Town Gown Committee Resumes Meetings After Incident
CHICO, CA - A report in the California State University newspaper, The Orion, describes a town & gown meeting between the City of Chico and California State University-Chico held in March that responded to a riot event earlier this semester. Officials from the community, university and student body met in an attempt to improve the relationship between the university and the community. This meeting was the first Town and Gown meeting in almost eighteen months for the 14 member committee, but has now scheduled monthly meetings. The meeting led by student government leaders and the Chico Mayor referenced thousands of e-mails received by the CSU-Chico President after the incident. Based upon the emails, the student government priority topics of the meeting focused around the issues of alcohol abuse, mentorship/programming, and consequences and enforcement.

 

Miami Lakes Partners with Miami Dade College to Bring Classes and Students to Town
MIAMI LAKES, FL - According to The Miami Herald, Miami Lakes is becoming a college town by partnering with Miami Dade College and bringing a satellite campus to Miami Lakes.
The town is providing classroom space for two and four year degree programs in both current municipal buildings as well as providing a college wing in their new city hall building. Miami Dade College opened in 1960 to about 1,400 students and now serves 160,000 students across
eight campuses.

 

Flint Michigan Continues Discussions with Area Colleges to Make Flint a True "College Town"
FLINT, MI - The Michigan Times continues to report on the ongoing discussions being held with City officials, residents and the business community and college leaders of Flint to consider a transformation of the factory town to a college town. Students of four colleges in Flint are spearheading an effort to create a council of students from the colleges to work at bridging the relationship gap between all the interested parties.

 

University Athletes Motivate Community Kids Through Camps
WATERLOO, ONTARIO CANADA - Athletes from nearby universities help build town & gown relations through their volunteer activities with community children at sports camps. The Record News reports on the Team Up program of the University of Waterloo athletics department visited more than 35 local schools last year with varsity athletes inspiring students in grades three to eight. Recently, at Wilfred Laurier University, the Laurier Lettermen sponsored a sports camp for elementary students. About 200 kids visited the university to play indoor and outdoor games overseen by this volunteer organization of varsity athletes.

 

City of Gainesville Begins 2009 City Government Class
GAINESVILLE, FL - The Gainesville Sun announced that the City of Gainesville is beginning its annual Citizens' Academy. This six-week program offers citizens an education on municipal government operations of the City. Participants will take part in an orientation session then future sessions will look at Parks & Recreation, Leisure Services, Public Works, Police and the technology enterprise center. Participating in the academy offers citizens an added opportunity to serve on city boards and committees.

 

Ithaca College Hires New Assistant Vice President for Community and Government Relations
ITHACA, NY - The Ithacan announced that President Tom Rochon of Ithaca College has appointed Anthony Hopson as assistant vice president for community and government relations at Ithaca College. Hopson will serve on the President's Council and be a liaison for the President.This position will have a focus in developing community, state and federal relationships.