University at Albany
IN-24: Innovation A

The university dedicates the month of April to Public Engagement month. This includes a variety of events focusing on the campus' involvement in the community. Embedded in this are projects focused on social justice, economic equity and environmental stewardship. The month culminates in the annual President's Awards for Exemplary Public Engagement. The multitude of events for spring 2018 can be found at: https://www.albany.edu/publicengagement/85777.php

While these events could also be included in EN-10 Community Partnerships or EN-13 Community Service, the university has chosen to submit this initiative for innovation due to its breadth and length. Examples given in the credits mentioned above are apart from those that occurred during Public Engagement month so as not to double count projects. Additional info on the month included: Press release on last year's winners: https://www.albany.edu/news/86235.php Last year's awardees covered a multitude of challenges including climate change via Justin Minder;s, Assistant Professor, Department of Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences, UAlbany Weather & Climate Camp Inequitable health outcomes by Blanca Ramos, Associate Professor, School of Social Welfare, via the Amsterdam Minority Health Task Force Town/gown relations and student community engagement overseen by Luke A. Rumsey, Assistant Director of Neighborhood Life, Division of Student Affairs through the establishment of a Neighborhood Ambassador programs that, among other duties, distributes sustainability information to students on waste reduction and alternative transportation, to participating in neighborhood clean ups, established a community garage sale prior to move out and collaborating with a local church on a student/community food pantry.