University of Oregon students living off campus were personally welcomed back to school and the larger community by university and city of Eugene leaders.

The Good Neighbor Welcome marked a return to the door-to-door off-campus neighborhood outreach effort formerly known as Community Welcome, which took place each September from 2009-17.

The neighborhood outreach included leaders and staff volunteers from across campus, members of the Associated Students of the University of Oregon, permanent Eugene residents, and representatives from the Eugene and UO police departments.

Small groups with a mix of university, student and community representatives fanned out in the West University, South University and Fairmount neighborhoods, knocking on doors and providing information about renter rights and responsibilities, and engaging in conversations about what it means to be a good neighbor and member of the community. 

“We are always conscious of wanting to help our students understand ways they can be good, engaged citizens,” said Kris Winter, the UO’s interim vice president for student life. “This event is one way we can meet students on their home turf and give them information and resources that may be of help to them as they create positive relationships in their neighborhood.”

Part of the college experience is socializing and meeting new people, and the university wants to make sure students know how to do that safely, responsibly and respectfully, Winter said. 

Part of the event’s focus is relationship building, so students get to know university and city leaders as well as law enforcement officials, Winter said.

Fall term at the UO starts Sept. 27.