Cornell is a private and research university and a partner of the State University of New York. As the federal land-grant institution in New York State, it has a responsibility—unique within the Ivy League—to make contributions in all fields of knowledge in a manner that prioritizes public engagement to help improve the quality of life in America and in the world. Moreover, the University engages in wider academic and civic activities emanating from the beliefs of its founding members and encourages others to do so.