The relationship between Binghamton University students and the neighboring residents of the city of Binghamton has long been a strained one, and a forum held last Thursday for students, faculty and community members laid out a plan that may help to repair it. The forum, held in the Broome County Public Library, introduced a plan that was implemented by Portland State University and the Portland, Ore., community, and which forum organizers hope will have similar results in Binghamton.
Four prominent figures from the Portland and PSU community discussed the success they had in their own community and the idea of strengthening the ties between Binghamton University and the Greater Binghamton area. In their plan, PSU and the city of Portland pooled resources and man hours in an effort to revitalize the area.
It is believed the same concept can be used here in Binghamton because of the similarities the two areas share. Both BU and PSU are located in extremely close proximity to their respective cities, which are both experiencing economic decline.
PSU students were the major contributors in building community ties as student volunteerism took the lead in the initiative.
‘Students at Portland State University are responsible for over 300 community-based projects every year and as of 2004, about $20 million worth of work has been put into the community per year,’ said Craig Shinn, the associate professor of public administration at PSU.
Shinn stressed, however, that the Binghamton community will not be the only one benefiting from the plan.
He said that the relationship will be ‘a two-way street,’ as community members in Portland offered to teach classes in subjects they may be particularly knowledgeable in.
The idea of contributing to the school was met with positive support by the audience made up of mostly local residents, as one man enthusiastically pointed out that, unlike Portland, Binghamton has a wealth of technological knowledge due to its old IBM days, which could prove invaluable if put to use in the campus’ facilities.
While the plan was well-received by community residents, students may not be too pleased with aspects of the initiative that could have some undergraduates fulfilling a community service requirement in order to graduate.
Students can take solace in the fact that faculty members are also expected to pull their weight in the project, as Shinn claimed that over 50 percent of Portland State University’s faculty is involved with the community.
At the close of the presentation Shinn emphasized the fact that the project is not expected to reap immediate benefits. It will take time to set up an effective system and it will take a lot of effort ‘ both by the community and the school ‘ to be successful. He assured the audience, however, that all involved are very serious about the endeavor and that they are committed to starting and continuing a relationship that will hopefully benefit all.