2008 Woodie Awards
Office of Off-Campus Affairs still in 'exploratory stages'
Drew T. Dorner
Issue date: 4/13/07 Section: Campus
After nearly one school year of operation, the Office of Off-Campus Affairs at Miami University remains in a largely
developmental stage.
Created fall 2006, coordinator of off-campus affairs, Bobbe Burke said that the idea for the Office of Off-Campus Affairs evolved out of other organizations in Oxford, such as city council's Student Community Relations Committee.
"All of these things have added into an effort on how the university can play a role (off campus)," Burke said. "I think it was the natural outgrowth that an office be created."
According to Burke, the office is geared toward relationships between Oxford residents and Miami students, as well as assisting students as they move out of residence halls and into the local community.
"We're still in our exploratory stages," Burke said. "I have to do an assessment over the summer to see what the office did this year and what we need to do next year."
Despite its novelty, the office has taken part in several programs designed to foster student-community relations, including the Honors and Scholars Advisory Board's Make-A-Difference Day, Panhellenic Association's yearly Spring Clean, and the annual Walk-About - a day during which Oxford residents meet and greet students living in off-campus housing.
On a daily basis, Burke said that her office is responsible for moderating issues between students and landlords, giving out information for off-campus students, and increasing connections between students and community members.
"One of the major things I've been focusing on this year is building stronger relationships," Burke said. "Part of this job is working so the necessary partnering is there so we can get information to students."
Currently, Burke is the only staff member in the office besides one graduate student, although she admitted that they are preparing to hire a secretary.
Burke added her office is in the process of designing a Web site for off-campus students, as well as brochures and pamphlets, all with the purpose of informing students about issues, which may arise during their off-campus years.
developmental stage.
Created fall 2006, coordinator of off-campus affairs, Bobbe Burke said that the idea for the Office of Off-Campus Affairs evolved out of other organizations in Oxford, such as city council's Student Community Relations Committee.
"All of these things have added into an effort on how the university can play a role (off campus)," Burke said. "I think it was the natural outgrowth that an office be created."
According to Burke, the office is geared toward relationships between Oxford residents and Miami students, as well as assisting students as they move out of residence halls and into the local community.
"We're still in our exploratory stages," Burke said. "I have to do an assessment over the summer to see what the office did this year and what we need to do next year."
Despite its novelty, the office has taken part in several programs designed to foster student-community relations, including the Honors and Scholars Advisory Board's Make-A-Difference Day, Panhellenic Association's yearly Spring Clean, and the annual Walk-About - a day during which Oxford residents meet and greet students living in off-campus housing.
On a daily basis, Burke said that her office is responsible for moderating issues between students and landlords, giving out information for off-campus students, and increasing connections between students and community members.
"One of the major things I've been focusing on this year is building stronger relationships," Burke said. "Part of this job is working so the necessary partnering is there so we can get information to students."
Currently, Burke is the only staff member in the office besides one graduate student, although she admitted that they are preparing to hire a secretary.
Burke added her office is in the process of designing a Web site for off-campus students, as well as brochures and pamphlets, all with the purpose of informing students about issues, which may arise during their off-campus years.
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