The population of the city of Boulder will grow by thousands of people this month when University of Colorado at Boulder students return for the fall semester. To welcome students back, student leaders and city and university officials are walking the streets of neighborhoods that traditionally house the largest concentration of students, including University Hill and Goss Grove.
The "walkabouts" are an effort to welcome students back to school and provide information about safe parties and local ordinances, as well as to encourage safe behavior, sensible football fan conduct and responsible off-campus living. City Manager Jane Brautigam, CU-Boulder Chancellor Phil DiStefano, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Julie Wong and Athletic Director Mike Bohn will conduct the walkabouts from 3 to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 19, and Wednesday, Aug. 26.
"The city is committed to maximizing the quality of life for all residents," said Brautigam. "We believe walkabouts are a great opportunity to not only make the students feel welcome but help them understand the values of the community that they have chosen to live in."
Walkabouts are part of a city and CU effort at the start of the fall semester to minimize disruptions and collaborate on common community messages.
"As a citizen of Boulder for 35 years who raised my family here, I want to welcome our new students as residents in my hometown," said DiStefano. "I want to personally encourage them to be good neighbors and responsible citizens, and I look forward to meeting them face-to-face in the neighborhoods where they will live and study."
A key component of the walkabouts is student involvement. Student leaders from across the campus are paired with CU and city staff and administrators to deliver the Smart Party Guides and talk with their fellow students.
"Motivating students to take responsibility for the community and for ourselves is vital to the success and growth of a united community identity," said Tom Higginbotham, a University of Colorado Student Union tri-executive. "The information distributed and the volunteers involved make the welcome back walkabouts a great way to encourage positive interactions and respectful choices that contribute to a safe, healthy and happy school year for everyone."
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