Student government aiming to be good neighbours

The University of Windsor Students’ Alliance is joining with University administration and local agencies in an effort to foster better relations between permanent residents and students living in neighbourhoods surrounding the campus.

The partners are distributing an information pack to students living in the blocks around the main campus. The pack contains:

  • a brochure from the Olde Sandwich Towne Business Association welcoming students to the neighbourhood,
  • a student guide to good citizenship produced by the Campus Community Police Service, and
  • a refrigerator magnet from the City of Windsor explaining the 911 emergency, 311 municipal services, and 211 community referral telephone numbers.

The University administration covered the cost of producing and mailing the information packets. The project grew out of the city’s town and gown committee, which includes residents, students, landlords, and representation from the University and St. Clair College.

“We really need to do more to foster a climate of respect among students who live in the area surrounding the university,” said UWSA president André Capaldi. “We want to emphasize the theme of respecting the community and taking pride in where you live.”

He points to damage and litter, excessive noise, and public drunkenness as legitimate complaints neighbours have lodged against a minority of student lodgers.

“There have been no significant incidents yet this year, but we are trying to take a pro-active approach,” he says. “It’s our obligation to be respectful – we have families living here who have been here for decades.”

Read the brochure At home in the neighbourhood: A student’s guide.

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