Given the economic climate and its impact on our institutions, we've had to think long and hard about the "value proposition" for institutional participation in the Colonial Academic Alliance. What do our institutions gain from their collaborative efforts?

Our institutional diversity and geographic range is daunting. Members include the second-oldest institution in the U.S. (William & Mary, founded in 1693) and one of the youngest (George Mason University, founded in 1957). The Alliance's footprint extends from Atlanta to Boston, and we encompass nine public and three private institutions that enroll more than 200,000 students and engage more than 10,000 faculty members.

Yet this "distance and difference" provide opportunity, as well. By working with institutions that complement -- rather than mirror -- each other, we can provide wider opportunities for students, broader professional development opportunities for faculty and staff, and share an extensive array of resources beyond our home campuses. 

As each of our institutions is expected to "do more with less," sharing programs, courses, facilities, and funding opportunities becomes more attractive, and interinstitutional relationships become increasingly important.

Developing collaborative programs requires time, willingness to transcend institutional boundaries, and attention to detail. The rewards, however, are proving to be worth the effort.