In the article ‘Area colleges discuss off-campus housing,’ published in The Daily Orange on Feb. 23, the reason for area colleges coming together was incorrectly stated. The first meeting of Syracuse University, Le Moyne College, Onondaga Community College and Syracuse Police Department representatives was on Oct. 2, 2009, and was called to discuss issues off-campus students face and to determine how each individual institution handles off-campus behavior.

There was not a particular incident in which SU students were blamed for OCC student behavior that triggered this collaboration. In fact, the Area College Meeting was much overdue and should have occurred years prior. The meetings have proved to be an asset to all involved. The continued collaboration and communication between the colleges and the police department is essential. It is a relationship that is birthed from a mutual interest to promote safety on each campus and to our extended communities and support students’ off-campus living experiences and successes.

Due to the nature of the information shared, the meetings are conducted in private to support free communication and maintain confidentiality when needed. The committee will extend an invitation to a meeting to those who would like to address community concerns or can provide helpful solutions toward maintaining neighborly interaction and high standards of civility in our community.  

Area College Meeting representatives