International Town & Gown Association™
September 21, 2017
Welcome to Dateline, a weekly newsletter highlighting college town news from around the world.
Dining Top Draw for Students in Downtown Scranton
Area college students would like to see other and more varied dining options in downtown Scranton, although the restaurants already there have an undeniable appeal, a new survey found. Dining is the top reason students from the University of Scranton and other Lackawanna County campuses venture into the downtown, school representatives said Wednesday in releasing the results of the 2017 Downtown Scranton student spending survey. The downtown is a consistent draw for dining, Julie Schumacher Cohen, University of Scranton director of community and government relations, said during the presentation. The Times Tribune .
Being Good Neighbors
Community colleges traditionally have provided a combination of liberal arts education, and/or career training, depending on a students goals and outlook. But increasingly, two-year colleges are adding a third leg to their stools aimed at building more socially aware citizens through civic engagement programs that combine elements of community service and getting involved in the democratic process with classroom reflection that distills and solidifies the lessons learned. Colleges cite similar reasons why they consider civic engagement programs important. Community College Daily .
Town, Gown Join Hands in WSGA
Founded in 2013 by former College of the Holy Cross student Neema Hakim, the WSGA stands to serve all colleges in the Higher Education Consortium of Central Massachusetts and works with the city of Worcester and other businesses and organizations on different projects related to students. The first such endeavor is a big networking event with Action Worcester, bringing business professionals together with college students from all Worcester-area campuses. Another research project looks at how students rate Worcester, what they want in Worcester and how likely they are to stay after graduation. Telegram.com .
As Legalization Spreads, Marijuana Use Rises Among College Students
The use of marijuana by college students is increasing, and its use is increasing at a faster pace in those states where recreational marijuana use is legal. David Kerr, Ph.D., a professor in the School of Psychological Science at Oregon State University, reported on the findings from seven universities, one large public Oregon University, where recreational use is legal, and six universities in states where recreational marijuana use was illegal. The study surveyed 10,924 undergraduate students in the years 2012 to 2016. Soon, two states with high enrollment of students in public and private universities are going to be faced with the same problem. Multibriefs: Exclusive .
Wilmington, UD, Del. State Propose 'Unprecedented Pact'
The city of Wilmington and Delaware's two leading universities have agreed to forge what officials are calling an "unprecedented pact" to work together on projects that benefit the schools and the city's residents and businesses. The city announced its proposed public partnership with the University of Delaware and Delaware State University Wednesday. The deal, should it come to fruition, would give students and faculty new opportunities to participate in applied and practical research. Mayor Mike Purzycki said there will be an unspecified cost to city taxpayers for some of the collaborative efforts. News Works .
Town Gown Advisory Board to Meet for First Time in October
Binghamton University's Town-Gown Advisory Board hopes to further bridge the gap between campus and the community, starting at their first meeting on Oct. 3. The Board will bring together members of the University and local communities to address issues that affect both parties and provide recommendations on possible action. Randall Edouard, co-chair of the board and the assistant vice president for student affairs, said the committee will have approximately 30 members and focus on issues including safety, transportation, community engagement, student housing and underage drinking. Pipe Dream .
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ITGA News and Announcements
SAVE THE DATE
Mark your calendars for the 2018 ITGA Conference, hosted by The Ohio State University and the City of Columbus, May 29-June 1. More conference information will be available soon.
Welcome New and Renewing Members
Binghamton University & City of Binghamton
Coker College & City of Hartsville
Hobart & William Smith
Syracuse University