International Town & Gown Association 
College Town Newsletter

February 9, 2017
Welcome to Dateline, a weekly newsletter
highlighting college town news around the world
In This Issue
Professional Development Opportunities at the ITGA Conference in Eugene
The ITGA, by Staff Writers
Conference attendees have the opportunity to earn their Certificate in Town-Gown Relations at this year's ITGA Conference. With over 300 graduates, the training is designed to help stakeholders understand and address complex challenges often encountered in college towns. The Level 1 Certificate program presents a foundation for understanding the issues that strain town-gown relations and provides evidenced-based practices for improving the quality of life in campus communities. The Level II program builds on the content in Level I and is designed for experienced practi-tioners. This year's topic, " Solving Wicked Problems through Design Think-ing and Strategic Doing," is an interactive training and will give participants an opportunity to bridge the gap between the theoretical and practical as it applies to the "wicked problems" that practitioners are often challenged with at the Town Gown interface. To register, click here. Space is limited.
Editorial: Efforts to Attract, Retain Young Talent Much Needed 
Herald Dispatch.com, by Staff Writers
Today, West Virginia is one of the five states with the lowest percentages of people under 18-about 20.5 percent-and a low percentage of people 18-35. So, retaining talented young people is crucial for West Virginia. But so is attracting young talent from other states. A new program-Impact WV-hopes to take a small step toward closing the gap by creating a special internship program with innovative companies in the state. During an announcement in Huntington this week, the effort organized by Generation West Virginia will start with seven students, who will be introduced to job volunteer opportunities around the state. "Impact WV hopes to introduce young talent to West Virginia companies, while also showing young people that  there are a variety of viable, innovative and good-paying jobs here at home," said Natalie Roper, executive director of the nonprofit organization. 
Relations Improving Between Hamden and Quinnipiac University: Mayor
NBC Connecticut, by Justin Schecker
Both Hamden Mayor Curt Leng and Quinnipiac Univer-sity President John Lahey said Friday relations between the town and gown are improving. Lahey presented Mayor Leng with a check for $1.4 million from QU for the town of Hamden for the fiscal year. Lahey credits the relationship he's developed with Mayor Leng for turning the page and working on issues like residents' concerns about rowdy students living off-campus. NBC Connecticut wanted to know how the town plans to use the $1.4 million contribution. "They're going to help our general fund," Leng said. The mayor added some of the money will pay for arts programs, concert series and town fireworks displays. "I hope our financial commitment each year will be able to increase," Lahey said. Hamden will also receive about $3.1 million from the state for a payment in lieu of taxes because of QU's presence in the town.  
The World's Most International Universities 2017
Times Higher Education, by Ellie Bothwell
The institutions with the strongest global connections have a 'cultural disposition' to think beyond borders. These outward-looking characteristics are a core at-tribute of the institutions that feature in a new Times Higher Education ranking of the world's most inter-national universities. The ranking is drawn largely from the "international outlook" pillar of  THE World Univer-sity Rankings 2016-17, which covers international staff, students and co-authors. However, it also includes a measure of universities' international reputations, taken from THE's annual Academic Reputation Survey. A strik-ing feature of the upper reaches of the 150-institution table is the promi-nence of universities from relatively small, export-reliant countries, where English is an official language or is widely spoken. Universities the world over have become more international in recent years. 
Chico Fire Department and CSUC Collaborate to Reduce Arson
Press Release, by John C. Kelso
In 2015, the City of Chico experienced 434 fires over half of which were "intentionally caused fires." The 2015 FBI Crime Data revealed that the City of Chico had the highest per capita Arson rate in the State of California for Cities with a population of  > 1,000. In response, the Fire Department established and trained a 12-person Fire Investigation Team to proactively address the "arson problem." The Department realized that a significant number of the City's Arson fires were in the category that included couches, mattresses, other furniture, and trash. The Department proposed, and the City adopted a new ordinance that banned combustible furniture that is visible from the public right-of-way. The Department collaborated with the North Valley Property Owner's Association, CSU, and other external stakeholders to edu-cate people on this ordinance. Through this cooperation and enforcement, the City experienced a 60.2% reduction in the number of fires in 2016. 
Mayoral Candidates Talk Town-Gown Relations at Northwestern-held Forum
Town-Gown Nation News
The Daily Northwestern, by Nora Shelly
Evanston's five mayoral candidates all agreed Thursday night: maintaining open communication between the city and the University was essential." The candidates shared their view on town-gown relations and other issues at a forum hosted by President Morton Schapiro and other Northwestern officials. They emphasized the importance of taking advantage of what the University has to offer, such as student volunteers and opportunities for the city to benefit from industry experts employed by NU. Before the forum started, Schapiro emphasized the importance of a close working relationship be-tween the mayor and the University. Other candidates agreed businesses should be well-informed of the "unique character" of Evanston before moving, and the city should seek out businesses that would fit well within the community. The mayoral primary election is scheduled for Feb. 28. 
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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. 
To learn more about the ITGA and/or discuss partnership opportunities, contact Beth@itga.org
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