TU Expands Ambassador Program

Scott Rappaport is not out to nab problem college students. He is not a police officer or a member of campus security.

But the 21-year old Towson University senior has found a way to help cut down on tensions between students and area residents.

Rappaport has been a "community ambassador" for TU since January, a position that the university is expanding this year. The East Brunswick, NJ, native's job is a little like a resident assistant in an on-campus dorm, except he focuses on off-campus students living among Towson residents.

His role is to promote communication and cooperation between students and neighbors, and to advise students on the school's policies and codes on behavior. But he's very clear on what he doesn't do: babysit.

"I make [students] aware of the policy, but I don't go there and say, 'If you're underage you can't drink,'" he said. "I don't say you can't throw parties."

Rappaport informs students on how to avoid trouble, build better relationships with their neighbors and head off trouble with the university.

Towson University has added more community ambassadors to neighboring communities in response to the success of a pilot program. This year, the university will add one more ambassador to Towson Manor Village, one for Cardiff Hall and Donnybrook apartments, and one for Burkleigh Square and the Baltimore city neighborhood of Lake Evesham.

The community ambassadors program helps improve the university's sometimes-tense relations with neighbors. Carol Galladian, director of the university's off-campus student services, could not disclose the program's cost.

Part of the program's challenge is building student trust. For Rappaport, that's made easier through his involvement as a leader in the Interfraternity Council.

He recalled working with students in one house whose yard was routinely filled with empty beer cans and kegs. Rappaport warned them.

"They came to us with problems and for advice," he said. "And when they did get in trouble with the university … we helped them turn around and showed what policies they can go through so they don't draw attention to themselves."

Towson Manor Village Community Association President Thomas Hanson said parts of his neighborhood have become quieter, and that adding another ambassador is appreciated.

"It's one of those programs that does have its merits," Hanson said. "But it's going to take some time."

In addition to the ambassador program, the university provides annual grants to Baltimore County police to finance additional weekend patrols in Burkleigh Square and Towson Manor Village during busy periods like the first week of classes or homecoming.

The Fall Semester grant was $20,000, according to TU spokeswoman Marina Cooper. In an e-mail she said that the added presence "gives students a clear understanding of what is appropriate and what is not and also gives our neighbors some peace of mind."

When residents complain about students, Galladian and one Towson University police officer visits the residence to warn the students against future infractions.

Repeat offenders found guilty can face up to a $500 fine or suspension. According to statistics for last school year, 58 student residences were given warnings–a rise from the previous year–while 54 students at 19 addresses received charges for Off-Campus Disorderly Behavior, which marked a drop.

Galladian said she hopes the expanded programs, including the community ambassadors, will help send those statistics down further.

"With a little bit more time, I think it can grow and I think we can get more students into it," she said.