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An art professor’s journey through Italy has inspired a unique creative challenge at Ohio Northern University. In the Visual Literacy classroom, students are dreaming up their own 21st century “utopia,” using five historic Italian towns as a launchpad for their own visions.

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The partnership will support an increased police presence in the area known as “The Square” during high-activity periods. This partnership is what smart public safety collaboration looks like,” said San Marcos Police Chief Stan Standridge.

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Member Spotlight and News

As a member of the ITGA, you are part of a growing network of campus and community members from across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. ITGA is the only professional association that brings together town and gown leaders to address topics of mutual interest, share promising practices and address the most pressing issues facing campus communities today.

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Track 1: Fabulous Flops-232A HUB-Robeson Center
{popup text="Abstract" class="btn" popwidth="500px" popheight="300px"} Track 1: Fabulous Flops-232A HUB-Robeson Center Abstract
We all know that even the most successful of initiatives have its challenges. Have you ever been interested in getting the 4-1-1 on these fabulous flops? In this session, The Ohio State University will tell the story of the journey of the Community Ambassador Program, and how it has changed over the years, experiencing many flops, to ultimately meet the needs of today’s student. Attendees will not only learn the strategies utilized to support this student led initiative, but also how The Ohio State University has adjusted the program over the years and what it hopes to do in the future.

Population: Columbus – 879,170; Ohio State University – 68,000{/popup}
Trial and Error: The Community Ambassador Program for Today’s Student: Presenters: Dilnavaz Cama, Department Manager for Student Life's Off-Campus and Commuter Student Services; Rachel DeMooy, Program Manager for Student Life’s Off-Campus and Commuter Student Services, The Ohio State University  
 Track 4: Dissecting the Impacts of Alcohol And Other Drugs In Our Communities-232B HUB-Robeson Center
{popup text="Abstract" class="btn" popwidth="500px" popheight="300px"} Track 4: Dissecting the Impacts of Alcohol And Other Drugs In Our Communities-232B HUB-Robeson Center Abstract
For the past 8 years, La Salle has worked hard with the help of PLCB grants to reduce underage and dangerous drinking by educating students about alcohol safety. Through evaluation and successful initiatives, La Salle is able to pull various departments and the community together to create a flourishing environment for their off campus students. This presentation will cover specific initiatives, best practices, discussions, and evaluation successes.{/popup}
Educating and Engaging: Developing Responsible Off Campus Students: Presenters: TiRease Holmes, Executive Director of Residence Life & Community Engagement; Maria Temples, Commuter and Off Campus Student Services Coordinator, La Salle University
 *Track 5: Elevating Social Justice and Civility to Enhance Our Environments-233A HUB-Robeson Center
{popup text="Abstract" class="btn" popwidth="500px" popheight="300px"} *Track 5: Elevating Social Justice and Civility to Enhance Our Environments-233A HUB-Robeson Center Abstract
Democratizing knowledge requires shifting long-held, systemics perception that information flows one-directionally from universities to communities. Authentic relationships take time. Cornell ILR Buffalo Co-Lab and community-based-think-tank, Partnership for the Public Good collaboratively integrate scholarly and practical understanding through actionable research, internships, workshops, curriculum development, and policy. They create spaces for collective and authentic knowledge sharing, advancing an equitable economy and democratic community to strengthen civic action in Greater Buffalo.

Population: Buffalo – 258,612; Cornell University – 23,263 {/popup}
Democratizing Knowledge for the Public Good with a Community-Based Think Tank: Presenters: Andrea Ó Súilleabháin,  Executive Director at Partnership for the Public Good (PPG); Kristin Szczepaniec, Collaboration & Research Specialist for Cornell ILR Buffalo Co-Lab/PPG’s Buffalo Commons
 *Track 6: Enhancing Quality of Life in Our Towns Through Sustainable Planning and Efforts-233B HUB-Robeson Center
{popup text="Abstract" class="btn" popwidth="500px" popheight="300px"} *Track 6: Enhancing Quality of Life in Our Towns Through Sustainable Planning and Efforts-233B HUB-Robeson Center Abstract
In rural Hays, Kansas, university students have not only designed but also BUILT a beautiful 46’ x 86’ open-air pavilion in our Downtown. Thanks to persistence and strong partnerships we have a popular gathering place for our community. Students provide opportunity, excitement, and innovation to our city. Their desire to be connected can be utilized in amazing ways. Join us to hear how one small idea has brought an entire community together and turned a vision into a reality.

Population: Hays – 21,000; Hays State University – 15,500{/popup}
Bringing Vision to Reality - A Building Collaboration: Presenter: Sara Bloom, Executive Director of Downtown Hays Development Corporation, Hays, Kansas
*Track 6: Enhancing Quality of Life in Our Towns Through Sustainable Planning and Efforts-134 HUB-Robeson Center
{popup text="Abstract" class="btn" popwidth="500px" popheight="300px"} *Track 6: Enhancing Quality of Life in Our Towns Through Sustainable Planning and Efforts-134 HUB-Robeson Center Abstract
This session addresses why universities are reimagining their campus edges and identifies the economic, fiscal, and social sustainable aspects that underpin efforts. Michigan State University Crescent Road Redevelopment, a 140-acre site on MSU’s Central Campus, is being repositioned as a mixed-use neighborhood. Components include a Life Plan Community, market-rate housing, athletics and recreation, and partnership research. The audience will gain an understanding of the community relations that set the context. Finally, it identifies the role of planning and design and presents next steps.

Population: East Lansing – 48,884; Michigan State University – 50,351{/popup}
Planning for a Sustainable Future: Creating a Neighborhood that will serve Alums, Students, and the Community: Presenters: Janet Lillie, Assistant Vice President for Community Relations; Erin Carter, Project Manager, Auxiliary Enterprises, Michigan State University; Andrew Broderick, Senior Associate, Perkins+Will
 *Track 6: Enhancing Quality of Life in Our Towns Through Sustainable Planning and Efforts-Flex Theater
{popup text="Abstract" class="btn" popwidth="500px" popheight="300px"} *Track 6: Enhancing Quality of Life in Our Towns Through Sustainable Planning and Efforts-Flex Theater Abstract
Off-campus and commuter students are a rapidly growing part of many communities, however dedicated research on their specific needs and barriers to their persistence are only now beginning to emerge. This session will present case studies from two different institutions in an effort to share lessons and inspire considerations of how collaborative planning between universities and cities can create synergy for supporting these vast off-campus and commuter student populations.

Population: Boulder – 107,125; University of Colorado – 33,246 Pullman – 33,354; Western Washington University – 15,574{/popup}
Supporting and Advocating for the diverse and unique needs of off-campus and commuter studentsPresenters: Julia Burns, Program Director, Off Campus Living Western Washington University; Jeremy Moore, Assistant Director, Off-Campus Housing & Neighborhood Relations, University of Colorado Boulder