The 2019 ITGA City & University Relations Conference, hosted by the Borough of State College and Pennsylvania State University, will convene May 19-22 in Happy Valley. The conference draws leaders from around the globe looking for real-life solutions to city-university challenges. Attendees will network with prominent speakers, leading authors and experienced professionals. The Call for Proposals will remain open until February 1st. To see the conference tracks and submission details, click here. The early registration rates will increase February 1st so be sure and take advantage of the discounted rates. Pre-conference professional development opportunities are offered Sunday, May 19, through Certificate Level I and Level II workshops. Be sure to reserve your hotel by April 18th. Click here to register. See you in Happy Valley! ITGA.org

A year-end assessment by the Basic Needs Oversight Committee shows significant progress on the recommendations issued by three task forces to address students' needs in mental health care, food access and security, and affordable housing. Chancellor Gary S. May established the task forces last February. The Student Health and Counseling Services has acted on a number of fronts to improve accessibility to mental health services. The Aggie Compass Basic Needs Center and the ASUCD Pantry have partnered to ensure students are able to get food they need when they need it. The campus is also working to provide emergency housing by keeping some spaces vacant. The proposal also includes covering the cost of hotel vouchers. UC Davis

Lawrenceville City Council approved a $31 million project to expand the downtown arts complex anchored by Aurora Theatre. The project will include a 500-seat theatre, educational space and a small cabaret theatre in addition to office space and room future development in the city's downtown, according to a city release. The expansion will facilitate a partnership with Georgia Gwinnett College's Cinema and Media Arts program and bring more students downtown, part of Lawrenceville's goal to be the "college town of tomorrow," as stated in its 2040 comprehensive plan. The city plans to pay for the entire project up front and have "the city's arts and education partners," including Georgia Gwinnett College and the Aurora Theatre, recoup half of the cost. AJC

As New Jersey inches toward legalizing adult-use weed, a state university has launched a group aimed at helping lawmakers and towns grapple with the implications of marijuana legalization. William Paterson University has established a Cannabis Institute, made up of professors and staff, to provide both scientific and economic information on marijuana, opioids and other drugs. The Cannabis Institute expects to advise lawmakers and local officials on both medical and recreational marijuana, as well as share studies and data on the impact of legal weed. Stockton University launched its medical marijuana program this fall. Rutgers University offers students a course in medical marijuana and will likely expand its offerings if the state legalizes marijuana. NJ.com

Cornell's Office of Community Relations annually sponsors a regional town-gown "drive-in conference. This year the drive-in conference will be Tuesday, March 26, 9:00a.m.-2:00pm, in downtown Ithaca. This year's theme is "Transportation: Shared Community-Campus Wins," and we're seeking presentations tied to this broad topic. The conference features communities and campuses of all sizes, so please send Gary Stewart any ideas, and share with your colleagues. Finally, if interested in attending, please save the date for this event, held free of charge. You will see more specs on registration in early February. To see a summary of last year's event, click here. Cornell University Community Relations

Winter months and the darker nights often require more vigilance in terms of personal safety and home security. In partnership with the Manchester City Council and Greater Manchester Police's Crime Prevention Team, MSH is constantly looking for innovative ways to communicate safety messages. Our Festive Countdown Calendars have both an advisory message and a chocolate behind each door. These include tips on personal safety and home security, signposting to partnership services such as GMP's Live Chat facility and Manchester City Council's Licensing and Out of Hours Team, a service for those being disturbed by noise. There are also reminders about waste responsibilities and opportunities to get involved with the community. Manchester Student Homes