This summer, Advanced Community Based Learning (UNIV 4880H) will tackle how The City of Oshawa can utilize principles of crime prevention through environmental design to address community safety and well-being planning issues. This one-of-a-kind course, in collaboration with Ontario Tech U, is led by Dr. Amy Spendik from Trent Durham’s Policing and Community Well-Being program and is open to students across both Trent campuses who have a cumulative 70 per cent average and 12 university credits or permission from the instructor. 

"UNIV 4880 will truly be a unique opportunity for students. Students will not only get the chance to work directly with City of Oshawa staff, but they will also have the chance to develop practical, timely, and socially engaged crime prevention recommendations directly to those individuals responsible for creating municipal safety and well-being plans,” said Professor Spendik. “I cannot think of a more dynamic way for students to have a voice in municipal policy development. This will be a valuable experiential learning experience that I am sure will prove to be a memorable one for sure.”

Throughout the term, students will work in teams to develop strategic recommendations for the city through unique learning projects that will take place in May and June with City Idea Lab. Specifically, the course applies the key principles of crime prevention through environmental design to develop practical strategies that can aid municipalities in safety and well-being planning endeavors, with a holistic approach to a community that encompasses those who live (unsheltered and sheltered), work, and visit the city centre. Students, faculty and municipal staff will consider broad contemporary issues—within their historical context—that face Canadian cities and communities, such as how to secure spaces and monitor spaces, and how to make them safe for all members of the community.

Registration is still open for the course. Classes begin May 4 and will be run remotely via Zoom on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12 to 3 p.m. Students looking for more information can contact Prof. Spendik directly at amyspendik@trentu.ca.