We provide CIC member institutions with resources to explore ways to fulfill their missions through partnerships, affiliations, and mergers.
Developed with the generous collaboration and support of the Transformational Partnerships Fund, the Council of Independent Colleges Partnerships and Mergers (CPAM) project supports colleges and universities that are exploring partnerships, mergers, and other collaborative enterprises as a means to secure long-term institutional sustainability.
The CPAM project is not a consulting service or a prescriptive model. It provides a flexible framework to help leadership teams reflect, explore, and seek opportunities. CPAM resources are free to CIC member institutions, and all consultations are strictly confidential. Our goal is to foster clear, trusted, strategic decision making that puts institutional mission integrity first.
CPAM Framework
The CPAM Framework offers a five-phase, mission-focused guide to help leadership teams and boards confirm their identity, evaluate strategic options, and plan for long-term sustainability. It allows institutions:
- To explore partnership options.
- To reaffirm independent mission work.
- To prepare for board retreats or leadership transitions.
CPAM Advising Services
Through the CPAM project, CIC provides confidential, opt-in advising services for institutions ready to explore partnerships and mergers. It allows presidents to define their priorities and, should they choose, engage with peer institutions without pressure, public disclosure, or brokerage.
Explore how CPAM can support your leadership conversations. Contact Reyes Gonzalez at rgonzalez@cic.edu or (202) 552-8978.
Not a CIC Member?
If your institution is not a CIC member and you are interested in learning more about the CPAM project, please contact Reyes Gonzalez at rgonzalez@cic.edu or (202) 552-8978.