multicampus

Multicampus refers to a higher education institution that operates more than one campus in different locations. A multicampus system may be a single university with multiple geographic sites or a network of affiliated campuses under a common governance structure. Campuses may be physically separate or connected by transportation networks and share central administration, academic standards, and services, while retaining some local autonomy.

Governance usually features a central administration (chancellor or president, board of trustees or regents) and campus administrations responsible for local operations. Academic programs may be offered across campuses, with centralized enrollment, finance, and human resources, and cross-campus transfers or joint programs are common. Accreditation and quality assurance are often coordinated at the system level.

Multicampus models expand access, attract regional funding, and foster collaboration in research and teaching. They enable specialization by campus, regional responsiveness, and resilience in events affecting one location. Challenges include coordinating policy and curricula, ensuring consistent quality and branding, allocating resources equitably, and maintaining coherent student experiences across campuses.

Well-known multicampus systems include the University of California, the State University of New York (SUNY), and the University of the Philippines System. Private universities and technical institutes also operate multiple campuses in a single or broader region.

Related concepts include branch campuses, satellite campuses, and university systems or networks.