Thanks to the many of you who have already responded to the Call for Proposals for the 2019 ITGA conference, hosted by State College and Penn State University, May 19-22. To see the tracks and submission details, click here, and as a reminder, our deadline is February 1. Early registration rates end the same day. There are numerous town-gown success stories to share and learn from, so please plan on attending. This year's conference will be led by a great lineup of keynoters, to be announced soon, and experienced panelists/presenters who are leading our communities and campuses. Please consider registering you or colleagues for the Certificate Level I or II workshops offered Sunday before the conference begins. Remember to book your hotel by April 18. If you have any questions, contact Beth@itga.org. We'll see you in May!

State Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal and the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control announced that Landmark Americana Tap & Grill in Ewing will have to change its business practices under conditions negotiated in the wake of a fatal motor vehicle crash linked to the bar, which recently opened on the campus of The College of New Jersey. Under a consent order, Landmark Ewing LLC will stop serving alcohol at 11p.m. Thursday through Sunday and 9:15p.m. the rest of the week; cease selling mixed-drink "fishbowls," pitchers and buckets of beer, and other drink specials; draft and submit a security plan that addresses over-consumption, underage drinking and crowd control; and adhere to other conditions curtailing its business activities. APP.com

A long-awaited report examining the extent of hunger on college campuses recommends increasing students' awareness of federal food assistance benefits so that higher ed institutions can better combat the problem. The U.S. Government Accountability Office report, which was released Wednesday, examined 31 studies of food insecurity among students. It also determined through further analysis that about two million at-risk students who were potentially eligible for food aid through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, did not report receiving the benefits in 2016. The report highlights one national study from the Urban Institute last year. Part of the reason for the growing rates of hunger is the increase in low-income students attending college, the report states. Inside Higher Ed

"As biases and barriers diminish, programs that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion continue to grow, professionalize, and gain influence," writes Jeffrey Flier. "In the process, fresh issues arise." Flier writes about the importance of fostering diversity and equity in post-secondary institutions, while criticizing well-intentioned initiatives that he argues can open the door to political influence, encourage censorship, and create confusion and controversy. Flier argues that the sector must review diversity and equity principles and programs, engage in open and honest community dialogue about these initiatives, and ensure alignment with clearly articulated goals in order to avoid stalling the progress of recent decades and undermining the fundamental values of the academy. Chronicle of Higher Education

Even in the 21st century, fire safety and protection is still a critical component of keeping the public safe. Training these first responders is a critical part of the Rowan-Cabarrus Community College mission and the City of Salisbury just made that easier. The Salisbury Fire Department recently donated a fire truck to the College for use in its fire training programs. "I really want to thank the Salisbury Fire Department and the City of Salisbury for their donation. This is a great example of community partnership," said Dr. Carol Spalding, president of Rowan-Cabarrus. "One of the College's biggest challenges is keeping our programs equipped with industry-recognized, state-of-the-art equipment that is used in the workplace. This donation will help us in achieving that goal." Independent Tribune

The Garrett Sands Kindness Project is partnering with United Campus Ministries food pantry coordinator Jeurod Eaton on a campus and community cleanup project. Eaton is recruiting students from Indiana State University to take part in a "town and gown cleanup." The event is a service project commemorating Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Jayna Sullivan, founder of the Garrett Sands Kindness Project, said the project will issue a challenge to community residents to grab a trash bag and fill it that day. This is the latest in a series of cooperative ventures between the Kindness Project and United Campus Ministries. The Garrett Sands Kindness Project is named for Sullivan's son who died March 2, 2018, as a result of a shooting. The project aims to inspire acts of kindness in remembrance of Garrett Sands. Tribune Star