Temple University has a rich history of providing educational opportunities for everyone, and for giving back to the neighboring Philadelphia community that it calls home.

Temple’s founder and first president, Russell Conwell, officially chartered Temple College on May 14, 1888, with the intention of providing access to education to all individuals. Russell Conwell valued the local community that surrounded Temple, a sentiment that was evident in one of his most famous speeches, “Acres of Diamonds”. Our founder believed that there was a great deal to be valued right in the University's backyard and that members of the Temple community should engage not only in their education but also in giving back to and positively engaging with our neighbors.

The Good Neighbor Initiative aims to continue the mission of Temple University’s founding principles by encouraging students to build connections with and engage in the community which we hope will both enhance the local community and promote student growth and development. The Good Neighbor initiative also encourages responsible decision making within our community, paying particular attention to developing positive relationships with neighbors and recognizing the disruptive nature of excessive noise, alcohol consumption, trash, and student conduct issues within the neighborhood. It is the University’s hope that students integrate into the rich fabric of this diverse community and make a positive contribution to the North Philadelphia neighborhood.