Champlain College
EN-3: Student Life

Each year (and sometimes each semester) there are different student clubs, recognized by the Student Government Association, that have sustainability related connections, including:

Environmental Club (starting again in Spring 2022), welcomes all majors to come engage in lively environmental discussions, fun outings and events, weekly trash clean ups, and more
https://www.instagram.com/champenvironmentalclub/

Hiking Club - started in the 2018 fall semester as a way for students of all ages, majors, and hiking experience to get together and take advantage of the Vermont trails. In addition to hikes, the Hiking Club also offers more relaxed nature walks. https://www.instagram.com/champhikes/

DREAM: Champlain students serve as “village mentors” with the Birchwood Community in Milton, VT https://www.facebook.com/dreambirchwood/

Include+ provides space for Champlain's LGBTQ+ students on campus. https://www.instagram.com/champinclude/

United Nations Association at Champlain College. UNA is a movement that promotes the values of the UN. These include advocating for their Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as well as being a part of the Model UN (MUN). https://www.facebook.com/unausachamplaincollege/

https://www.champlain.edu/student-affairs-diversity-and-inclusion/things-to-do

Founded in 2011, the community garden originated by request of students, faculty and 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. Plots are registered on a first come, first serve basis. The plot 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 community garden work sessions. No experience is necessary. We work to partner garden mentors and mentees. www.champlain.edu/garden

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

www.champlain.edu/swapshop

Founded 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 the Facilities Department that reduce environmental impact and can repay the fund with cost-savings. 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: Facilities Director, Director of Service & Sustainability Learning, a representative of the Finance Office, a representative of the Advancement Office, at least two faculty members, and at least two students. www.champlain.edu/greenfund

Different programs and departments around Champlain College host occasional and/or annual events under the broad umbrella of sustainability. These events may be tagged “service, sustainability & civic engagement” or “career prep” or “student activities” on The View’s events calendar (https://view.champlain.edu/events/) Examples include:

Annual Community Partner / Faculty networking event for Service-Learning,

Annual Trash Bash waste sort, hosted by the Eco-Reps

Annual Elevator Pitch competition - especially the Non-Profit & Advocacy and Entrepreneurs categories

Stiller School of Business’s B-Corps speaker series, Spring 2022. B Corp Certification is a designation that a business is meeting high standards of verified performance, accountability, and transparency on factors from employee benefits and charitable giving to supply chain practices and input materials; Vermont boasts the highest number of B Corp certified businesses per capita.

Social Impact Scholars Intersections series, 2020-2021 and 2021-2022. Panelists discuss social impact issues that intersect with specific professional programs at Champlain. In the past we’ve had panels on Social Impact, Law and Politics; SI and Technology; SI and Environmental Policy; and SI and Business (focus on Fair Trade; focus on ethical investments), and Social Impact and Writing.

Founded in 2015, the Champlain College Gallery supports innovative and experimental contemporary art in all media through exhibitions, events, projects, and residencies. The gallery is a catalyst for interdisciplinary collaboration and learning at the intersection of art and technology. It features the work of national, regional, as well as faculty and student artists confronting cultural and artistic issues. https://artgallery.champlain.edu/

Starting in Fall 2022, Champlain College will host a sustainability themed residence hall. Much of the college experience happens outside of the classroom, therefore creating an engaging community and living space defines our student body. As we move toward our sustainability goals while fostering a vibrant and cohesive campus, we consider our own student residential halls through a systems thinking approach. Sustainability themed housing represents a collaboration of innovations through community recreation, tangible DIY skills, meals, resource sharing, and experiential knowledge through planned and unplanned activities. This res hall designed with and for students provides a unique opportunity to engage with the current sustainability movement. https://www.champlain.edu/student-affairs-diversity-and-inclusion/housing-and-dining/on-campus-housing/themed-housing

Work study and internship opportunities are offered through various offices:

Center for Service & Sustainability. Current positions include:
Eco-Reps (13)
Eco-Rep Area Coordinators (3)
Eco-Rep Captain (1)
Student Outreach Liaison (1)
Tracking & Assessment Assistant (1)
Office Assistant - Center for Service & Sustainability (1)
+ self-design internships
https://www.champlain.edu/student-life/campus-and-community-programs/center-for-service-and-sustainability/about-us-center-for-service-and-sustainability/our-staff-and-contact

Transportation office. Current positions include:
Bicycle Program Coordinator (1)

Environmental Studies & Policy program. Current position(s) include:
Environmental Studies and Policy Communications Assistant