context of other academic departments. (EV)

The University of Georgia's Carl Vinson Institute of Government, one of the nation's oldest and largest university-based public-service organizations, provides a case study of the problems and challenges for these organizations, one of which is to mix and match institutional and personal objectives and capabilities to optimize the contributions of…

The Center for California Studies, a unit of California State University, Sacramento, focuses on governance issues and depends on state funds for administering four fellowship programs. It exists in a borderland between academe and state government, public policy think tanks and interdisciplinary studies, graduate education and career training.…

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…