Summer 2024

CIC has received a grant from the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations to support academic leaders in creating consistent, principled approaches to civil discourse and free expression on campuses through the Campus Free Expression Project.

Amid deepening divisions within our nation and communities and an increasingly polarized civic landscape on and off campus, CIC announced a first-of-its-kind online course and credential in deliberative discourse.

CIC launched the Work-Based Learning Consortium, a new program to integrate work-based learning into the curriculum and create more equitable internship and work-based learning opportunities for students at member institutions. Read more about this program and recent updates.

CIC’s Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education (NetVUE) is a nationwide network of over 300 colleges and universities formed to support and enrich the collegiate experience of undergraduate students as they explore and discern their many callings in life. Read more about recent highlights and upcoming opportunities.

The community of CIC’s Belong network continues to thrive as programming dives deeper into the work of advancing topics of campus belonging, especially in challenging times. Read about upcoming opportunities for Belong members.

CIC announced the creation of the AI Ready network, a new initiative dedicated to preparing and supporting independent higher education institutions in the ever-evolving landscape of generative artificial intelligence. Read more about the programs and goals of AI Ready.

CIC’s annual Workshops for Department and Division Chairs cater to incoming, new, and experienced chairs of departments or divisions at CIC member institutions. Read more about the 23rd annual Workshops that took place in Spring 2024.

The Executive Leadership Academy (ELA) and Senior Leadership Academy (SLA) are yearlong programs for experienced provosts and vice presidents who aspire to colleges presidencies and college and university leaders who aspire to cabinet-level positions, respectively. Read more about the summer events of these programs.

In August 2024, CIC hosted a Convening of Pioneering Presidents and Board Chairs. The convening brought together a representative group of presidents who are the “first” in their roles and was part of a multi-year project to review and expand CIC’s academic leadership programs with a focus on inclusive excellence.

CIC’s Presidential Renewal program, now in its second year, is designed to support the personal revitalization of experienced member presidents at CIC institutions so they may continue to serve in the vital role of the college presidency. Read more about the 2024 Summer Seminar.

CIC's Presidential Vocation and Institutional Mission program (V&M) is designed for senior leaders at CIC member schools to explore their potential vocational calling to serve as a college or university president, as well as examine what types of institutional missions they might best serve.

In response to CIC member data and requests for more information about ongoing topics in the sector, CIC hosted multiple webinars since the previous Winter 2024 Independent newsletter publication.

As part of CIC’s ongoing efforts to connect with members, groups of CIC employees visited the campuses of six member institutions that are close to Washington, DC, in Spring 2024, to learn more about the institutions’ history, programs, and students and staff.

With so many reports about the challenges of independent colleges, CIC would like to highlight a sampling of member institutions that shared with us that they are developing or launching new programs or majors. There is innovation in our sector and successes to celebrate, and we are pleased to pass on some great examples that were sent to us.

Find a list of new CIC members and name changes since February 2024.