where innovation is tradition relax in fairfax: new student bbq and other town/gown initiatives city...
TRANSCRIPT
Where Innovation Is Tradition
Relax in Fairfax: New Student BBQand other Town/Gown Initiatives
City of Fairfax, VA
George Mason University
Where Innovation Is Tradition
The Event
An annual event, hosted in the City of Fairfax, in conjunction with George Mason University’s Good Neighbor Program, to introduce new and off-campus students to their greater community, while reminding them to be good neighbors.
Where Innovation Is Tradition
Where Innovation Is Tradition
Activities Include:
• Meet and Greet with local elected officials, police and fire personnel, and surrounding neighbors
Where Innovation Is Tradition
Activities Include:
• Catered lunch
Where Innovation Is Tradition
Activities Include:
• Karaoke Band
Where Innovation Is Tradition
Activities Include:
• Lawn Games
Where Innovation Is Tradition
Activities Include:
• Leadership challenge between City Council and Mason Student Government
Where Innovation Is Tradition
Background/Implementation
• Idea generated by Associate Director, Off-Campus Student Programs & Services in 2012
• Collaborated with:– Office of Community and Local Government
Relations– City of Fairfax Mayor, Council and Staff– Student Government
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Budget• University
– Catering: $1290; Karaoke Band: $1000; Events Production (tables & A/V Rental): $560; Student Wage Staffing: $200; Marketing Materials (11x17 posters): $150
• City of Fairfax:– CUE Bus: $80– In-Kind Services/Donations (i.e. space): Free
• TOTAL: $3280 – 350 people attended = Under $10/pp
Where Innovation Is Tradition
What Worked/Changes for Future:
• What Worked– CUE bus to transport students from campus to City
Hall– Karaoke Band, addition of lawn games– Leadership Challenge Cup
• Next Year– Drop “New Student” – Open to all– Taste of Fairfax Preview with City-wide event over
Labor Day Weekend (draw students back to City)– AND….
Where Innovation Is Tradition
Student Government wins the challenge!
Where Innovation Is Tradition
The Good Neighbor Program:
The Office of Community and Local Government Relations, in collaboration with our neighboring jurisdictions, has developed a multi-pronged program to strengthen the university’s relationship with our surrounding communities, as well as to help educate our off-campus student population on how to be good neighbors in the communities in which they live.
Where Innovation Is Tradition
Good Neighbor Initiatives:
–Arlington and Fairfax Campus Advisory Boards
–Mason/Community Forum– iContact email notification system–Student Education Materials – Cards, Magnets,
Coasters–Off-Campus Student Welcome Tables–Relax in Fairfax BBQ
Where Innovation Is Tradition
Additional City/University Collaborations:
–City Council Special Session on Campus
Where Innovation Is Tradition
Additional City/University Collaborations:
–CUE Bus - free bus rides for students (subsidized by the University)
Where Innovation Is Tradition
Additional City/University Collaborations:
–Welcome Banners/Signs
Where Innovation Is Tradition
Additional City/University Collaborations:
–“We Are Mason” Road Decals
Where Innovation Is Tradition
Additional City/University Collaborations:
–Joint City/University Fire Department Logos
Where Innovation Is Tradition
Contacts:
CITY OF FAIRFAX
Scott Silverthorne, Mayor
GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY
Traci Claar, Director for Community and Local Government Relations