Carolina North Controversy
Carolina North is a massive development that is in the works for UNC. The satellite campus will potentially be 900 acres and is causing a great deal of dispute between Chapel Hill and the university. UNC has its own Carolina North Committee while the town has the Horace WIlliams Citizens Committee. A former mayor of Chapel Hill, Kenneth Broun, was recently appointed to be the chairman of a new "leadership advisory committee for UNC. The town wants more say and the school wants their campus.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Towards a Vision of a Vibrant Urban Campus Integrated with the Surrounding Neighborhood
Urban Campus and Local Neighborhoods
Harvard just announced plans of new construction over the next 30 years that will be nearly 10 million square feet. Harvard had purchased numerous buildings which sat vacant for years. Finally the plan for the new urban campus is beginning and the expansion of the town is in fact accepted by the townspeople. The town and the school are working together to develop "a vibrant urban campus that integrates with the surrounding neighborhood and the creation of new housing, new jobs, and a variety of new attractions (stores, museums, parks, etc.) that will make the campus and community more liveable and interesting."
Harvard just announced plans of new construction over the next 30 years that will be nearly 10 million square feet. Harvard had purchased numerous buildings which sat vacant for years. Finally the plan for the new urban campus is beginning and the expansion of the town is in fact accepted by the townspeople. The town and the school are working together to develop "a vibrant urban campus that integrates with the surrounding neighborhood and the creation of new housing, new jobs, and a variety of new attractions (stores, museums, parks, etc.) that will make the campus and community more liveable and interesting."
Sunday, November 29, 2009
CSU students give back to their community
CSU serve Fort Collins Community
2000 students, 200 projects
April is national volunteer month and CSU used it as a perfect opportunity to serve its local community. It began with the idea of getting students out, in and around Fort Collins. More than 2000 students were involved this past April with over 200 project sites. The event was held from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on the April 18. The projects ranged from social service and medical organizations, to city, county and state agencies and local neighbors.
2000 students, 200 projects
April is national volunteer month and CSU used it as a perfect opportunity to serve its local community. It began with the idea of getting students out, in and around Fort Collins. More than 2000 students were involved this past April with over 200 project sites. The event was held from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on the April 18. The projects ranged from social service and medical organizations, to city, county and state agencies and local neighbors.
Fort Collins City welcomes students of Colorado State
Colorado State University Welcome
As the new school year begins the community of Fort Collins wants to welcome back students but also remind them of their duty as members of the community. CSU students and long-time residents of Fort Collins are teaming up to visit local neighborhoods and student housing to remind students to respect city ordinances. They are also cooperating on developing a bike safety course from the local police to educate students on safe cycling.
As the new school year begins the community of Fort Collins wants to welcome back students but also remind them of their duty as members of the community. CSU students and long-time residents of Fort Collins are teaming up to visit local neighborhoods and student housing to remind students to respect city ordinances. They are also cooperating on developing a bike safety course from the local police to educate students on safe cycling.
University of Iowa and Iowa City join to decrease high-risk drinking among students
Drinking limitations
High-risk drinking is becoming a great issue among students in the University of Iowa. UNiversity leaders are increasing alcohol training and are providing alcohol safety courses for all incoming freshmen. The Iowa City mayor and city councilors are also doing their part to reduce the supply of alcohol. They have even changed zoning laws to limit the number of alcohol outlets downtown.
High-risk drinking is becoming a great issue among students in the University of Iowa. UNiversity leaders are increasing alcohol training and are providing alcohol safety courses for all incoming freshmen. The Iowa City mayor and city councilors are also doing their part to reduce the supply of alcohol. They have even changed zoning laws to limit the number of alcohol outlets downtown.
Student housing causes issues with city
student housing woes
Noisy parties, vandalism, and property damage are just a few of the complaints associated with the off-campus housing boom in Oshawa, Ontario. When the university experienced a massive increase in growth so did off-campus housing. The issue is that the local people who live in the city pay a great deal of property taxes and do not want to deal with the constant disruptions. Oshawa council is trying to find ways to fix this issue.
Noisy parties, vandalism, and property damage are just a few of the complaints associated with the off-campus housing boom in Oshawa, Ontario. When the university experienced a massive increase in growth so did off-campus housing. The issue is that the local people who live in the city pay a great deal of property taxes and do not want to deal with the constant disruptions. Oshawa council is trying to find ways to fix this issue.
UTA and Arlington strive for a unified relationship
UTA and Arlington
UTA and Arlington have had a distinctly separate relationship for many years. Currently leaders are joining forces to blur that line and implement a master plan known as "College Town, UTA". Creating a college town it is the university that has the most influence over the development, expansion, and design. UTA is one of Arlington's largest employers and has extensive economic impact. If the university and the city can work together the college town will be extremely influential.
