Clarion University is developing a “Good Neighbor Program” designed to promote positive community relations between students living off-campus and the community.
The community service program is A joint project of Clarion University Judicial and Mediation Services, Office of Campus Life, and Student Senate.
The initial discussion for this community service program involved Matt Shaffer, coordinator of judicial and residential education; Jimmy McGee, coordinator of health promotions; Glen Reid, director of public safety; and Sgt. Frank Wolbert, Pennsylvania State Police. Heather Puhalla, president of Student Senate, and Shawn Hoke, interim director of Campus Life, were added to the committee.
“There are problems between students and residents in the South 5th St. area of Clarion and we want to do something about that problem,” said Puhalla. “We are planning to go door to door and provide ideas about how to be a good neighbor. A Student Senate representative will also be attending Clarion Borough Council meetings.”
“Good Neighbor Program is an outreach to let the community know Clarion University cares about the residents of the community,” said Shaffer. “Clarion’s students become part of the community when they are here.”
Shaffer said South 5th Street would be the initial focus of the program, but that they intend to contact student residents on Frampton St., Eagle Park, Campus Habitat, and possibly Reinhard Village.
“Information is the best way to approach these issues,” said Hoke. “Clarion University can’t police students when they are off campus. However, if they are in violation of Clarion University policy they can be brought before the University Conduct Board.”
The Good Neighbor Program expects to contact off-campus students before Autumn Leaf Festival Week, which begins Sept. 28. They plan to follow-up in 2010 with a second project providing U.S. Census information to off campus students emphasizing the importance of filling out the forms.
Anyone seeking additional information should contact Matt Shaffer at mshaffer@clarion.edu, or Shawn Hoke at shoke@clairon.edu.
