Champlain College
EN-1: Student Educators Program

Eco-Reps are peer educators living in college residence halls that model environmentally responsible living behaviors and conduct education and outreach to fellow residents. Eco-Reps are trained and coordinated by the Sustainability Director who connects them to appropriate campus personnel and resources. Eco-Rep activities are generally focused within the residential areas of campus, but can extend to broader campus issues when most applicable. Eco-Reps also act as the additional "eyes & ears" regarding the physical operations of the buildings and alert Physical Plant staff if necessary. Eco-Reps meet with the Sustainability Director on a weekly basis. Each month has a theme and related events & activities. Students are provided with related resources and a to-do list for the month. Throughout the year, students participate in trainings that include team-building exercises and program orientation, among other activities. Activity Examples: -Set up a bulletin board in their residence hall and post information -Collaborate with residential life staff on res. hall programming opportunities, such as the annual Kill-A-Watt Challenge -Collaborate with Peer Advisors to organize LEAD approved activities -Conduct audits of the waste bins in their building -Be a resource person for students in the residence hall -Promote the Green Room Certification Program -Act as "eyes & ears" regarding res. hall operations and report accordingly to Physical Plant staff -Conduct energy audits of appliances in residence halls -Conduct surveys about ecological issues -Attend meetings to plan activities and provide feedback to the Sustainability Director -Assist with waste reduction activities at move in/move out -Set up and staff environmental information tables and exhibits -Go on tours of local sites such as Green Mountain Compost and the Material Recovery Facility -Participate in Sustain Champlain committees -Develop programs and projects related to their interests

Eco-Reps must apply for the position by filling out an application which also asks for a resume and references. A brief interview is held with chosen applicants. Time Commitment: Eco-Reps commit an average of 4 hours/week including a 1-hour meetings on most Mondays (3:30-5pm). Much of their work is done independently, on their own schedule. There will be requests for participation in occasional group events and training opportunities. Qualifications: Effective communication skills (through a variety of means) Ability to work independently and collaboratively Ability to see projects through to completion Ability to learn information about environmental topics and relate that information to their peers Enthusiastic, engaging individuals who are passionate about environmental and social issues Students who can be held accountable for their work Creativity and fun What’s in it for Eco-Reps: -$9.80/hour for four hours of work per week. (Students do not have to be Work Study eligible, but they can use this position as a Work Study Job.) -Professional development, leadership, and peer education skills -Knowledge of environmental and social topics -The experience of working with other passionate students

Eco-Reps are trained and coordinated by the Sustainability Director who connects them to appropriate campus personnel and resources. Student Eco-Reps will meet with Sustainability Director on a weekly basis. Each month will have a theme and related events & activities. Students will be provided related resources and to-do list for the month. Themes: Recycling & Composting; Energy; Food; Transportation; Water; Conscious Consumption; Environmental Health & Justice Training/Professional Development Topics: How to host an event; Effective Communication; Community Based Social Marketing; Time Management for Student Leaders; Collaborations across campus Week 1: discuss topic, brainstorm activities Week 2: campus manager/speaker relevant to topic; receive to-do list Week 3: follow up on to-do list activities & events Week 4: professional development speaker/workshop; to-do list due; next topic given to Eco-Reps Throughout the year, student Eco-Reps will participate in a trainings that include: team-building exercises, program orientation, among other activities.

Eco-Reps are paid $9.80 an hour which comes from the Physical Plant budget and the Work Study budget. They are supported with programming funds and staffing from the Sustainability Director, Christina Erickson, and her office, Sustain Champlain.

Used total # of undergraduate, non-online students for # of degree-seeking students. Total # students served - average between fall & spring residential students.