Thursday June 8, 2023

Track 4 Keynote Panel: Centering Voices for a Healthy, Just and Inclusive Fort Collins

Abstract: Across the country, DEIJ efforts have accelerated following the pandemic and its raw unveiling of tragic inequities and racism deeply rooted in our systems and institutions. Universities and communities have a plethora of resources available to them, but how can they leverage their knowledge and relationships to help transform where we live, work, study, and play into a welcoming environment that fosters a sense of belonging. Come listen to a panel of campus and community representatives that are working towards these efforts, hear their struggles and triumphs, and be inspired to keep doing the hard work.

Panelists: Summur Roberts, Facilitator, Co-chair Racial Justice and Equity Committee of ITGA; Claudia Menendez, Equity Officer, City of Fort Collins; Duan Ruff, Director of Black/African Cultural Center, Colorado State University; Elijah LeVane, former CSU student 

Track 4 Room-324 Title: Beers, Bikes, Bucks, and Belonging: The Ontario, Canada Approach to Town-Gown Relationships

Abstract: The Town and Gown Association of Ontario (Canada) is the trusted, coordinated voice for 47 post-secondary institutions and their host communities. On behalf of our membership, this session will provide an overview of how beers, bikes, bucks, and belonging have been put into action through new policies and programs offered by institutions, student unions, and local governments. Through storytelling and reflective exercises, participants will learn how our members have been building positive town-gown relationships.

Presenter: Alexander "AJ" Wray, President, Town & Gown Association of Ontario, Canada

Track 4 Room-308 Title: The Role of Police Social Workers in Town/Gown Community Health

Abstract: Learn about The City of Bloomington’s (IN) Police Social Worker (PSW) program designed to better serve community members in mental health crises.  Presenters will discuss how PSWs decrease repeat 911 callers, engage the community (including Indiana University), and increase overall wellness.  Presenters will showcase quantitative and qualitative data throughout the program’s history, including specific case studies with an eye toward enabling participants to initiate similar programs.

Presenter: Melissa Stone, MSW, LCSW, Senior Police Social Worker, City of Bloomington, IN

Track 4 Room-312 Title: Weaving Town/Gown Planning with Indigenous Culture 

Abstract: This session will showcase strategies for actionable physical planning, wellness initiatives, and partnerships that support Indigenous needs and perspectives. Case studies will include University of Alaska Southeast's coastal ocean campuses, University of Alaska Fairbank’s northwest and interior campuses, Northern Arizona University, Arizona State University, University of Minnesota Morris. Examples will cover the evolution of campus planning and programming, local Indigenous participation and support, and attention paid to health and belonging for students and the community.

Presenter: Jaclynn Eckhardt, AIA LEED AP, Principal, DLR Group

Track 4 Room-304 Title: Education Over Adjudication: Utilizing Town/Gown Relationships to Improve Off-campus Student Behavior and Neighborhood Relations

Abstract: Many college students experience expectation setting in the residence halls; however, a mandatory orientation to their town’s expectations when they live independently off campus is not always feasible. A pre and post-citation engagement model has become a high-impact alternative for the CU Boulder campus. This session will cover how CU Boulder and the City of Boulder developed high-touch programs to provide a broad ordinance education and how violations impact their neighborhood.

Presenters: Jeff Morris, Director and Tara Korst, Assistant Director, Off Campus Housing & Neighborhood Relations, University of Colorado Boulder

Track 4 Room-322 Title: Mental Health First Aid on Campus

Abstract: Rutgers University- New Brunswick, a public research University, is committed to addressing the mental health needs of students, faculty and staff. We recognize sometimes first aid isn’t a bandage, CPR, the Heimlich or calling 911. Sometimes when it comes to first aid, we are the first responders and need to know how to respond. This program will discuss how RU implemented “Mental Health First Aid” training for non-clinicians and how in one semester we’ve trained over 400 students, faculty and staff.

Presenters: Kerri Willson, Associate Dean, Off-Campus Living and Community Initiatives and Marlise Corra, Community Policing Officer, Rutgers University

Track 3 Room-302 Title: Thank You for Smoking, Drinking, and Gambling: Developing a Government Affairs Strategy to Revitalize a Critical Commercial Corridor

Abstract: In 2014, five of Milwaukee’s largest anchor institutions came together to revitalize the Near West Side, a neighborhood that had suffered from decades of disinvestment. Today, the neighborhood is experiencing significant revitalization. By leveraging the power of town and gown relationships, local anchor institutions were able to influence public policy to revitalize a critical commercial corridor in the neighborhood; when all levels of government invest and collaborate with local anchors, sustainable change takes place.

