Tempe and ASU welcome back students, promote community safety with neighborhood walks

As Arizona State University students embark on a fresh semester of classes — many living on campus, and others calling the surrounding Tempe neighborhoods home —a collaborative effort is underway to foster existing community relationships and establish new ones.

For the fourth consecutive year, Arizona State University and the city of Tempe will kick off the Welcome Walks on Aug. 23. The two-day campaign welcomes new and returning students to campus and reaches out to Tempe residents as the school year begins. The walks give Tempe residents and students an opportunity to engage with ASU students, staff and police, as well as Tempe city staff, police officers and fire officials.

Ronald Jackson, the assistant dean of students for off-campus student services, said the Community Welcome Walk is a bright light for the beginning of the school year.

“The Community Welcome Walk is a great example of the collaborative spirit between Tempe and ASU,” Jackson said. “To see hundreds of people coming together to inspire appreciation for neighborhoods, student safety and positive connections across the city and university is amazing.”

Off-campus students and local residents receive contact information for ASU and city of Tempe support services while having an open dialogue being respectful and mindful when entertaining guests and encouraging residents to contact ASU or Tempe officials if they have any questions or concerns.

Community safety is one of the top priorities for the city of Tempe and ASU, both steadfast in providing a safe place to live, visit and receive an excellent education. The Community Welcome Walks are a collaborative effort to encourage public safety and community engagement.

Students living off-campus are reminded that everyone at ASU is responsible for the social, cultural and overall health of their community. This includes living, learning and working alongside neighbors and making a meaningful impact during their time at the university.

Brittany Benedict, Undergraduate Student Government president for the Tempe campus, believes that students should seize the opportunity to engage with the community.

“Having the Arizona State University student body involved in the community walks is a great way to kick off the year and welcome our Tempe community into our Sun Devil Community,” Benedict said. “Arizona State University is passionate about serving the broader Tempe area, and I believe that this is a great place to start.”

The Welcome Back Walks take place from 6-8 p.m Wednesday, Aug. 23, and Thursday, Aug. 24 .