The mission and purposes of the Association include:
- Interpret for the general public the role and contributions of institutions of higher learning in Rhode Island;
- Serve as a central source of information for appropriate public and private agencies, as well as the general public;
- Maximize interrelationships between the independent and public institutions of higher learning within the state in providing optimal educational service to the people and students of Rhode Island;
- Encourage and facilitate consultation and cooperation among association members regarding academic programs, research, and community service;
- Support joint study with member institutions and appropriate public and private organizations;
- Review the current and future ability of independent institutions of higher education in Rhode Island to meet the educational needs of the state;
- Provide federal and state level policy and program leadership on higher education issues and coordinates the activities of Rhode Island’s independent colleges and universities; and
- Encourage greater cooperation between Rhode Island colleges and universities and fellow institutions and educational organizations both in the New England and national arenas.