UTA and Arlington have had a distinctly separate relationship for many years. Currently leaders are joining forces to blur that line and implement a master plan known as "College Town, UTA". Creating a college town it is the university that has the most influence over the development, expansion, and design. UTA is one of Arlington's largest employers and has extensive economic impact. If the university and the city can work together the college town will be extremely influential.
UMD students help city achieve a new from of energy
UMD for clean energy
College Park residents have viewed the university's students as a group that does not care about the city. Yet surprisingly the students are the ones who developing new, innovative ideas for environmental policies. Students take active roles in the community they are involved in and are encouraging green and environmentally beneficial alternatives to the way the city is run.
College Park residents have viewed the university's students as a group that does not care about the city. Yet surprisingly the students are the ones who developing new, innovative ideas for environmental policies. Students take active roles in the community they are involved in and are encouraging green and environmentally beneficial alternatives to the way the city is run.
Yale's New Haven
Yale's community
Yale is working closely with the city of New Haven to bring new growth and development to the vibrant city. The focus is on economic development, new housing, developing a vital downtown, and supporting good public education for the children of the city.
Yale is working closely with the city of New Haven to bring new growth and development to the vibrant city. The focus is on economic development, new housing, developing a vital downtown, and supporting good public education for the children of the city.
town and gown united for improvement
Both the university and local officials of Chapel Hill unite to develop much needed bike lanes, sidewalks, and turn lanes that have been in the making since 1998. Yet this has not come without struggle, the university "reluctantly" agreed to the improvements.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Fraternity and Sorority contributions
I think that if town and gown issues are discussed in any length, fraternity and sorority involvement must also be examined. A major part of each greek society, at least at the University of Georgia, is philanthropy contributions. Philanthropies are a very important part of the greek society and many pride themselves on how much they give back to the society through their fundraisers and philanthropic contributions. Organizations such as ugaMiracle and Heros are run primarily by Greek societies and raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for these causes. ugaMiracle is the philanthropy for Phi Mu, a sorority at the University of Georgia, and has expanded to become a campus wide organization to benefit Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.
Each sorority and fraternity has its own philanthropy they sponsor and donate generously through out the year to their specific cause. 23 percent of the students at UGA are members of a greek society. The Greek Society even has a Greek Life office at the university to handle all greek issues, events, and encourage positive influence from its members.
Even though in many cases the greek society strives to be positive influences within the campus and community, they also are known for hazing, excessive drinking, and parties that often have very negative impacts on the community.
Despite the negative sides to the greek societies, philanthropically speaking, they do help contribute a great deal of money and support to good causes.
Each sorority and fraternity has its own philanthropy they sponsor and donate generously through out the year to their specific cause. 23 percent of the students at UGA are members of a greek society. The Greek Society even has a Greek Life office at the university to handle all greek issues, events, and encourage positive influence from its members.
Even though in many cases the greek society strives to be positive influences within the campus and community, they also are known for hazing, excessive drinking, and parties that often have very negative impacts on the community.
Despite the negative sides to the greek societies, philanthropically speaking, they do help contribute a great deal of money and support to good causes.
New Treatment Plant in 2012
New Treatment Plant for University of Georgia
Here is an article I found relating to the post I published earlier on the smells of College Station and East Campus. Apparently the smells have gathered a wide range of attention and the plan is to end the smells by Feb. 12 of 2012. $175 million worth of sewer upgrades are being done across the Athens area to double capacity and better the water quality for the Athens area. UNfortunately locals must suffer the smells until then.
Here is an article I found relating to the post I published earlier on the smells of College Station and East Campus. Apparently the smells have gathered a wide range of attention and the plan is to end the smells by Feb. 12 of 2012. $175 million worth of sewer upgrades are being done across the Athens area to double capacity and better the water quality for the Athens area. UNfortunately locals must suffer the smells until then.
Reducing Occupancy limit in PA
Reducing Occupancy limit in PA
Apparently the University of Georgia is not the only college that is lowering the occupancy limit in local single-family homes.
Apparently the University of Georgia is not the only college that is lowering the occupancy limit in local single-family homes.
Universities Are Essential to Recovery
Universities Are Essential to Recovery
As the recession continues to effect most of American's Universities prove to be an important factor for recovery. Universities help local businesses to grow, put money back into the economy, and provide needed research for the society.
As said by C. D. Mote, Jr.- President, University of Maryland,
Universities: "Prepare students to compete for quality jobs; deliver economic development far beyond campus; position states to compete for the jobs, businesses, and partnerships recovery will bring."
As the recession continues to effect most of American's Universities prove to be an important factor for recovery. Universities help local businesses to grow, put money back into the economy, and provide needed research for the society.
As said by C. D. Mote, Jr.- President, University of Maryland,
Universities: "Prepare students to compete for quality jobs; deliver economic development far beyond campus; position states to compete for the jobs, businesses, and partnerships recovery will bring."
