University-Community Relations in Urban Regeneration: A Study on the Conflict Between Students and Residents and the Role of the University

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to examine the roles universities ought to play in campustowns in rural areas in the process of urban generation. Findings show that students and local residents have different perceptions: while the students believe that universities ought to primarily focus on students’ education and that the community should be more concerned with the students’ needs, the locals were found to be disappointed with students’ behavior, such as not keeping the community organized, and expected the students to play active roles as community agents and to respect local elders, while expecting the universities to bring a unique culture to the community. Ways in which cultural expectations and power imbalance influence the nature of the relationship between residents and students are discussed as well as the importance of communication and role of local government in initiating collaboration between various stakeholders are suggested. Lastly, implications and suggestions for further studies are provided.