MEMBERSHIP FAQ

Whether your institution is a current CUMU member or you campus is considering joining, this FAQ explains CUMU membership, what’s included, how to get involved and how to get started.

What membership includes

CUMU membership is institutional and includes everyone on your campus — senior leadership, administrators, faculty, staff, students and affiliated community partners. One membership provides access for your entire institution.

Institutional membership includes access to:

CUMU members also receive discounted registration rates for the annual conference.

No. CUMU membership is institutional, not individual. If your campus is a member, you are eligible to participate.

How to engage with CUMU

Each member institution designates one or more campus designees who serve as the primary point of contact with CUMU. Designees help share opportunities across campus and connect colleagues to CUMU programs, networks and events. Some campuses have multiple designees — whatever works best for your institution.

Are you a CUMU member but not sure who your designee is? Contact us to find out.

Yes. CUMU was founded by presidents and chancellors and the CUMU Board of Directors is composed of sitting presidents and chancellors. Select presidential engagement opportunities include:

  • The Presidents’ Dinner and Presidents’ Council meeting at the annual conference
  • Participation in conference sessions and select virtual programming throughout the year

To learn more, contact CUMU CEO Valerie Holton.

Joining, renewing and making the case for membership

Most institutions pay for membership through the office of the president/chancellor or provost. Some campuses support membership through centers or offices that are closely aligned with CUMU’s mission and programming.

Yes, memberships can be paid through our member portal. If you are the billing contact or have management access for your institution, log-in to your account, then click on Account History.

If you do not have management access, email Debbie Darr (ddarr@cumuonline.org) for a link to pay online.

Members and prospective members have found it helpful to:

  • Share the membership packet with campus leadership
  • Encourage leadership to attend the annual CUMU Conference
  • Invite presidents or chancellors to participate in the Presidents’ Dinner and Presidents’ Council
  • Schedule a conversation with CUMU’s CEO or a president or chancellor who serves on the CUMU Board of Directors

CUMU’s annual dues of $3,900 provide access to programming and resources for the entire campus, making membership a cost-effective investment.

If you are ready to join CUMU, complete the membership form and our office will be in touch. You can also contact Debbie Darr, director of membership and operations, at ddarr@cumuonline.org or 410-704-3716 with any questions

After joining, CUMU will:

  • Add your institution to the membership roster so participation can begin immediately
  • Connect with your designated campus contact(s)
  • Schedule an onboarding call for your designee(s) and other members of your campus
  • Offer an onboarding conversation with campus leadership and the CUMU CEO
  • Provide language and tools to help promote membership and engagement across campus

Eligibility and logistics

Any regionally accredited institution of higher education, regardless of size, that subscribes to the principles described in CUMU’s Declaration of Metropolitan Universities is eligible to join.

Urban and metropolitan colleges and universities are deeply rooted in their regions. They educate the workforce, invest in neighborhoods, and partner across sectors to address pressing community challenges and advance regional goals. Their success is inseparable from the success of their cities and regions.

If your institution is accredited as one institution, a single CUMU membership covers all campuses. If campuses are separately accredited, each campus must join with its own institutional membership.

Yes. Institutions may join CUMU at any time. Membership is paid annually by fiscal year (July 1–June 30).

CUMU does not offer affiliate memberships for non-higher education organizations. However, there are opportunities to engage through conference sponsorships, virtual programming partnerships, grant support and other collaborations. Contact CUMU CEO Valerie Holton to learn more.

DOWNLOAD INFORMATION PACKET

cumu information package pdf

HAVE QUESTIONS?

Contact Debbie Darr, Director of Membership and Operations, at ddarr@cumuonline.org or 410-704-3716.