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Community Relations

Every year the majority of UConn students who live off-campus are good tenants, neighbors and community members. For these students, semesters come and go without incident or complaint from their neighbors. However, there are always a small number of student rentals that stands out because of their or their guest’s behavior.

UConn students living off-campus have the opportunity to live more independently with increased rights and responsibilities as a student, tenant and community member. For many students this is their first time living in an independent environment within a residential community. Students’ understanding of their rights and responsibilities in this regard may be a foreign concept. However, students must remember that they are no longer living in housing provided exclusively for students, but rather a diverse community that consists of a wide variety of residents. The neighborhoods are home to families, young professionals, retired couples and other types of neighbors. UConn students need to keep these neighbors and their rights in mind while they are living off-campus. While attending UConn, students are representing the University and have the responsibility to ensure to conduct themselves and their guests in a manner consistent with The Student Code.

Although, the Office of Off-Campus Student Services works to educate students regarding responsible community living, we encourage early dialogue between students and their neighbors to cultivate mutual respect and prevent misunderstandings. If you have attempted to communicate your concerns to your student neighbors with no success please contact the appropriate Town of Mansfield office to report your concern. The Town offices will communicate the information to OCSS and we will work with you, Town staff and the student(s) to solve the problem. If you reside outside the Town of Mansfield, please contact this office and make us aware of your concern.

Contact Information

House Conditions/Litter
Mansfield Building & Housing Inspections
860.487.4440

Zoning Violations
Mansfield Zoning Agent
860.429.3341

Noise/Parking/Criminal Activity
Police (Town & Resident Troopers) from 7am-Midnight
860.429.6024

Troop C Barracks from Midnight-7am
800.318.7633 or 860.896.3200

Emergency (Fire, Police & Medical)
911

Other Issues
Mansfield Town Manager
860.429.3336

The following protocol has been established to address off-campus behavior issues:

Protocol to Address Off-Campus Behavioral Concerns

 
Good Neighbor Tips

Here are some tips to help you be a good neighbor:

Meet Your Neighbors!
When a new neighbor moves into the neighborhood make an effort to introduce yourself to them. You could also exchange phone numbers; this could be especially useful if there is an emergency.

Know Your Neighbors!
Are your neighbors a family with young children, a retired elderly couple or someone who gets up for work early in the morning? If you know this information, you will have a better chance of knowing their community expectations.

Help Your Neighbors!
A neighbor can help by letting you borrow an item, collecting your mail while you are away or calling the police if there is suspicious activity.

Respect Your Neighbors!
Consider how your lifestyle may be having a positive or negative impact on your community. Are you taking steps that will help you fit into your neighborhood and establish a positive relationship with your neighbors? Or are you creating an environment which is putting you at odds with your neighbors? Some behavior is regulated by the law or town ordinance, but some behavior is unacceptable by unwritten community standards. You may not always agree with your neighbor, but try to respect the reasonable community expectations that have been established in the neighborhood. If a neighbor asks you to adjust you behavior due to it bothering them, give their request some serious consideration. You may be able to compromise.

Communicate With Your Neighbors!
Keep the lines of communication open. If there is a concern, it could be addressed early to avoid any long term tension. If you are having a party, let your neighbor know and ask them to call you if there are any concerns. Be sure to address the concerns or they may call the police first the next time.

Get Involved

If you are interested in working on community issues, the Mansfield Community-Campus Partnership (MCCP) is a collaborative, ongoing partnership between Mansfield residents, students and the University of Connecticut to improve the quality of life for all members of the community. Learn how to get involved by visiting the MCCP website at www.mccp.uconn.edu