To help reduce the number of students who get in trou-ble for throwing loud parties or leaving red Solo cups strewn about their lawns, the University of Colorado has developed an online training module with tips for living off campus. CU students living at Four Star Reality pro-perties on University Hill and in the Goss Grove neigh-borhood were required to complete the module before property managers handed over their keys this year. Though only Four Star so far has required tenants to complete the module, CU is hoping to partner with other Boulder landlords and property managers so that eventually, all students who move off-campus are exposed to the course's content. The module provides students with information on Boulder laws related to noise, fireworks, nuisance parties, couches, lawn maintenance, fire safety, trash and others. Students also get ticket-free party tips and learn about CU re-sources available to them, including the party registration program.

The Globe and Mail, Paul Waldie

The Unites States has a drug czar, Canada has an auto czar, and now London is looking for someone to be Britain's first night czar. According to a job posting by the London mayor's office on Wednesday, the night czar "will champion the value of London's night time culture whilst developing and diversifying London's night time economy." He or she will also "create a vision  for London as [a] 24-hour city and a roadmap showing how the vision will be realized." The move is part of a growing effort in London and other European cities to expand their economies and clean up the more unsavory aspects of nightlife. London estimates the city's late-night economy is worth 26.3-billion annually and employs 723,000 people. Paris, Zurich, Toulouse and Berlin are among several European cities that have appointed night mayors to crack down on antisocial behaviour, tighten security and improve relations between residents and clubs, bars and restaurants. 

Pittsburg State University, by Staff Writers

A drive that began three years ago ended successfully on Thursday, Aug. 25, as 22 leaders from Pittsburg State University and the City of Pittsburg came together for the first meeting of the Joint City University Advisory Board (JCUAB). The advisory board is charged with ensuring and encouraging open communication and collaboration between the university and city. The idea for an advisory board originated in 2013 and is based upon a similar agree-ment between Clemson University and the City of Clemson. "Clemson is the standard-bearer for successful town and gown relations," said PSU Director of Government and Community Relations and JCUAB Chair Shawn Nacca-rato. "In speaking with them, we discovered our town and gown relation-ships were very similar to theirs with the exception of an advisory board. The advisory board helps ensure collaboration even through changes of leadership. It's exciting to see it finally come to fruition."

Lacy Hoening wasn't expecting the mayor and university president to come knocking on her front door. Hoening said she welcomed to her front porch BGSU President Mary Ellen Mazey, Mayor Dick Edwards and Vice Presi-dent of Student Affairs and Vice Provost Thomas Gibson. "We just want everyone to be on their good be-havior," Mazey told Hoening. The door to door visits by the mayor, university president and vice provost were not just to welcome new students. They were to establish some expectations, especially for those students living on East Wooster Street, the front door to the city. They tried the next house, but no one answered. The front yard was littered with alcohol bottles and beer bongs. Gibson shared an idea that a "preferred housing list" be complied, similar to those created by other universities. The list could be a "productive review" by renters, and would let students and their families know which homes to avoid.    

Western University officials are trying to quell a rau-cous homecoming tradition that has been brewing for several years in Broughdale Avenue, a residential street near campus. Last September, upwards of 10,000 people crowded the street for a homecoming party. This year, in an effort to nix what they view as a disaster waiting to strike, university administrators have moved homecoming to late October, where they hope mid-term stress and colder weather will discourage students from attending. Student partying in near-campus neighbourhoods has played out in much the same way across Canada, especially in older established areas. According to Michael Fox, a geography professor at Sackville's Mount Allison University and ITGA board member, many universities and communities have been coordinating their efforts over the past few years to develop closer relations. 

College Rank, a website dedicated to evaluating and ranking college programs and experiences, has released a list of the Top 50 College Towns. The list can be view-ed here. What makes a great college town? The educational experiences that you are exposed to, the career opportunities you can take advantage of post-academic life, sports and student life on campus are all significant factors but what about all of the other aspects of a vibrant col-lege town? Music, festivals, food, art and a compelling educated community are things that make a college town feel like home. Tradition, values, fun and family, are aspects of great communities. Add the energy from local college campuses and you have the ingredients for an amazing college town. Accomplished writer Kare Meyer Robinson had researched and evaluated hundreds of college towns all over the US in creating this list.  

A growing and impressive group of professionals from campus communities across the globe continue to network and share strategies for improving town and gown relations. Join us on Twitter and LinkedIn.  

The ITGA strengthens town and gown partnerships by providing a network of professionals and resources, identifying and sharing leading practices, innovative solutions and professional development opportunities for municipal and university communities.