Smells of East Campus
If anyone has driven on College Station Road or been on the loop around Athens Perimeter they have noticed the outrageous smells seeping through the closed windows of the moving car. It seems that construction is at a halt because the smell has been around for months effecting all who drive, or walk, through the contaminated area. The problem is not the University's but the city's, however, students are the main ones who suffer as the smells consumes the East Campus area.
When will the smells stop and how is the University responding to the prolonged sewage plant problem?
Town and Gown improvement
Best Practices-Town and Gown Association
Amazingly the Clemson Joint City-University Advisory Board, (JCUAB) officially formed a non-profit corporation, the International Town & Gown Association.
This association is to improve relations between universities and city members and give aid to city council members, university board members, and local officials to encourage local residents and students to better the community and each other.
Amazingly the Clemson Joint City-University Advisory Board, (JCUAB) officially formed a non-profit corporation, the International Town & Gown Association.
This association is to improve relations between universities and city members and give aid to city council members, university board members, and local officials to encourage local residents and students to better the community and each other.
UNC wants to expand...is this the end of an airport?
Carolina North
UNC is looking to develop "Carolina North", an 8 million square foot research campus located near the Horace Williams Airport. There is serious discussion on the new campus because the airport is currently still working.
UNC is looking to develop "Carolina North", an 8 million square foot research campus located near the Horace Williams Airport. There is serious discussion on the new campus because the airport is currently still working.
Chapel Hill-Bill Storm resigns
Chapel Hill-UNC
Town and Gown issues are found in every college town, some relationships are beneficial some negative. In the case of Chapel Hill Town Councilmember Bill Storm, the hard work he has contributed to "public transportation, affordable housing, and UNC growth" will be missed.
Town and Gown issues are found in every college town, some relationships are beneficial some negative. In the case of Chapel Hill Town Councilmember Bill Storm, the hard work he has contributed to "public transportation, affordable housing, and UNC growth" will be missed.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Where is UGA on this list?
Clearly the town-gown issue is a common phenomenon throughout the nation but certain colleges and universities are taking large steps to better the community relationships. The link below displays the top 25 colleges and universities that are doing the most to improve relations amongst the university and the town. In the cases here there is not a struggle for power between the town and college or attempts to get the most real estate from the town simply to better the university. These schools recognized a need to connect with their community and were rewarded for their success. Unfortunately UGA is not on this list but if UGA uses these schools as an example, the town-gown issues in Athens will greatly improve.
Nation's Top 25 "Best Neighbor" Colleges and Universities
Nation's Top 25 "Best Neighbor" Colleges and Universities
Town and Gown across the nation
Town and Gown issues are not limited to the confines of Athens-Clarke County and the University of Georgia. Many other college towns have noticed the divide between the college and the locals and are seeking ways to bridge the wide gap. The University of Pennsylvania is even offering incentives for employees to live in the local town and is trying to contract local business for university jobs to spur growth and mutual success.
Penn and Drexel show the way on town-gown issues
Penn and Drexel show the way on town-gown issues
Conflicting lives
Amazingly Athens-Clarke County is one of the poorest county's in the nation, according to the Athens Banner Herald report. The U.S. Census Bureau stated that 28.7 percent of Clarke County residents lived in poverty in 2007. This means that Clarke is the poorest county in Georgia and is tied for fourth-highest poverty rate among mid-sized counties nationwide. Athens Banner Herald: Clarke Poverty Rate gives a detailed account of the poverty facts and the state of the Athens community.
It is amazing how the University of Georgia is teaching thousands of students to strive for better lives and to work hard to be successful everyday when all around the university are people who struggle to make the monthly bills. Why is this issue not being addressed more often? And if it is, then why is there not more said about this issue? Is the high poverty rate at all related to the university's existence within the town of Athens?
Another link to visit to see the drastic poverty issue within Athens is: Athens Poverty Rate.
It is amazing how the University of Georgia is teaching thousands of students to strive for better lives and to work hard to be successful everyday when all around the university are people who struggle to make the monthly bills. Why is this issue not being addressed more often? And if it is, then why is there not more said about this issue? Is the high poverty rate at all related to the university's existence within the town of Athens?
Another link to visit to see the drastic poverty issue within Athens is: Athens Poverty Rate.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Ordinance leads to evictions for several students - News
Ordinance leads to evictions for several students - News
Property disputes between Athens and the University of Georgia heighten as students get evicted from their homes off-campus homes.
Multiple students were evicted from their homes based on the ordinance that states that it is illegal for two or more people from different families living in the same house.
Interestingly the evicted students claim they did not have loud parties at their houses or disrupt the area. The issue came when locals from the town complained to the city and asked for the students to be evicted.
One of the students, Koon, stated: "I don't think the law is just," he said. "It's very discriminatory, towards college students especially."
This brings up another issue: is this truly discrimination against the school. What are the grounds for this ordinance? And why is there such a division between the citizens of Athens-Clarke County and the students of the university?
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