City of Boulder and University of Colorado (CU) officials are working together again to ensure this year's back-to-school transition is safe and enjoyable. As part of this effort, Interim City Manager Stephanie Grainger, CU-Boulder Chancellor G.P. "Bud" Peterson, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Julie Wong and Athletic Director Mike Bohn will join other city and university officials and CU students on "walkabouts" in off-campus neighborhoods from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 15, and Monday, Aug. 18. Walkabouts will take place in the neighborhoods that traditionally house the largest concentration of students, including University Hill, Goss Grove and Martin Acres.
The walkabouts are an effort to welcome students back to school, provide information about safe parties (Smart Party guides) and local ordinances, and encourage safe behavior, sensible football fan conduct, and responsible off-campus living.
"As a CU/city community we are committed to walking our talk when it comes to our community's safety and quality of life," said Stephanie Grainger, the city's interim city manager. "That's why the highest ranking staff members of both organizations are joining forces with student leaders to deliver this message in person to students living off campus."
Walkabouts are just one activity in a jointly-supported campaign between the city and CU that focuses attention on the start of the fall semester to educate students, minimize disruptions and collaborate on common community messages.
"I and other CU leaders value the walkabout because of the interaction it affords us with Boulder's student residents," said CU-Boulder Chancellor G.P. "Bud" Peterson. "We want to send a personal message to CU students on the value of being considerate neighbors. I want to challenge all our student residents of Boulder, whether they live on campus or not, to rise to the challenge of being engaged citizens and responsible residents."
A key component of the walkabouts is students. Student leaders from across the campus are paired with CU/city staff and administrators to deliver the Smart Party Guides and talk with their fellow students.
"The students of CU play a key role in creating the community of the surrounding Boulder neighborhoods," said Victoria Garcia, UCSU tri-executive. "It is important that everyone be welcomed back and given the proper information on having a fun, safe and successful school year. By having other students participate in the walkabouts, it only strengthens the sense of community."
For more information, contact Jennifer Korbelik, university liaison, at 303-441-4142 or korbelikj@bouldercolorado.gov.