Building Community Serving Our Members
CIC strengthens independent colleges and universities and supports campus leaders on current and pressing priorities in higher education.
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2025 Workshops for Department and Division Chairs
The 2025 Workshops for Department and Division Chairs will focus on effective strategies to develop leadership skills and an institution-wide vision in the context of uncertainty and change.Read More -
2025 Presidents Institute Resources
Resources from the 2025 Presidents Institute are now available online.Read More -
Tuition Exchange Program (CIC-TEP)
CIC–TEP is a network of CIC member colleges and universities that are willing to accept as students, tuition-free, full-time employees and their family members. Nearly 440 colleges and universities from 47 states and seven countries are participating.Read More -
CIC Solution Center
An online platform connecting you to companies and consultants dedicated to the independent higher education sector, free of charge.Read More -
Campus Free Expression: A New Roadmap
Four reports provide a roadmap for college leaders to succeed in upholding their institutional mission in today’s social, civic, and political landscape.Read More -
CIC Member Directory
Explore a map and search a listing of CIC, TEP, and NetVUE members.Read More
ABOUT CIC
What is an Independent College?
Simply defined, “independent” institutions are governed by boards of private citizens and operate independent of government control. They are nonprofit organizations supported primarily by tuition revenue, philanthropic gifts, and grants from foundations.
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Belong: An Inclusive Learning Community
Belong is a network of CIC member colleges and universities dedicated to making their campuses more welcoming and inclusive. Designed in partnership with the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE), Belong offers a suite of professional development resources for faculty and staff to support student belonging in class and campus-wide.
Belong works in concert with your campus’s distinctive mission and values, equipping faculty and staff with evidence-based skills and knowledge that increase student belonging and advance campus retention efforts.
FAST FACTS
CIC Shows Strength in Numbers
Insights, News, & Research
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CIC Board Extends President Marjorie Hass’ Contract Through 2030
The Board of Directors of the Council of Independent Colleges is pleased to announce the extension of Marjorie Hass’ contract as president through June 30, 2030.Read More -
Campus Free Expression Project Receives New Grant Support of $50K
CIC received a grant in the amount of $50,000 from the Robin and Sandy Stuart Foundation. The funds will support the continued work of CIC’s Campus Free Expression Project.Read More -
CIC Issues Report on Public Humanities
CIC is pleased to share a new report on Humanities Research for the Public Good: A CIC Initiative to Connect Colleges and Communities through Student Research and Public Programs (2019–2024).Read More -
Humanities Research for the Public Good: A CIC Initiative to Connect Colleges and Communities through Student Research and Public Programs (2019–2024)
Between 2019 and 2024, the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) awarded grants to 49 independent colleges and universities through the Humanities Research for the Public Good (HRPG) initiative. The grants supported three cycles of public-facing humanities projects.Read More
Upcoming Events
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Presidential Renewal Program Webinar
The Presidential Renewal Program is designed to support the personal renewal of experienced member presidents at CIC institutions who will continue to serve in the vital role of the college presidency. In addition to rich content, the seminars provide space for solitude and reflection with a small fellowship of presidents and partners seeking their own renewal. -
2025 Workshop for Department and Division Chairs – Philadelphia, PA
CIC offers the annual Department and Division Chair Workshops to strengthen leadership at the departmental level. The workshops are designed to serve both experienced and new chairs of departments or divisions at independent colleges and universities. -
Senior Leadership Academy 2024–2025
CIC and the American Academic Leadership Institute (AALI) are pleased to announce the 2023–2024 Senior Leadership Academy (SLA), a yearlong program for administrators in higher education who aspire to cabinet-level positions in independent colleges or universities.