Friday June 7, 2024

Track 2: Room-Grand Ballroom Title: Mental Health & Belonging 

Abstract: Join us for a captivating panel discussion where we explore the dynamic relationship between mental health and belonging in our communities. Titled "Mental Health & Belonging - this insightful panel will explain how prioritizing these essential aspects enhances community engagement and success.  Our esteemed panelists, representing diverse backgrounds and expertise, will share their knowledge, strategies, and triumphs, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities fostering a sense of belonging and supporting mental well-being.  Emphasizing the crucial role of partnerships, they will showcase how collaborative efforts pave the way for thriving communities.  

Presenters: Moderator: Tiffany Turner-Allen, Executive Director, Nonprofit Prince George's County, Maryland; Presenters: Geoffrey Colbert, Dean of Student Success & Engagement, Prince George's Community College; Vicky Lopez, Lead Clinician, Latin American Youth Center, UMD Alum; John Rigg, Councilmember, City of College Park; Dr. Warren Kelley, Senior Associate Vice President, UMD Student Affairs

Track 1: Room 1107-Atrium Title: Telling Your Success Story: Mastering Social Media, Engagement, and Partnerships for the Public Good

Abstract: Discover how to effectively tell the story of your successes by leveraging social media, grassroots engagement, and traditional media. This presentation will provide all partners invested in successful town/gown engagement -- cities, universities, and community organizations with practical strategies from real-life examples to enhance visibility, foster partnerships, and raise awareness of their achievements. 

Presenters: Jevin D. Hodge, Director of Partnerships, Poppy Humphrey, Director of Standards and Accountabilities, Sheryl Newman, Director of Engagement, LINK Strategic Partners 

Track 1: Room 2203-Carroll Title: Community Violations Workshop: A Partnership for Addressing Off-Campus Student Behavior

Abstract: A showcase of an educational workshop developed by Colorado State University and the City of Fort Collins. The workshop is co-facilitated by CSU’s Student Resolution Center and Off-Campus Life with workshop content provided by Fort Collins Police Services and is geared toward individuals who have been cited for violations including criminal mischief, trespass, disposing of bodily waste, disorderly conduct, obstruction, and assault. The presentation includes real police videos and discussion of community impact. Attendees will see the workshop demonstrated and gain tools for implementing similar programs on their campuses.

Presenters: Aileen Weed, Associate Director of Student Conduct Services, and Justin Schwendeman-Curtis, Assistant Director for Off-Campus Life, Colorado State University

Track 1: Room 1238-Nanticoke Title: Closing Racial Equity Gaps: A Framework for Urban Research and City Governance

Abstract: This presentation will provide an example of how universities can work with local government on collaborative solutions to address socio-economic inequities in urban areas. Examples will be presented on how the Georgia Institute of Technology and the City of Atlanta Mayor’s office developed a mutually beneficial partnership to support community resilience and sustainability; leverage private and philanthropic investment for research and programming; provide policy analysis and recommendations; and increase non-profit capacity.

Presenter: Chris Burke, Executive Director of Community Relations, Georgia Institute of Technology

Track 1: Room 2208-Jimenez Title: Collaborative Social Service Provision: When Universities, Cities, and Foundations Collaborate on Guaranteed Income

Abstract: Guaranteed Income is a great project for universities and municipalities to work together towards social service provision. In some places, guaranteed income programs are facing legislative challenges. One of the ways universities can assist municipalities is by providing private dollars, which have fewer requirements and can help protect public aid benefits. Guaranteed Income is mutually beneficial for all organizations—it helps rebuild trust and puts participants’ finances in their own control.

Presenters: Daniel Biss, Evanston Mayor; Dave Davis, Senior Executive Director, Neighborhood and Community Relations, Northwestern University

Track 2: Room 2212-Banneker Title: Civic Engagement: Sustaining Presidential Election Year Momentum in 2024 and Beyond

Abstract: College students and communities often face unique challenges regarding the voting process, but this also represents opportunities for innovative collaboration. Institutionalizing effective programs and partnerships with universities, colleges, and community colleges are essential for success. This panel brings together national and local leaders from the government, academic, and non-profit sectors to discuss their experiences and lessons learned for what makes effective and sustainable partnerships for college communities for the 2024elections and beyond.

