Unless they grew up in the area, few University students will ever fully become part of the Charlottesville com munity. Often, students, who normally spend no more than four years here, lack the time to experience and explore the area before they have to leave it.
The relationship between the two communities "has been inextricably linked for the past two hundred years," Architecture Prof. Kenneth Schwartz said. This mutual growth has involved "both positive reactions and tensions."
"Generally speaking the student body contributes a lot to the Charlottesville community," Charlottesville Mayor Blake Caravati said.
Many residents realize that University students come to Charlottesville expressly for the purpose of receiving an education, Caravati said.
With their educational and career goals a priority, students do not always consider the importance of contributing to the Charlottesville community. This can give Charlottesville residents the impression that University students are elitist and insular, Caravati added.
"Not many U.Va students know anything about Charlottesville except for Barracks Road and the Downtown Mall," he said.
Caravati said he would like to see the two communities come together more in the future, especially following the recent assaults of University students by local high school students, he said.
The assaults, which have sparked debate over whether they involved an element of racial intent, give the community more reason to cooperate in positive ways than negative, he added.
Given the different interests and goals of students and community members, the relationship between the two groups is "quite often perceived as being adversarial," Caravati said.
Community members often complain about the typically rowdy college lifestyle, noting loud music and late-night partying as disrespect for year-round local residents. Such practices sometimes bother families living near University housing, who have to wake up early in the morning for school and work, Caravati said.
Times when the University has undergone growth and change traditionally have resulted in increased tensions with the local community, Schwartz said.
Student demand for housing often drives up rent prices for community members.
"The growth of the University over time puts a great deal of pressure on the real estate market," he said.
Although students and community members do not always see eye to eye, Caravati said he has seen their relationship improving in recent years because both the city and the University have taken a more cooperative approach to each other's needs.
University President John T. Casteen III agreed that active cooperation marked a crucial component of coexisting in a college town.
"Problems exist, but what is more notable is that we have a custom of working together to solve them," Casteen said. "The community has not turned against students because of noise in off-Grounds housing or because of serious lawlessness, such as the drug dealings that brought on Operation Equinox. People have worked together."
Operation Equinox was a 1991 initiative, focusing on drug use in fraternity houses, that culminated in the arrest of 12 University students.
The University "administration over the past decade has insisted more on community outreach," he added.
Such programs include University sponsored internships and Madison House's wide array of volunteer opportunities, Dean of Students Penny Rue said.
"We've got three thousand students who volunteer weekly," Rue said.
Students contributed to the community in many unseen ways as well, as customers and employees of local businesses, voters and taxpayers, Casteen said.
"They do what others do here, but with the proviso that most have permanent homes elsewhere," he said.
Since the University's early days, University students have worked as employees and provided revenue for local businesses.
Many local store owners recognize the opportunities University students bring to Charlottesville. Mark Mincer, president of Mincer's on the Corner, said he has been very pleased with the business the University has brought to his store since it opened over 50 years ago. The University has a great influence on Charlottesville business in general, he said.
Additionally, the University also plays a crucial role in the community through its reliance on local employees, said Leonard W. Sandridge, University executive vice president and chief operating officer.
"Our employees represent a significant element of the community and contribute their energy to making the larger community a great place to live, learn and play," Sandridge said.
Stan Epstein, a director at The Hardware Store Restaurant, cited the University as "the economic engine" of Charlottesville.
"The University has been an integral part of this community on many levels," Epstein said. "The majority of people I've come in contact with are delighted with the students of the University."
"Parking problems and noise at times are a small price to pay for a wonderful institution that provides a top-ranked medical center, concerts, games and other features," Epstein said. "The University is the reason why a lot of people come here to work and retire."
The relationship between the city and the University has improved substantially as the student body has diversified, Casteen said.
"Many local and regional students study here now, and they bring with them knowledge of and sympathy for local people and issues," he added.
But the relationship between the University and the city goes both ways.
"One might argue for more community involvement on the grounds that education and civic participation go hand in hand," Casteen said.
The city has made its own efforts to open the Charlottesville community up to members of the University, including providing a free trolley service to the downtown area. The University jointly operates the emergency communications center, the Hoo Bus and works on the region's planning and coordinating council, Sandridge said.
"We must be relentless in our efforts to promote the fact that we are one community," Sandridge said. "We must do all we can to communicate and build mutual trust."
"I'm very optimistic about the future of University and city relations," Caravati said. Of course, "it always helps when you have a winning football and basketball team," he added
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