Media Advisory: UB's "Operation Doorhanger" to Remind Students, Neighbors about Safety

"Doorhanger" kits containing safety reminders and tips on how to be a good neighbor will be distributed to more than 2,700 homes surrounding the University at Buffalo's South Campus from 3-6 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 23.

Organized by UB's Off-Campus Student Services office, and staffed by students, faculty, staff and neighborhood volunteers, it's all part of UB's continuing efforts to encourage community building.

Each year before the start of the academic year, UB distributes to students and other residents of University Heights packets containing safety reminders, suggestions for how to be a good neighbor, information from local governments and utilities, and other useful information.

Best time for media is 5 p.m. at the corner of Main Street and Englewood Avenue, where Dennis Black, UB vice president for university life and services, will be available for interviews.

The kits are bags that will be hung on door handles, and include safety and courtesy tips that encourage students to "get to know your neighbors -- they can be a great asset," and "socialize responsibly."

The bags also contain information about upcoming university events, ideas about what individuals can do to work cooperatively and in invitation to the annual Labor Day weekend picnic on the South Campus.

"We are all responsible for keeping the community safe, clean and vibrant," said Daniel Ryan, PhD, director of Off-Campus Student Services. "Operation Doorhanger is UB's way of saying 'thanks for being a good neighbor' and 'be safe' to our off-campus students and the University Heights neighbors."

To see a video of last year's Operation Doorhanger, go to http://bit.ly/naA83w.

Press arrangements: Dan Ryan, director of Off-Campus Student Relations, at dryan@buffalo.edu or 829-3541, and Dennis Black onsite.