Starting this week, local residents, nonprofits and businesses will have new resources for information about The University of Scranton.

The Office of Community Relations is launching a website offering a comprehensive source for the many events and programs the University has to offer the community, including lectures and performances, health and educational programs, marketing opportunities for local businesses and more.

“We’re proud to be a part of the city of Scranton,” said Julie Schumacher Cohen, director of community relations at Scranton. “I think this is a way we can give back to the community that has given so much to us.”

Through the website, members of the community can subscribe to a monthly e-newsletter featuring news and special events. In addition to information sharing, the online publication is also an opportunity for the University to connect better with its neighbors. Not only can the University talk to Scranton, but residents can ask questions and also offer suggestions and ideas, too.

Most of the events and programs featured on the website aren’t new to the University but, according to Cohen, this is the first time the information is being organized in one place.    

“There are lots of people from the community coming to the University whether it be to listen to a student concert or hear a guest speaker talk about international affairs,” said Cohen. “We also know there are others who may have never been on campus. We want to spread the word more effectively.”

The website will also provide information about University resources, from access to the Weinberg Memorial Library with a Lackawanna County library card to the array of programs at the Leahy Community Health and Family Center. 

Local businesses and nonprofits in particular are encouraged to explore the recruiting and marketing opportunities on the website. It connects nonprofits to the Community Outreach Office where they can find student volunteers and helps local businesses advertise discounts and specials through foursquare, a social media platform, and a new “business update” that will be shared with University students. “It’s about increasing the mutually beneficial ways we work together,” said Cohen.     

The “Campus & Neighborhood” portion of the website features updates on building projects and includes a community relations calendar that notifies residents and local businesses about major dates for the campus – like family weekend, orientations and move-in day – which often result in increased traffic for downtown and the Hill Section. 

“On family weekend you have hundreds of parents coming from all over to see their students, but they’re also going to dinner. They’re going to lunch. They’re going shopping,” Cohen said. “We want to be proactive about sharing information with neighbors and businesses.”

According to Cohen, the website and newsletter will help the Office of Community Relations serve as the front line for the community. “Universities are big and people aren’t always sure who to call,” Cohen said. “If we can’t help, then we can direct them to the people who can.”