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Abstract: Ohio State University’s Party Smart initiative demonstrates how collaboration and creativity can advance harm reduction and student wellness. Through a partnership between Off-Campus and Commuter Student Engagement and the Student Wellness Center, with support from Molson Coors Great Plays Grant Program, Ohio State will highlight collaboration strategies, student learning outcomes and data-informed approaches that support healthier decision-making in today’s campus communities. Presenters: Rachel DeMooy, Off-Campus Residential Experience Manager, and Jacob Glorioso, Off-Campus Specialist, Student Life, Willie J. Young, Sr. Off-Campus and Commuter Student Engagement, The Ohio State University |
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Abstract: In this interactive session, you will take up the dice and embark on a housing quest alongside Carolina. As waitlists climbed into the thousands, Off-Campus Student Life joined forces with Carolina Housing, student leaders, Legal Services, and property managers to forge a comprehensive Off-Campus Orientation Series. With each roll, you will navigate real-world trials and discover how strong alliances, not luck alone, transform housing pressure into preparedness, resilience, and lasting Town and Gown strength. Presenter: Patrick Preudhomme, Program Director, Off-Campus Student Life, University of North Carolina |
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Abstract: Adopting a shared community engagement platform can strengthen university-community partnerships—but only with intentional planning and collaboration. Leaders from Texas A&M University and key community partners, alongside faculty, students, and IT, will share lessons from implementing a campus-wide engagement system. This candid panel explores onboarding realities, stakeholder alignment, pilot strategies, and scaling at a large institution—offering practical insights for communities seeking to build sustainable, technology-enabled partnerships. Presenters: George Luc, Co-Founder and CEO, GivePulse, Inc; Kim Fox, Program Manager, Campus/Community Collaborations, and Charles Carlson, Associate Director, Academic Engagement, Texas A&M University, and Alison Martin Rich, Assistant Director, Texas A&M University IT |
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Abstract: This interactive workshop shares early insights from the State of the Town & Gown Profession research project, the first international benchmark of town–gown roles across universities and local authorities in the UK, US, and Canada. Participants will explore emerging trends, shared challenges, and evolving partnership models and discuss implications for practice, policy, and professional development. The session offers practical takeaways for both municipal and university practitioners ahead of the full report release in summer 2026. Presenter: Amanda Jackson, UKTGA Co-Director/Social Impact Sustainability Manager, University of Leeds |
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Abstract: What is the lifecycle of university-community partnerships with local nonprofit and government actors? How do partnerships get started or develop? This presentation draws on academic findings from organizational communication and intervention research and from experiences leading university-community collaborations over a decade. It presents five key sequences of collaboration: Initiate, Develop, Execute, Adjust, and Leverage, to present the IDEAL framework. For each sequence, key principles for sustainable, rewarding partnerships are presented. Presenters: Christina Ngo, Assistant Vice President of Social Embeddedness, Arizona State University |
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Corps-Track 6: More Than a Building: Using Hospitality, Industry Partnerships, and Education to Drive Community Economic Impact Abstract: Opening in 2028, the Aplin Center at Texas A&M University demonstrates how industry-aligned education and public-facing partnerships can advance regional economic development. Integrating agriculture, business, and hospitality, the Center mirrors the full food and beverage pipeline through experiential learning spaces, labs, event venues, and student-operated enterprises. Backed by Buc-ee’s founder Arch “Beaver” Aplin III ’80, this session examines how campus investments strengthen town–gown ties, workforce development, sustainable architecture, and boost economic impact. Presenters: Kelli G. Hollinger, Director of Visitor Experience | Visitor Experience, Austin Fannin, Director of Strategic Program Development, Office of the Provost, Texas A&M University; Emily R. Winters, AIA, LEED Green Assoc., Higher Education Leader | Principal, DLR Group |
Oak-Track 1: Mocktails, Metrics, and Meaningful Impact: Rethinking Party Smart Programming
Reveille I&II-Track 3: Roll for Partnership Building a Collaborative Off Campus Orientation Strategy
Ross-Track 5: Switching Tracks: Lessons from Launching a Shared Engagement Platform