Manchester Student Homes, in partnership with Queen’s University Belfast, hosts its biggest and best UKTGA Conference yet! Welcoming colleagues from across the UK and the United States, the United Kingdom Town Gown Association held its third Conference at Riddel Hall, Queen’s University Belfast on Monday 19th - Tuesday 20th November 2018. When Town met Gown
From Gown to Town
For the first time in the UK, Town and Gown officers had the chance to attain the Level 1 Certificate in ‘Town and Gown Relations’. This unique training session was delivered by Cooper Healey (Chair, UKTGA) and Poppy Humphrey (OffCampus Student Affairs Officer, Manchester Student Homes) who was the only practitioner to hold this certificate, delivered by the ITGA. Opening discussions saw colleagues consider both the positives and challenges in their off-campus communities, and share their experiences.
Delegates were invited to attend a reception at the illustrious Belfast City Hall on Sunday 18th November to mark the beginning of Conference. Belfast’s glorious Christmas lights had been switched on just in time for UKTGA 2018 (wasn't that kind?) which made the occasion somewhat of a spectacle!
Town Gown relations have entered into the academic sphere by pioneers such as Professor Steve Gavazzi, who presented his work on Town Gown relations and marriage analogies. The morning’s work was rounded off by Professor Darren Smith who discussed matters of studentification, de-studentification, and what is to come for both Town and Gown. Delegates were then invited to creatively demonstrate maps of Belfast City Hall their communities and produce their ideal community in 3D models. These ‘imaginariums’ saw Town meet Gown through Those who attended the Level 1 Certificate in ‘Town and sport, volunteering and educational initiatives. Gown Relations’ earlier that day were presented with their certificate at the reception by Cooper. The networking continued at the famous Crown Liquor Saloon.
Day One: Monday 19th November Delegates were welcomed to UKTGA 2018 by Cooper Healey and Councillor Nigel Murphy, Deputy Leader, Manchester City Council (Conference Chair).
Training delegates outside the Graduate School, Queen’s University Belfast
The UKTGA Conferences are an opportunity for colleagues working in an off-campus setting to share ideas, network and learn best practice. The UKGTA would like to acknowledge the support of our sponsors Belfast City Council, Campus Life, Student Roost, Sword Security, and Visit Belfast who contributed to the success of UKTGA 2018.
The UKTGA was delighted to welcome esteemed colleagues from Belfast to deliver key note addresses. Nigel Grimshaw MBE, Belfast City Council, took delegates through the evolution and progress of Belfast and the significance of Town Gown relations in this process. Professor Ian Greer, Vice-Chancellor, Queen’s University Belfast highlighted that social responsibility and partnership with Belfast City Council is key to the Queen's University Social Charter mission, and expressed his delight that Queen's community engagement was used as a model of best practice at the conference.
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