Welcome to UROC

Located in North Minneapolis, the Robert J. Jones Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center (UROC) links the University of Minnesota in vital public partnership with urban communities to advance learning, improve quality of life, and discover breakthrough solutions to critical problems. Since opening its doors in 2009, UROC has worked to build thriving, innovative, and respectful collaborations; create new models of urban-focused community engagement; and strengthen the University as a vital engaged 21st century university serving the public good.

North Minneapolis Gardens for Change crew

Roni Evans, Douglas Kennedy, Ronda Chakolis, and Sam Simmons

Zoom screenshot from banking and lending

Voices of the Future: Linking Historical Trauma, Ambiguous Loss, and Financial Decision Making Among African American Families research team

News Highlights

Northside-Southside: A Neighborhood History Series— October 1 through October 31

From exhibits to walking tours, film narrations, and conversations, Northside-Southside: A Neighborhood History is a series of programs taking place in North and South Minneapolis created to highlight lesser-known histories from opposite ends of Minneapolis. The free series is sponsored by UROC and The Friend of Hennepin County Library.

Adriano Udani named UROC Director of Community-Engaged Research

Adriano Udani has been named director of community-engaged research for the University of Minnesota’s Robert J. Jones Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center (UROC). An associate professor of political science at the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) and director of the university's public policy administration program, he has an extensive portfolio of community-engaged scholarship and academic leadership.

UROC Community Day 2024: "From Promise to Practice: Strengthening Partnerships"

Celebrate University-community partnerships at UROC's annual Community Day open house on Thursday, October 17 from 4 to 7 p.m. Enjoy engaging research displays, live music by Jazz Steele and Bigg Kiaa, food by local chefs, Goldy Gopher, UROC giveaways, and more. The event is free and open to the public.

In the Gallery

Investing With North Minneapolis

September 3 through October 22

Exhibition Celebration
4:30 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, September 26
Program at 6 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

UROC’s Investing With North Minneapolis exhibit highlights community-informed student projects in support of an equitable and green North Minneapolis.

In fall of 2021, 2022 and 2023, North Minneapolis residents and Northside Safety NET Environment Initiative interns (during fall of 2022 and 2023) collaborated with University of Minnesota architecture students to develop urban ideas for North Minneapolis. Ranging from after-school activity centers to green art streets, a peacekeeping hub, and a riverside music district, Investing With North Minneapolis presents these research and design proposals in more than 50 exhibition boards.

Expanding the University's Commitment to Urban Communities

The Robert J. Jones Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center is a unit of the Office for Public Engagement within the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost.