Building Community Serving Our Members
CIC strengthens independent colleges and universities and supports campus leaders on current and pressing priorities in higher education.
-
2025 Institute for Chief Academic Officers
This annually held meeting brings chief academic officers of independent colleges and universities together, and includes special workshops for new CAOs and experienced CAOs. This year's Institute will be jointly held with chief student affairs and student success officers.Register Now -
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 -
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.
Learn More
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
-
36 Higher Education Leaders to Convene in the Nation’s Capital for the Executive Leadership Academy
The prestigious Executive Leadership Academy (ELA) kicks off today to prepare seasoned leaders for their next senior administrative role in higher education. The first of two in-person seminars in the yearlong program runs June 16–17 in Washington, DC, and will be led by current and former college presidents along with experts in critical areas pertinent to higher education.Read More -
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
Upcoming Events
-
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. -
The Purposeful University
This NetVUE regional gathering will explore institutional vocation and purpose in the changing landscape of U.S. higher education. How does a liberal arts institution discern, embody, and live out its calling? How does an institution articulate and communicate its vocation, and how does it infuse and embed that sense of vocation across the academy? -
2025 Institute for Chief Academic Officers
This annually held meeting brings chief academic officers of independent colleges and universities together, and includes special workshops for new CAOs and experienced CAOs. This year's Institute will be jointly held with chief student affairs and student success officers.
