Lawrence University is a member of the Associated Colleges of the Midwest. The member institutions of the Associated Colleges of the Midwest (ACM) are 14 academically excellent, independent liberal arts colleges located in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Colorado. They are among the oldest, most prestigious undergraduate institutions in the region and each has a distinctive identity and set of traditions. At the same time, the ACM colleges share many characteristics, especially a fundamental commitment to the liberal arts as the best preparation for life, employment, and contributing to society. Lawrence students participate in many of ACM's off-campus programs.