On June 14, 2016, the Ogden City Council and Mayor adopted an historic joint resolution endorsing Campus Compact’s Civic Action Statement and pledging support to help Weber State University to develop a locally orchestrated civic action plan.
On June 14, 2016, the Ogden City Council and Mayor adopted an historic joint resolution endorsing Campus Compact’s Civic Action Statement and pledging support to help Weber State University to develop a locally orchestrated civic action plan.
Ogden is the first city in the United States to adopt a resolution endorsing Campus Compact’s Civic Action Statement, a practice that only university officials had previously undertaken. Campus Compact is a national organization that envisions colleges and universities as vital agents and architects of a diverse democracy, committed to educating students for responsible citizenship in ways that both deepen their education and improve the quality of community life.
Council Chair Marcia White recognized the significance of this momentous event. Chair White said, "This endorsement further establishes our partnership with Weber State University. It takes our collaborative efforts to the next level in a proactive way that will ultimately allow us to better civically engage our residents and continue to address the needs of our community as a whole."
City officials’ signatures are just the beginning of what will be a strengthened collaborative effort between Ogden and Weber State. Signing the statement will lead to a civic action plan between Ogden City, WSU, and other area anchor institutions and allies. Following that process, partners will establish common goals. The civic action plan is expected to be published on the Campus Compact’s website in March 2017.
Brenda Kowalewski, WSU associate provost, lauded the ambitious approach to cooperation. “We’re ready for the bigger, bolder co-creating priorities and actually fulfilling those,” she said. “It’s much bigger than a to-do list for us.”
WSU President Charles A. Wight, who signed the Campus Compact’s Civic Action Statement in February, said he welcomes Ogden’s resolution of support. “This resolution further solidifies what is already a close, collaborative relationship between the city and university,” Wight said. “The Mayor's and City Council's affirmation of Campus Compact ideals and commitment to a shared action plan will lead to a better, brighter future for all of northern Utah.
For additional information, please contact Bill Cook, Ogden City Council Executive Director, billcook@ogdencity.com; 801-629-8153.
About the WSU and Ogden College Town Initiative
Weber State University and Ogden City signed a joint charter in 2013 officially creating the College Town Initiative. The initiative promotes shared interactions and enterprise between Weber State and Ogden City, as well as nearby cities and towns. These relationships promote pride and tradition that bind college and town together to enhance the entire community.
The College Town Initiative received the 2015 Larry Abernathy Award, which recognizes strong college town relationships. The award is given at the annual International Town & Gown Association conference.
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