ABSTRACT
This chapter presents an Integrated Framework of Institutional Identity as a model for understanding the missions of broad access institutions and their evolution over time. By closely examining a wide array of mission statements reflecting the rich institutional diversity that characterizes the broad access sector, the model postulates that the missions of these colleges and universities are reflected in four fundamental dimensions: geographic location, institutional control, historical origins, and educational modality. Using multiple segments of the broad access literature, four common exogenous drivers of mission change are then identified: demography, public policy, social norms, and resources. Combining the four dimensions of mission and the four exogenous drivers of change then offers a single systematic framework for understanding the strategic approach broad access institutions take to providing educational access.
