Dear Students, 

As you know, Temple University expects that students conduct themselves with honesty, integrity and civility. Whether you live on campus or in one of Philadelphia’s surrounding neighborhoods, each of us has a responsibility to care for the communities we call home.

Our Good Neighbor Initiative provides basic guidelines for how students should conduct themselves as responsible members of the North Philadelphia community; the values we embrace as Owls do not only apply here on campus. They travel with us wherever we live, learn and serve. 

We recognize that this is the time of year when leases are ending, and students are moving out of off-campus residences. To assist with this process, three years ago the university created TUmove, a program to help students living off campus coordinate trash disposal when they move out. It is easy to use as students can schedule the pickup of their discarded household items right through the TUmove website. 

Unfortunately, we have seen several students choose to not use the service. Yesterday, several bags of trash, furniture and other household items were left on sidewalks and next to already full collection bins. Because these items were not disposed of properly, they remained in our neighborhoods after collection, creating unnecessary challenges for residents, sanitation crews and the broader community. This does not meet the standards and expectations we have for our students, and it directly violates our Good Neighbor Initiative.

If you believe your landlord is not providing an adequate quantity of trash receptacles, you should address it with your landlord. If they are unresponsive, please contact Temple’s Office of Off-campus Housing. 

As you prepare to move out or into a residence, here is some guidance to follow. 

• Take a few extra minutes to dispose of your belongings responsibly.  
• Please do not leave trash or unwanted items on sidewalks or beside collection bins.  
• If a bin is full, identify another appropriate disposal option rather than adding to the pile.  
• We strongly encourage you to schedule a pickup through TUmove, which will continue to provide service from now through Friday, Aug. 7. 

We have also partnered with Habitat for Humanity to accept donations. If you have items that you would like to donate, you can schedule donation pickup separately by visiting Habitat for Humanity’s booking portal and selecting “Schedule a Pick-up.” 

Every interaction we have with our neighbors is an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between Temple and the communities that surround us. By taking responsibility for how we dispose of our belongings, we demonstrate respect for our neighbors, pride in our university and a commitment to leaving our neighborhoods better than we found them. 

Thank you for helping make this year’s move-out a positive experience for everyone. I appreciate your partnership and wish you a safe, restful and enjoyable summer. 

Sincerely, 

Darrien Davenport 
Dean of Students and Associate Vice President of Student Affairs