 5 Questions With...
Carol Galladian
Off-Campus Student Services Coordinator
Office of Student Activities
As the Off-Campus Student Services Coordinator, what is your role in working with students who live off-campus?
In my role, I strive to educate students on Towson University's policies and expectations for off-campus behavior. More specifically, the Off-Campus Student Services (OCSS) hosts a series of presentations (to Greek Life and Athletes) about these expectations, as well as a series of workshops to better educate students as they make the decision to move off-campus. It is our goal to better the relationships between off-campus Towson students and their neighbors in the surrounding communities.
What programs and services do you offer Off-Campus students and local communities?
We offer several programs, here are the highlights:
The Commuter Ambassador (CA) program is currently implemented in two residential areas and two apartment communities. The program is designed to implement new approaches to building community relationships in the neighborhoods and assist students with their transition in living off campus through a peer led education program. Community Living presentations are completed in the beginning of the fall semester. Presentations are made to all athletic and Greek organizations about off-campus living policies and expectations. A new initiative, the Off-Campus Civility Campaign is being designed by the Community Ambassadors and a Towson community representative. The campaign will focus on better educating students about civility issues in the surrounding community, i.e. parking, trash, and social gatherings. Representatives from various apartment complexes and businesses in the Towson area are invited to the Off-Campus Living Fair to provide information to students. We also host workshops on What to Know about Moving Off-Campus, designed to better educate students about moving into residential communities, understanding Baltimore County and City codes, lease terminology, and community expectations. Additionally, myself and a TU police officer conduct Off-Campus Friendly House Visits as required by the Office of Student Conduct. Community Managers from apartments in the surrounding area are invited on campus every semester to discuss student behaviors, initiatives, best practices and challenges in the community. Various University officials, including the Associate Vice-President of Student Affairs, attend the meeting and address concerns. Click here for more information on these and other initiatives by OCSS.
How does TU keep students who live off-campus accountable for their behavior?
We keep students accountable through our policy on Off-Campus Disorderly and Disruptive Behavior. The first offense is a freindly visit with an officer and myself, OCSS Coordinator where we inform the student residents of policy, university expectations and ensure that they are aware of community and county code requirements. The second offense is a $250 sanction per student account, and the third offense is a $500 sanction per student account that is issued through the Office of Student Conduct and Civility Education.
What resources are available for those interested in your work and TU's Community Relations?
People can access the Off-Campus Student Services link and the Community Relations link via the Towson Univesity homepage and using the search box. The Off-Campus Student Services Board (located in the UU) is a resource as well as the Community Ambassador. We also provide Community Ambassador Newsletters, OCSS Literature ranging from the Guide to Off-Campus Living, to Roommate Connections, to Living in the Community.
Why do you think Towson University has seen improvement in relations among students and local community residents in recent years?
Towson University is constantly looking at national best practices for new ideas and approaches that would work in our setting. We continue to create Town and Gown programs and campaigns to strengthen our relationships with the surrounding communities. Our communications has improved through monthly meetings, websites, and emails directly to community associations. The University continues to work with county government agencies and community leaders. Lastly, visibility! The presence of Community Ambassadors and OCSS personnel along with TU PD, show students the University cares about these relationships, and makes the students more mindful about their behavior, as they know a high standard has been set.
Towson University 2016
 Creating Community Relations Solutions Together
With the 2016 goal to further enhance collaboration with our neighbors, for the fourth consecutive year, Towson University co-chairs the Greater Towson Council of Community Association University Relations Subcommittee, which meets monthly to promote good relationships between the University and its surrounding communities. The group, composed of neighborhood representatives, university administrators, local police and government representatives, as well as the Towson Chamber of Commerce, shares information and develops solutions to the problems facing the Towson community. TU's Community Ambassador program is an example of one of the university's community relations initiatives. The program consists of a student community ambassador who works with the students living in the neighborhood, helping them understand expectations for living well in the community. Community ambassadors talk with student residents about neighbors' expectations and community concerns like noise, trash, and party behavior. Ambassadors also plan fun events for students and neighbors.
2016 Plan | Guiding Principles
New in the News
Read up on the latest higher education issues that have appeared in the news recently:
 Legislative Bills and Hearing Information
March 16
HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS at 1 pm
SUBCOMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - Room 145, Budget Decision Meeting
SUBCOMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND HUMAN RESOURCES - Room 150, Budget Decision Meeting
SUBCOMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY AND ADMINISTRATION - Room 120, Budget Decision Meeting at 3:00 P.M
HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS at 3 pm
SUBCOMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION AND THE ENVIRONMENT - Room 120, Budget Decision Meeting
HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS at 5 pm
SUBCOMMITTEE ON CAPITAL BUDGET - Room 120, Budget Decisions Meeting - PAYGO
HOUSE WAYS AND MEANS at 1 pm
HB 390 Higher Education - Senatorial and Delegate Scholarships - Eligibility Requirements
HB 400 Higher Ed - Eligibility for Student Financial Assistance - Requirement of Lawful Presence
HB 401 Public Institutions of Higher Education - Tuition - Undocumented Aliens
HB 655 Citizen's Tuition Protection Act
HB 932 Building Opportunities for All Students and Teachers (BOAST) in Maryland Tax Credit
March 17, SENATE BUDGET AND TAXATION at 1:15 pm
SB 725 Tuition Cap and College Opportunity Act of 2011
March 18
SENATE BUDGET AND TAXATION at 8 am
SUBCOMMITTEE ON CAPITAL BUDGET - 3 West, Miller
* CAP Higher Education Capital Overview
* CAP UMCP Physical Sciences Complex
* CAP BSU Campuswide Site Improvements
* CAP BSU New Fine and Performing Arts Building
* CAP UMES New Engineering and Aviation Sciences Building
* CAP FSU New Center for Communications and Information
* CAP UB New Law School Building
* CAP UMBC New Performing Arts and Humanities Facility
* Cap USMO Capital Facility Renewal
HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS at 1 pm
FULL COMMITTEE - Subcommittee Report to Full Committee - Budget Decisions
For more bill information, please click here.
| 
