U of G Program Encourages Students to Be Good Neighbours
September 08, 2010 - News Release
The University of Guelph is launching a one-day event aimed at ensuring that relations between students living off campus and their neighbours start off on the right foot.
In partnership with the City of Guelph, the new Right Foot Forward program will see 120 volunteers venturing out to areas of the city to knock on the doors of students and their neighbours, hand out resources and even offer to introduce them to one another.
Right Food Forward will take place Sept. 11 during the first weekend after the start of classes.
“We want to be proactive and ensure the students and Guelph residents start the year off on a positive note,” said Brad Williams, U of G manager of off-campus living.
The volunteers, who will include University faculty, staff and students, as well as city staff and neighbourhood volunteers, will travel in teams of three or four to hand out to students 2,000 welcome bags containing information about U of G and city resources.
The teams will also hand out a new information pamphlet created by city hall for both students and their neighbours. The pamphlets have information about city bylaws and where people can call if they have complaints, as well as tips for students on how to be a good neighbour.
“The overall aim of the new program is to educate students, especially those living off campus for the first time, on what it means to be a good neighbour and to provide them with information to aid in their success within the community,” said Williams.
In its inaugural year, the program will take place in the Old University area, the adjoining Hanlon Creek and Rickson Ridge areas, and an area east of downtown and north of York Road. Volunteers will meet on campus and travel by bus to the key neighbourhoods. A free barbecue in Branion Plaza will end the day’s activity.
“This program is a fantastic partnership between the City of Guelph and the University,” said Williams. “We hope it will ensure that our students continue to have a positive impact on the community.”
For media questions, contact Communications and Public Affairs: Lori Bona Hunt, 519-824-4120, Ext. 53338, or lhunt@uoguelph.ca, or Deirdre Healey, Ext. 56982 or d.healey@exec.uoguelph.ca.
