One of the most frequently asked questions by local community members about the Oregon State University – Cascades campus in Bend is how the university will communicate about and respond to issues that arise in the surrounding community and support community livability
OSU-Cascades’ recently developed University-Community Partnership Agreement, a guideline for the university-community relationship, will be discussed during a panel conversation on Thursday, October 27. The panel conversation is open to the public.
The UCPA captures many aspects of the university-community intersect, from the university’s role with the City, to how students are encouraged to be good citizens and consequences of negative student behavior, to on- and off-campus housing and landlord programs, to public safety and special event protocol.
It incorporates recommendations developed by the Campus Expansion Advisory Committee and its task forces, and Advisory Groups over a more than three-year public planning process. It also includes best practices implemented by other university-town partnerships, including University of California, Merced; Colorado State University and Northern Arizona University.
“A total of 115 thoughtful recommendations have been put forth by community members,” said Kelly Sparks, associate vice president for finance and strategic planning. “The UCPA is a reflection of 42 community recommendations and I’m proud to say that 92 total recommendations are now incorporated into planning and policy, with the balance awaiting further campus development.”
The UCPA is a working tool for the university and community, and will be regularly updated to reflect the changing nature of the university-town relationship.
Discussion panelists will include staff members of OSU-Cascades, and community members who have contributed to the campus planning efforts. A question and answer session will be included, as well as a public feedback opportunity.
Panel participants include:
- Kelly Sparks, associate vice president for finance and strategic planning, OSU-Cascades
- Jane Reynolds, director of enrollment and student success, OSU-Cascades
- Casey Bergh, transportation manager, OSU-Cascades
- Joe Richie, a member of the OSU-Cascades neighborhood livability task force and community integration advisory board
- Sid Snyder, a member of the neighborhood livability, housing, and sustainability task forces
- Michael Carr, a member of the housing task force
The discussion will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in Tykeson Hall, Rm. 204 on the OSU-Cascades campus, 1500 SW Chandler Avenue in Bend.
About OSU-Cascades: Oregon State University’s campus in Bend, Ore. features outstanding faculty in degree programs that reflect Central Oregon’s vibrant economy and abundant natural resources. Nearly 20 undergraduate majors, 30 minors and options, and four graduate programs include computer science, energy systems engineering, kinesiology, hospitality management, and tourism and outdoor leadership. OSU-Cascades expanded to a four-year university in fall 2015; its new campus opened in fall 2016.
