Oregon State University
IN-25: Innovation B

The city and OSU worked from 2012-14 on the Collaboration Corvallis project, which developed dozens of recommendations on livability, parking and traffic and neighborhood planning. The Collaboration has concluded, and resulted in two ongoing programs to increase the positive relationship between the university and surrounding community, as well as educate OSU students on how to be good neighbors, sensitive to the diverse needs of the community. The livability work has continued with the Community Relations Advisory Group (CRAG), a city-OSU-community group, co-chaired by a university staffer and a city councilor. The university has also created the office Corvallis Community Relations. CRAG's focus: a) consider community livability issues and opportunities in the nearby campus neighborhoods and, by working with city, university, community businesses and non-profit organizations, will recommend strategies to improve and sustain livability; b) establish measures of livability and monitor the progress of work undertaken to implement neighborhood livability policies; and c) routinely inform the Human Services Committee of progress related to achieving these recommendations, as well as the broad activities of the city and the university related to improved community relations. https://www.corvallisoregon.gov/bc-crag Corvallis Community Relations focus: Corvallis Community Relations enhances neighborhood livability and inspires a shared responsibility for creating a healthy, inclusive OSU-Corvallis community. Our office educates students about university policies and local ordinances, strengthens neighborhood relations through effective communication and collaboration with community-university stakeholders, and promotes a sense of belonging and a commitment to civic responsibility and social awareness that fosters student achievement, health and wellness, and overall happiness for everyone living in our neighborhood. http://studentlife.oregonstate.edu/ccr/about-us Additionally, OSU added staff in student conduct, Greek Life, student health, public safety and in its on-campus Oregon State Police operation. New, stricter behavioral guidelines are in place for students and Greek organizations. The university also has issued a grant of $1.2 million to the city to pay for three new Corvallis Police Department livability officers, bringing that force to five officers plus its commander. OSU has increased spending in these areas by $4 million since 2013. From Corvallis Police Chief Jon Sassaman: “I don’t know if OSU gets enough credit for what they have done,” Sassaman said. “It’s unprecedented in Oregon. No other university in the state has done that.” http://www.gazettetimes.com/news/local/positive-trends-in-corvallis-livability/article_96642c37-756e-56fa-966a-588c4bbac10c.html

While the Collaboration Corvallis initiative has been submitted a STARS innovation before, the two programs featured in this innovation submission - and the measurable outcomes they have achieved - have not previously been submitted.