At the Edge: University-based Institutes and Their Communities

Abstract

University-based service and research centers offer important lessons for those engaged in the task of transforming academic institutions. This article reports the experiences of the Institute of Portland Metropolitan Studies at Portland State University in Portland, Oregon. The Institute was formed seven years ago in an effort to connect the resources of higher education to critical issues facing communities in a six-county metropolitan area. Eight lessons are identified based on the experience to date.