Champlain College
EN-3: Student Life

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. The Eco-reps program is co-facilitated by staff and students. In the past three years, Eco-Reps have had multiple accomplishments. In 2015, Eco-Reps made major revisions to the Green Room Certification Project. The Green Room Certification project was designed by Eco-Reps to give recognition to students living a sustainable lifestyle on campus. There are two levels that increase in difficulty and points. By evaluating all the actions that apply to a student and their residential room, students can reach Basic Certification or Platinum certification (Platinum requires a visit from an Eco-Rep) and receive increasing levels of acknowledgment. In February of 2013-2016, Eco-Reps were responsible for successful Sustainability Month events. Starting in 2014, Eco-Reps have contributed to significant student participation in Sustain Champlain committees (food & purchasing, waste reduction, green revolving fund, academic connections & transportation).

Started in the spring of 2011, the community garden originated by request of students, faculty and staff, and was approved by President Finney with the support of the Physical Plant Grounds Staff. The community garden is located beside Rowell Annex (on Champlain College’s main campus) and has 27 plots available for individual use by Champlain College faculty, staff, and students. The garden plots are 4’ x 8’ and cost $20 for faculty/staff and $10 for students. However, the fee is waived if all produce is donated to the Community Food Shelf. There is a two plot maximum for each gardener/team and plots are registered on a first come, first serve basis. The plots fees are used for general garden supplies and equipment. Gardeners have access to tools and water and are asked to follow garden rules and participate in at least two community garden work sessions. No experience is necessary. We will work to partner garden mentors and mentees.

The Swap Shop, a student-run enterprise, opened on March 1, 2016. Mission, Value, and Outcomes Statement: “The Champlain College “Swap Shop” aims to provide a welcoming forum for members of our campus community to donate, exchange, and take home items free of charge. We are committed to environmental and economic justice, recognizing that there can never be an assumption of someone’s financial or life circumstances and that every person should have adequate access to basic amenities, such as clothing and food, as part of their personal journey towards a dignified existence. All of our items are gleaned from donations, waste collection days, and community partnerships as a way to both divert waste from landfills and educate members of the campus community about creative ways to repurpose items. Campus community members will be provided with workshops and tools for repurposing, and through this upcycling and recycling of materials, we aim to demonstrate an ecological understanding of, and deep gratitude for, the earth’s finite resources.” Purpose: * to divert otherwise unwanted materials from the landfill * to have a space where the Champlain Community can find items they need for free/swap (clothing, books, games, small housewares) * to have a space to host upcycling/craft workshops

Initiated in 2013, the Champlain College Green Revolving Fund (GRF) is an investment fund that finances energy efficiency, renewable energy, and other sustainability projects on campus. The Fund provides capital for special projects conducted by Physical Plant Department that reduce environmental impact and can repay the fund with cost-savings within five years. A portion of these savings are used to support a subsidiary Green Community Fund that finances smaller community-led sustainability projects which may lack monetary savings but are in clear alignment with Champlain College's sustainability objectives. The fund is managed by a GRF committee including: Physical Plant Director, Sustainability Director, Budget Director or representative of Finance Office, Representative of Advancement Office, at least two faculty members, and at least two students.

The annual Kill-A-Watt Challenge that occurs each February. The aim of this challenge is to raise student awareness regarding electricity conservation in Champlain College residence halls (and beyond!). This annual challenge is a collaborative project between Sustain Champlain and Residential Life. Sustainability month over the course of February in which there is a series of films shown, speakers appearing on campus, and other great events. SPEAKERS We sponsor and collaborate on bringing speakers to campus whose topics range from local foods to climate change to environmental justice. See past speaker and events at http://www.champlain.edu/student-life/campus-and-community-programs/sustain-champlain/programs-sustain-champlain/speakers-and-events

Champlain College opened a gallery in Fall 2015 in the CCM building, which has new exhibits every two weeks. Several installations have had a sustainability theme. Additionally, the Champlain Theater has several productions a year. In February 2016 the show was "The How and the Why" - which tells the story of provocatively charged meeting between two women biologists – one in the twilight of her career, one just beginning hers – on the eve of a major conference that sets off a compelling, challenging, and wide ranging exploration of science, feminism, family, and fame. http://www.champlain.edu/student-life/campus-life/activities-and-clubs/on-stage-community/champlain-theatre

It is the mission of the Champlain College Wilderness Program to provide quality outdoor experiential programming with the commitment to enrich institutional initiatives. The Wilderness Program is dedicated to broadening the student experience and expanding understanding of self and community through a wilderness concept and immersion.

Work study and internship opportunities are offered through the Sustainability Office. Current positions include: Eco-Reps (8) Eco-Rep Area Coordinators (6) Eco-Rep Captain (1) Graphic Design and Social Media (1) Student Outreach Liaison (1) Waste Reduction Coordinator (1) self-design internships

The Center for Service and Civic Engagement Office's (CSCE) mission is to provide the encouragement, resources and support that allow our students, faculty and staff to connect with the community — on local, national and global levels — through leadership, service, mentorship, partnership, reflection and dialogue.