The author has 25 years of experience in higher education leadership, overseeing two campuses and two university systems. He has maintained a strong connection to the Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities (CUMU), both philosophically and in practical terms. In this article, the author discusses his experience and feelings on social…

Right-to-work (RTW) laws neither provide opportunity for gainful employment nor a higher standard of living. In truth, by ending a union's ability to charge administrative fees to employees who benefit from their collectively bargained contract, these laws aim to weaken unions and silence workers. They are designed to help employers, not workers.…

One might think that a global financial crisis would be no time for college and university presidents to think expansively. Hunkering down is the more natural reaction to a threat of the magnitude that the economy continues to present. But expansive thought is exactly what higher education leaders need right now--not necessarily the kind that…

This article presents an interview with Greg Bowe, a research fellow at the Center for Urban Education and Innovation in the College of Education at Florida International University (FIU) where he directed the Undergraduate Writing Program for seven years. Founded in 1972, FIU is a large public urban university in Miami. In this interview, Bowe…

Explores the current structure of public higher education and its origins, and discusses why it will not serve well in the rapidly changing world of the new century. Proposes a different and more effective structure, based on the model of today's urban university. (EV)

This keynote address encourages urban and metropolitan universities to be courageous and creative in meeting new social and economic challenges. Explores why universities, products of the Age of Reason, must now face the competitive pressures arising from a collapse of the Authority of Reason. (EV)

Traces the uses of the "urban mission" trope both nationally and locally as it pertains to the history of the University of Illinois at Chicago and the Educational Assistance Program. Maintains that educational histories are important because they explain how political dynamics determine who will be basic writers and how many will appear…

Summarizes the various aspects of school-university collaborations that are addressed in this issue. Contextual issues, academic programs, service learning, accountability, and administrative issues are mentioned. (MMU)

Discusses the growth of metropolitan universities as an emerging model of higher education, noting their key characteristics and their history and philosophy (as codified in the "Declaration of Metropolitan Universities" of the Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities). Identifies current issues and challenges related to students,…

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)

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 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)

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.…

The world of public service is compared to a swamp in which important, complex, and messy problems are addressed, and it is argued that graduate and professional education must be reshaped to produce leaders who can make sense of current challenges. Education that is more experiential, behavioral, interactive, and collectively oriented is…

Metropolitan university fund-raising efforts that are clearly related to the institution's mission, strategic plans, and a coherent image of the university are most likely to succeed. These institutions must build on their unique strengths and develop strong relationships with individuals, foundations, and corporation in the local community.…