Bob Cohen was the Director of Community Relations previously, and at present works as a Community Relations Consultant. As its title would suggest, the purpose of the Office of Community Relations was to communicate and interact with members of the local area to ensure that NYU can coexist with the people and places of southern Manhattan. It handled complaints against NYU, particularly in cases where NYU was attempting to develop new buildings or facilities, or when there was problem with members of NYUs student, faculty, or staff body. In addition, the Community Relations office worked with businesses and chambers of commerce to coordinate how and where stores were established to maximize their effectiveness. It communicated with community boards, particularly CB #2 on matters of importance to the local area. Lastly, this office was connected with local, state, and federal agencies to promote cooperation and provide programs, such as Albany Day, where NYS students traveled to the state capital to meet with officials and learn about government. The Community Relations office is also connected to many events that are sponsored by NYU as they affect the nearby area and its residents. For example, it has sponsored many programs for the improvement or protection of Washington Square Park, including jogs and walks. Many neighborhood improvement programs, such as the campaign to remove porn stores or the establishment of health care facilities for both NYU students and area residents, were also connected to this office. The C-Team, a community service program, and the Community Fund, are also related to this office. Lastly, events such as Commencement and art exhibits in Washington Square Park are handled in part by this office, which promotes them and handles problems they generate for the local area. At present, this department is titled the Office of Government and Community Affairs, and continues to operate in much the same way.
From the description of Office of Community Relations collection, Bob Cohen, 1973-2002. (New York University). WorldCat record id: 477184707
