Most people aren’t expecting good news when the chief of police shows up at the front door. But when new UOPD Chief Matt Carmichael knocked on dozens of doors near campus on Wednesday night, he was just trying to be a good neighbor.

“Welcome to Eugene!” he greeted students as they opened the door to find the UO’s new top cop. He was among a bevy of campus and community volunteers who took part in the Community Welcome, an annual event to help foster neighborhood relationships and to provide information about respectful and safe off-campus living.

“The Eugene community loves the university, and the students come to this university because they love Eugene,” Carmichael said. “This event is all about building good relationships in this community we all want to live in.”

More than 50 volunteers took part in the eighth annual Community Welcome, including UO Provost Scott Coltrane, UO Vice President of Student Life Robin Holmes, Eugene Mayor Kitty Piercy, new UO Dean of Students Kris Winter and ASUO leaders. They trekked across dozens of city blocks to extend a warm welcome to UO students living off-campus and share tips on how to be a good neighbor.

The group also distributed more than 1,000 copies of “Your Neighbors and U,” a pamphlet that includes information on local laws, sustainable transportation options, and tips for responsible partying and living in a residential neighborhood.