Presenters: Benjamin Hovland, Commissioner, U.S. Election Assistance Commission; Abby Kiesa, Deputy Director, Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE), Tufts University; Naomi Cohen, Coordinator for Social Action and Democratic Engagement, University of Maryland; and Kathryn Quintin, Deputy Director, Fair Elections Center’s Campus Vote Project

Track 3: Room 2108-Pyon Su Title: Partnerships to Advance Health: Successful Strategies from the Field

Abstract: Partnerships between communities and universities are essential for advancing community health. In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the College of Nursing at Marquette University, Milwaukee Academy of Science (K4-12th grade), and Near West Side Partners have developed a community engaged partnership to address the health-related needs of the community. Using presentation and discussion methods, this session will highlight two demonstration projects that were successfully implemented by the partnership. We will also share lessons learned throughout the process.

Presenters: Abiola Keller, Associate Professor, Kristin Haglund, Professor, Kameela Jackson, Clinical Instructor and Community Health Nursing Coordinator, College of Nursing, Marquette University; Lindsey St. Arnold Bell, Executive Director, and Savanah Brooks, Safety and Community Outreach, Near West Side Partners

Track 1: Room 2203-Carroll Title: University - City - Community Partnership: A Scenario Planning Approach to Restorative Justice in Lakeland

Abstract: Focusing on three primary themes – housing and land use, community infrastructure, and climate change – the  2023 Community Planning Studio course, in partnershipwith the University of Maryland, the City of College Park, and residents of Lakeland, created a project outlining strategies to support restorative justice in the community. This session will discuss how these strategies can shape the future for residents of Lakeland.

Presenters: Bi'Anncha Andrews, Teaching Assistant and Doctoral Candidate, and Clara E Irazábal Zurita, Arch., Lead Instructor, University of Maryland 

Track 1: Room 2212-Banneker Title: Fab Food Collabs (Building Effective Collaborations for Food Security)

Abstract: A Food Hub acts as a key connector in communities, which collects, organizes, and distributes food. This session will outline the intentional collaboration between Union-Snyder Community Action Agency (CAA)’s FoodHub and Bucknell University to address food insecurity in a tri-county area of Central Pennsylvania. We will discuss both the day-to-day collaboration and the long-term envisioning that may aid you in working toward the goals of your specific community.

Presenters: Irene Hu, Food Programs Engagement Coordinator, Theresa Dollar, Food Access Coordinator, Rachel Herman, Food Security Manager, Bucknell University & Union Snyder CAA Food Hub

Track 2: Room 1107-Atrium Title: Let's Vote Nova: Advocating for Fair Districts and Increasing Civic Engagement at Villanova University

Abstract: This presentation outlines the succesful advocacy of University staff and students to ensure fair muncipal districts to enfranchise Villanova voters. A student led-civic engagement campaign, Let's Vote Nova, has been highly successful in educating students on their civic responsibility and increasing voter turnout. This presentation details how working with on-campus partners as well as municipal leaders at the Township and County level ensure success for student voters.

Presenters: Hally Ammons, Assistant Director for Government & Community Relations, and Caroline Levine, MPA Candidate, Graduate Assistant and former Student Body President, Villanova University

Track 3: Room 2208-Jimenez Art in the Right of Way (AROW): Enhancing Road Safety & Building Community

Abstract: Hear how a collaboration between upwards of 40 University of Maryland, College Park (UMD) students, professors, and administrators from different disciplines - including art, creative placemaking, public safety, transportation, residential life, landscape architecture, student government, music, and dance - planned and executed the first Art in the Right of Way (AROW) demonstration project to enhance traffic safetyand a sense of belonging on campus. Discuss how best practices from the US and abroad can inspire our next steps.

Presenters: Aysha Cohen, Sustainable Transportation Coordinator, Emily Cosci, Assistant Director for Marketing and Communications, Marta Woldu, Assistant Director for Sustainability, University of Maryland