Presenters: Rana Altenburg, Associate Vice President for Public Affairs, Marquette University; Lindsey St Arnold Bell, Interim Executive Director, Near West Side Partners

Track 4 Room-324 Title: The Art of Town and Gown Relationships: Our Checklist for Developing a Neighborhood Partnership Coalition

Abstract: Municipalities and higher education institutions should work together to improve local relationships through communication and information exchange to proactively address issues that are of mutual concern. The purpose of this session is to introduce The University of Alabama’s Neighborhood Partnership Committee (NPC), provide historical information on how NPC was formed, and detail how the City of Flagstaff/Northern Arizona University built upon NPC tradition to develop and launch the Neighborhood Partnership Coalition.

Presenters: Valeria Chase, Program Manager for Off-Campus Life and Neighborhood Liaison, Northern Arizona University and the City of Flagstaff; Dr. Nicole Prewitt, Director and Mr. James Renshaw, Program Coordinator,  Programs and Partnerships for Community Engagement, The University of Alabama

Track 4 Room-304 Title: Exploring Collaborative Technology to Enhance University-Community Partnerships

Abstract: This session will share how a technology solution can uplift and empower regional engagement with community needs, ensure helpful data collection of outputs and provide relevant information to regional partners as they address pressing concerns of the community.

Presenters: Tiffanie Braun, Community Sales & Outreach Manager, GivePulse, Inc.; Mary Nally, Director, Center for Campus and Community Engagement, Ohio University

Track 4 Room-308 Title: Institutionalizing Kindness: Community Responders for Equity, Safety, and Service (CRESS), a new Public Safety Department in the Town of Amherst, MA

Abstract: CRESS (Community Responders for Equity, Safety, and Service) is a new town unarmed, person-centered, trauma-informed, antiracist public safety department. Since being operational, CRESS has benefited from the unique town-gown relationship that defines much of life in Amherst. Learn how the town and higher education institutions have partnered on responder training, on and off-campus events (such as harm-reduction teach-ins, housing fairs, Lunch and Learn series, and BIPOC events), academic partnerships, and supporting students in need.

Presenters: Rome Cabrera, CRESS Responder; Katherine Newman, CRESS Implementation Manager; Tim Nelson, Amherst Fire Chief/Emergency Management Director; Gabe Ting, Amherst Police Captain, Town of Amherst, MA

Track 3 Room-302 Title: The College Park City-University Partnership's 25 years in Action and What is on the Horizon! A Story About the Power of Partnership

Abstract: Now in its 25th year, the College Park City-University Partnership is a model community development organization known for the success of its initiatives and collaborations. We recognize that the success of the City and the University are linked. The Partnership has worked in dynamic collaboration to creatively and effectively facilitate cooperative efforts that achieve shared community purposes. Hear our story of success, how we do it, what’s on the horizon in College Park.

Presenters: Susan Hartmann, Executive Director and Valerie Woodall, Associate Executive Director, College Park City-University Partnership; Daniel Cunningham, Executive Director,  Partnership's Community Preservation Trust

Track 1 Room-Sutherland Gardens Title: Livestreamed Panel: Safety and Security in a Nighttime Economy, US and UK Leading Practices.

Abstract: A vibrant, attractive, and safe nighttime economy plays an increasingly important role in many towns and cities across the US and UK. The economic contributions, dynamism, and diversity of communities are bolstered by the offerings and networks that operate after dark. The protection and well-being of young people, and all those engaged in the nighttime economy, are critical to its continued development. During this session, the panel will shine a light on the issue by bringing together a range of passionate and experienced panelists for an illuminating discussion on personal safety, security infrastructure, design, and student guidance through strong and ongoing communication. Participants will be able to ask questions relevant to their own communities and receive support from nighttime safety experts in real-time.

