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. Our goal is to foster clear, trusted, strategic decision making that puts institutional mission integrity first.
Video Resources
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.
Not a CIC Member?
If your institution is not a CIC member and you are interested in learning more, please contact Alicia Jackson at ajackson@cic.edu.