This article argues that metropolitan universities are well suited to respond to workforce development and maintenance needs, and ways in which institutions can gather the information needed to target their response are examined. A Northern Illinois University study is offered as an example of such an effort. The role of metropolitan universities…

Public health methods can assist in reducing the rate of injuries through application of technology, policy, education, and incentives. Metropolitan universities have great opportunities as key institutions to assist in preventing injuries within their communities by using their research capabilities, student and volunteer workforces, and as…

Metropolitan universities with community service/outreach programs, especially when affiliated with a health sciences center, can use their capacity to develop intern or practicum programs and interdisciplinary approaches to public health to structure case management/follow-up more effectively than many social and public agencies can. This is…

The importance of partnerships between metropolitan universities, local government agencies, and community organizations to address community health issues is discussed and illustrated in the collaborative activities of North Texas University and its Fort Worth health sciences center, including a community clinic and a master's program in public…

Edited excerpts from three sessions of a conference on metropolitan universities present perspectives on what cities will look like in the new millennium, and on leadership and service responsibilities of metropolitan universities. Also, excerpts from these and other papers are presented on the following themes: diversity, mission, facing hard…

Resurgence of scholarly interest and major economic and political considerations are putting development of a new, regional level of government back on the public agenda. New metropolitan governing structures in rapidly expanding urban regions may be an appropriate means to address issues requiring a broader base for cooperation and collaboration…

Urban universities' fine and performing arts programs can influence the image and mission of the university as a cultural partner in the community. Examples include production and presentation of events, nondegree educational programs for all ages, and collaborative associations with urban arts agencies. A Towson State University (Maryland)…

Colleges and Schools of Fine Arts at urban universities must be responsible for preparing teachers for K-12 education, altering models of preservice programs, supporting inservice programs, and supplementing diminishing art education in schools. Programs at Wayne State University (Michigan), University of Montana, and University of Illinois at…

Impediments to teamwork in higher education may change slowly as some apparent impediments represent institutional strengths for other purposes. Encouraging teamwork must include removing impediments, rewarding teamwork in tenure and promotion decisions, and offering explicit incentives for teamwork. (JB)

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)

Local educational reform efforts involving school systems, higher education, and the community must address educational pipelines through college and systemic deterrents like health, stress, and violence. A sense of moral imperative will bind collaborators in a new spirit of cohesiveness and community. Educational reform efforts in Birmingham…

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…

Interviews with teachers at designated Professional Development Schools (PDSs) showed significant differences between their views of the PDS role to socialize and develop student teachers and the literature-based vision of PDSs which also includes exposing students to exemplary teaching conditions and an inquiry-based view of teaching. (JB)

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)

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…