Monday, August 28, 2006

By Adam Wade, marketing and communications intern

Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the UNCW Neighborhood Walk that will take place between 4 and 6 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 31, leaving from parking lot E in front of the Fisher Student Center. The purpose of this event is to work with and educate community members and students who live off campus about being good neighbors and citizens of the City of Wilmington. The event will cover the neighborhoods of College Acres, Dixon Acres and Carleton Place.

Students, faculty, and staff as well as members of the Community Relations Task Force are invited to attend and help to distribute packets which will be handed out in person or left on door handles. The packets include the following items: a letter from the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Patricia Leonard; a Safe Relate bookmark listing the Web address for resources to assist in dealing with abusive or violent relationships; Seahawk Perch information for commuter students; information about how to access the Code of Student Life via the Web; and a flyer outlining the top 10 ways to be a good neighbor.

The vice chancellor's letter calls for students to, "…respect the rights of others. In some locations, there are young families with children. In others, there are senior adults who have lived much of their adult life developing their property with a sense of pride. The actions of some individuals have a significant impact on whole neighborhoods. The actions of a few can have an impact on the reputation of our entire body."

She also asks for each student to, "think consciously about your role as a UNCW student; be proactive in helping create a positive environment in your local neighborhood, and emphasize the values of UNCW and the quality of our student body."

The good neighbor flyer includes such recommendations as be familiar with your neighborhood association's rules and regulations and the City's ordinances, and to keep your dog on a leash when you walk it and be sure to clean up after it.

The neighborhood walk is in its fourth year and is a UNCW effort led by the Office of the Dean of Students with support from the Wilmington-UNCW Community Relations Task Force.

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For more information, contact Jennie McNeilly, 910/962-3119.