Sharing of Best Practices

• In its 21st volume, the MUJ is the preeminent best practices journal for University Administrators and was the first journal focused on community-university engagement. As a member, you receive 10 copies of each MUJ which is continually used for strategic planning and as a discussion tool on campus.
• As a CUMU member you will also receive access to the secure “Resources Portal.” This new member-only database will include electronic versions of MUJ articles, relevant policy papers, member resources, and conference presentations. This resource can be your one-stop resource shop in the areas of K-16 Partnerships, Technology Transfer, Sustainability, Service Learning, and more!
• Every month, CUMU publishes the e-newsletter “Because Place Matters.” This monthly e-newsletter features CUMU Presidential Perspectives, Research Funding and Scholarship Opportunities, Conference and Meeting Updates, Members Spotlights, and Partnership Highlights. Anyone from a member institution may subscribe to receive this e-newsletter.

Collaboration and Networking

• CUMU annually hosts a theme-focused national conference that includes top notch speakers and presenters, great networking, and the presentation of the Ernest A. Lynton Award for the Scholarship of Engagement for Early Career Faculty. Additionally, CUMU routinely hosts facilitated regional discussions on important topics such as Improving the Urban School Pipeline.

Branding and Identity

• CUMU was originally founded to “create a viable niche in higher education that was united by a philosophy.” The intention was that institutions that identified with the CUMU model would have relevant peers to compare themselves against and share best practices amongst each other.
• Many CUMU institutions have integrated the principles of the coalition and the Declaration of Metropolitan Universities into their branding and fundraising campaigns, mission statements, and strategic planning.

Additional Benefits of Membership

• Eligibility to vote in all elections of the Executive Committee and other matters which may come before the membership
• Eligibility to serve on the Executive Committee and standing or special committees of the Coalition
• Eligibility to attend all Member meetings
• Access to all draft and published documents of the Coalition
• Eligibility to participate in Coalition research and data exchange programs on a voluntary basis