Vanderbilt University joins the Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities

Vanderbilt University has joined the Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities, an alliance focused on enhancing urban higher education and community engagement. This exciting collaboration provides faculty and staff with access to valuable resources and opportunities to connect with colleagues from other urban institutions. A list of member institutions is available on CUMU’s website.  

Founded in 1989, CUMU offers several programs and events tailored to the professional development and networking needs of university personnel. Notably, the Annual Conference, themed Beyond Boundaries, will be held Oct. 20–23, 2024, in Minneapolis-St. Paul. Vanderbilt faculty and staff can submit session proposals by April 1.  

For ongoing collaboration with peer institutions, CUMU hosts virtual discussions called “CUMU Huddles” on topics such as K-12 partnerships and urban university initiatives. All Vanderbilt faculty and staff are encouraged to sign up for the CUMU Huddles. Additionally, CUMU’s virtual programming offers year-round webinars and learning sessions focused on the challenges and opportunities in metropolitan contexts. Previous programming topics include sustainability on urban campuses, mental health and supporting incarcerated students. Another initiative of CUMU called the Anchor Learning Network is a forum dedicated to discussions on institutional contributions to community and economic development. 

Scholarship and research are also promoted within CUMU through the peer-reviewed journal Metropolitan Universities. This publication provides a platform for faculty and staff to showcase innovative ideas and research on important issues impacting urban and metropolitan universities.  

 To stay informed about the coalition’s activities and urban education trends, visit the CUMU newsroom, subscribe to their email communications and follow CUMU on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter). 

 Vanderbilt University’s membership within CUMU signifies our commitment to advancing urban education and community engagement. This partnership presents a considerable resource for faculty and staff looking to make a broader, lasting impact in the community. Vanderbilt’s institutional membership is maintained by the Division of Government and Community Relations, which seeks to facilitate campus-community partnerships and strengthen local engagement. For inquiries about Vanderbilt’s CUMU membership benefits, contact Kathleen Fuchs Hritz, senior director of community relations.