Presenters: Michael Akin, Moderator, LINK Strategic Partners; Justian Maher-Krawiec, Project Lead for Night Time Economy Solutions LTD; Steve Patterson, Mayor, City of Athens, OH; Jevin Hodge, National Engagement Partnership Lead, LINK Strategic Partners

Track 4 Room-322 Title: Educate, Advocate, Innovate - Improving the Off-Campus Living Experience Through Legal Advising

Abstract: Independent living in off-campus neighborhoods requires a student to learn fundamental values and skills which, in turn, help support positive interaction with local government and neighbors. The Legal Advisor to Students position is new and innovative approach that blends legal advice with traditional off-campus housing services in a multi-faceted platform that encompasses non-academic legal education, including critical thinking, interpersonal relations, self-advocacy, and accessing governmental, institutional, and local resources, as well as bringing a student perspective to local rental housing stakeholders, organizations, and regulatory and law enforcement policy making.

Presenter: Bruce W. Sarbaugh, Legal Advisor to Students, Off-Campus Housing & Neighborhood Relations, University of Colorado Boulder

Track 4: Room-Ballroom A Title: Anti-Hazing Program

Abstract: Attendees will participate in an anti-hazing program designed for students to bolster awareness, reporting options, resources, and more. This program has been used for Fraternity & Sorority Life and student leaders at Kent State University, and with a local high school’s coaches, athletes, and band members. The program is flexible and can be applied to various organizations and settings.

Presenter: Todd Kamenash, Associate Dean of Students Conduct and Community Engagement, Kent State University

Track 4 Room-322 Title: HomeFirst: Our Student and Community-Led Approach to Promoting Financial Capability and Housing Stability Among Low- to Moderate-Income Populations

Abstract: Higher education institutions have an important and necessary role to partner as anchor institutions to advance effective best practices that promote financial and housing stability. The University of Alabama has developed and sustained a student and community-led program—HomeFirst to assist low- to moderate-income individuals and families through a service-learning program and training curriculum that provides financial coaching, individualized support, and program referrals.

Presenters: Dr. Nicole Prewitt, Director and Mr. James Renshaw, Program Coordinator, Programs and Partnerships for Community Engagement, The University of Alabama

Track 4 Room-324 Title: Let's Vote Nova: Advocating for Fair Districts and Civic Engagement at Villanova University

Abstract: This presentation will focus on how effective advocacy, local partnerships and student civic engagement improved voting access for students at Villanova University. Attendees will learn about the relationship between an institution and its city or municipality and how building relationships within the community can lead to positive outcomes for all.

Presenter: Hally Ammons, Assistant Director, Government & Community Relations, Villanova University

Track 4 Room-308 Title: Building and Strengthening Community while Creating Mutually Beneficial Relationships with Off Campus Partners to Better Support Students

Abstract: By taking a collaborative approach in managing expectations and working in tandem with Off Campus Partners, James Madison University has successfully enhanced the support and services provided to students living off-campus. With the common goal of best serving students, learn how to effectively work in conjunction with area property Owners and Managers in your community to create mutually beneficial practices and build positive relationships.

Presenters: Jeremy Hawkins, Assistant Director, Off-Campus Life, James Madison University; Brittaney Deighan, Director of University Relations, Off Campus Partners

Track 3 Room-302 Title: Second-Chance Hiring: Providing Empowering Educational Pathways to the Workforce

Abstract: Living with a criminal record is often turbulent and presents a number of unique challenges, a notable example being the many barriers surrounding re-entering the workforce or meaningful educational programs. Join LINK Strategic Partners as they host a panel discussion featuring the Georgetown University’s Pivot Program and the UK’s Skill Mill, two programs dedicated to second-chance hiring, as well as representatives from other organizations, universities, and businesses to discuss the potential of a blended learning environment that combines academia and work experience to provide pathways back into the workforce. 

Presenters: Michael Akin, Moderator, President, LINK Strategic Partners; Pietra Rivoli, Co-Founder of the Pivot Program, Georgetown University, Washington DC; Andy Peadon, Director, Skill MIll, UK; Joe Houstin Jr, Founder, We Fit Nation, LLC 

 Track 4 Room-304 Title: DharmaPlay: Using play to Gamify Community Engagement

Abstract: Naropa University is a Buddhist-inspired private institution located in Boulder, CO. Over the last 18 months, the University’s Marketing and Student Life teams have been working to bring a sense of play and belonging to the campus following the COVID-19 pandemic and with increased online and low-residency enrollment. This interactive session will explore the design process for an specific example of a campus campaign (Dharma Play) as well as how you and your organization can conceptualize placemaking for your communities.

