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What it is

The Carnegie Classification has been the leading framework for recognizing and describing institutional diversity in U.S. higher education for the past four decades. Starting in 1970, the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education developed a classification of colleges and universities to support its program of research and policy analysis.

What has been done

In 2018, and again in 2021, as a confirmation of its continued drive forward to excellence, the University was classified as an “R1” institution by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. An R1 designation by Carnegie is reserved for doctoral universities with the highest levels of research activity. The University’s work at building research and graduate programs in search of becoming among the best high-impact research universities in the nation has led to important gains that have strengthened the quality, breadth and impact of the University’s research and graduate education endeavors.

In 2020, the University achieved the prestigious Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement. Increased collaboration with community and statewide partners, significant co-curricular growth with record student involvement in the community through civic engagement and the maturation of the delivery of services and expertise of faculty, students and staff through cutting-edge initiatives are high-level examples of ways the University has demonstrated dedication to community engagement. Recognition as a “Carnegie Engaged” institution reaffirms the University’s commitment to serving and meeting the needs of Nevada as part of the land-grant mission.

The outcome

These classifications are not the end goal as there is always opportunity for growth in the University’s ability to perform at the highest level in research activity and civic engagement. Therefore, the University will continue to build off of these accomplishments and set even higher standards for its obligations to learning, discovery and engagement.

What it is

Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) designations from the U.S. Department of Education recognize higher education institutions that categorically or historically enroll a specific racial/ethnic group. Most importantly, these institutions exhibit a dedication to serving minority populations through their mission and day-to-day operations. MSIs can take form as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs).

What has been done/needs to be done

The University of Nevada, Reno has embarked on the achievement of HSI and AANAPISI designations based on the current demographics and anticipated future enrollment trends of the undergraduate student body. Accredited institutions with at least 25% total full-time enrollment of Hispanic undergraduate students are eligible for HSI designation and those with at least 10% total full-time enrollment of Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander undergraduate students are eligible for AANAPISIs designation. This only tells part of the story of what the University must do.

The demographics of Nevada students continue to evolve and diversify with 44% of high school seniors identifying as Hispanic or Latino and 8% as Asian or Native American Pacific Islander in the 2021-22 academic year. The University is implementing recommendations from the Minority Serving Institution (MSI) to improve recruitment of historically underserved students to achieve these designations. Increased retention of all students, with additional focus on historically underserved students and students eligible for Pell and other need-based aid, in addition to active and successful recruitment of more faculty and staff from these historically underserved groups is also a key driver in this effort.

The outcome

Achieving MSI designations will further enable the University to better serve the needs of all students within Nevada and beyond, and demonstrate our commitment to closing opportunity and equity gaps in higher education. Furthermore, it puts the University in a position to compete for federal and private grants earmarked for MSIs to strengthen our current academic and service offerings.

What it is

The Association of American Universities (AAU), founded in 1900, is an organization comprised of 65 research-intensive member institutions leading in education, research and innovation. Its purpose is to be a leading example in higher education, setting institutional and national standards that encourage top-tier academic research, scholarship and education. In 2019, AAU schools received 62% of all federally funded basic research, totaling nearly $28 billion in federal research dollars across the 65 AAU institutions. Membership in the AAU is by invitation only. While there are no set eligibility criteria, membership is based on how an institution’s research and education profile compares to current members. The AAU has identified a set of membership indicators which are used when assessing prospective members.

What needs to be done

This aspirational goal will take a continuous, concerted effort by the University over the coming years to build on current successes while developing deeper capacities in several key areas. They include: competitively funded federal research support, membership in national academies, faculty awards, fellowships and memberships, and citations, as well as doctoral education, number of post-doctoral appointees and undergraduate education. Recent membership in the AAU has included institutions that have placed an increased emphasis in student success, funding of research programs with significant regional engagement, historic increases in sponsored project funding and continued student achievement and faculty renown. Positioning the University in the coming years as being at the forefront of scientific inquiry and educational excellence will be critical in reaching possible AAU status.

The outcome

The AAU is revered as one of the most elite organizations in higher education. Achieving AAU status would affirm the University's continued commitment to its vision — to educate and graduate the best-prepared, confident leaders; to be a nexus for research; and to serve as a catalyst for the betterment of our society.