Statement from the University at Buffalo regarding the University at Heights Collaborative meeting

“The university is very aware that residents of University Heights are very concerned about quality of life issues in the Heights, particularly those issues involving loud and disruptive behavior.   Over the past five years, UB -- working with the City of Buffalo and the community -- has implemented several initiatives to improve quality of life in the Heights.

"Together, we have developed programs to address student behavior, promote safety, reduce crime, improve rental properties, assist businesses and stabilize the neighborhood’s housing stock. We believe these joint efforts have had a positive effect on the neighborhood. 

"The university welcomes continued discussion on how UB, the city and community leaders can work together to pursue new solutions and strengthen existing efforts to improve quality of life in the Heights. UB representatives will be attending tonight’s meeting of the University Heights Collaborative as observers and will schedule a meeting with group’s leadership before the end of week to review ideas generated tonight."

Background FAQ:

What is the university doing about disruptive behavior from students?

The university is very interested in the behavior of all students, whether on- or off-campus.  Each year, we provide students with an orientation on how to be good neighbors and respect the rights of community members.  When students violate UB policies regarding off-campus conduct, the university has a formal process of review and adjudication that could lead to disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion. 

Students who violate a local ordinance, or any law, risk the legal penalties prescribed by civil authorities and should be held accountable. 

The vast majority of UB’s 28,000 students are good community citizens who have a very positive impact on life in Buffalo.  

"UB students spend more than $200 million annually off-campus on housing, food, books, transportation and other items.   They volunteer throughout the region on many projects ranging from community clean-ups to helping to care for the elderly to providing free tax preparation services."

Why does the university bus students to the South Campus?

UB has been transporting students between its North and South campuses for three decades.   Many of these students rely on the busses for transportation to and from jobs or for travel to and from the library, which is open 24 hours a day.  

There is an active UB police presence at the bus stops to monitor the behavior of students who use the bus for transportation to parties and bars.  

After students go into the community, the university and Buffalo Police have a memorandum of understanding that allows university police to assist the BPD on calls to incidents in the Heights Neighborhood."  

Additional information about UB’s efforts in the Heights and around the South Campus is available here:

http://www.buffalo.edu/news/media-kit/campus-issues/safety-in-the-heights.html