Presenters: Dr. Jeremy Moore, Dean of Students and Monera Mason, Community Catalyst, Naropa University

 Track 4 Room-322 Title: The Students are Not Alright: The Role of Space in Student Wellbeing

Abstract: Students are struggling. In fact, 70% of college presidents say that student wellness is their top concern. Institutions are rethinking how structures, services, and spaces can address the well-being crisis. DLR Group will share their latest research on well-being initiatives on campuses across the U.S. Participants will learn how facilities can play a critical role in student well-being and what actions their communities and institutions can take to stay ahead of the curve.

Presenters: Krista Trofka, National Business Development Leader and Woody Giles, Senior Campus Planner, DLR Group

Track 4 Room-308 TED Style Talk

Abstract: Join this new style of presentation that we're trying out this year! Topics include: City-University Partnership to Address Unmet Student Basic Needs; Students as Stakeholders: Building Civic Engagement and Increasing Your Capacity for Deep, Meaningful Work: Self-Paced Exercises to Reduce Distraction, Working with Email Differently, and Intentional Rest presenters will each have 20 minutes to talk about topics they are passionate about. There will be a lot of content so no time for Q&A.

Presenters: Mike Bartlett, Program Manager, Postsecondary and Workforce Success, National League of Cities;  Jessica Williams, Chair for Community Relations, Senator for the College of Engineering, Texas A&M University; Dr. Lindsay Mason, Director, Off-Campus Life, Colorado State University

 Track 4 Room-312 Title: Moving Beyond the Campus Boundaries to Learning Local

Abstract: Bucknell University has been a consistent partner with the Lewisburg community. Bucknell was instrumental in helping create the Lewisburg Downtown Partnership (LDP), in 1999, who oversees this vibrant downtown business community. This presentation will showcase a timeline of Lewisburg and LDP history and recorded student narratives about their experience in a college town. We will feature a reimagined body of work with the LDP, the Mayor and Bucknell as we move forward.

Presenters: Lynn Pierson, Director of the Office of Civic Engagement and Sarah E. Farbo, Assistant Director Community Based & Engaged Service Learning, Office of Civic Engagement, Bucknell University; Mayor Kendy Alvarez, Borough of Lewisburg, PA

Track 4 Room-304 Title: "Respect the Past, Shape the Future:" Traditions That Influence Culture and Behavior

Abstract: Attend this session and learn how culture and tradition influences conduct, academic success, leadership, campus policies and social norms.

Presenter: Chris Miller, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students and Kryssa Cooper, Assistant Vice President, Division of Student Affairs, Clemson University

Track 1 Room-302 Title: The Blueprint: Establishing a Functional Town and Gown Advisory Board

Abstract: You will receive the blueprint and you will hear all about the innovative, exciting, functional and sustainable ways that Binghamton University has partnered with the Greater Binghamton community to produce a top notch Town and Gown Advisory Board entrenched with community members, businesses, city government, university officials, university students, and community based organizations all working collaboratively to create extraordinary experiences that are mutually beneficial for all parties involved.

Presenter: Dr. Randall M-J Edouard, Vice President of Student Affairs, SUNY Old Westbury

Track 4 Room-324 Title: Building a Network and Utilizing a Community Approach to Best Support Students

Abstract: We all know that building and enhancing relationships across our communities continues to be an integral component to successful town-gown work. Some of us have just begun establishing these relationships and others have been building these networks for years. Context matters, aligning goals matters, and how we do this effectively can look different for each of our communities. Join a panel of experts across our field to learn and share specific tactics to building networks and utilizing a community approach to addressing challenges that have benefited our communities.

Presenters: Bruce Sarbaugh, Moderator, Legal Advisor to Students and Jeff Morris, Director, Off-Campus Housing & Neighborhood Relations, University of Colorado Boulder; Dilnavaz N. Cama, Director, Office of Student Life Willie J. Young, Sr. Off-Campus and Commuter Student Engagement and Rochelle Toth, Community Outreach and Engagement Manager, The Ohio State University; Stevie Jorgensen, Property Manager Liaison, Off-Campus Life, Colorado State University; Jennifer Crowell, Executive Director, Boulder Area Rental Housing Association (BARHA)