| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 83.20 |
| Liaison | Maddie LoDico |
| Submission Date | Nov. 5, 2018 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Colby College
EN-1: Student Educators Program
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
4.00 / 4.00 |
Maddie
LoDico Director of Sustainability Sustainability Office |
"---"
indicates that no data was submitted for this field
Number of students enrolled for credit (headcount):
1,879
Total number of students enrolled for credit that are served (i.e. directly targeted) by a student peer-to-peer sustainability outreach and education program (avoid double-counting to the extent feasible):
1,879
Percentage of students served by a peer-to-peer educator program:
100
Name of the student educators program:
EcoReps
Number of students served (i.e. directly targeted) by the program (headcount):
1,879
A brief description of the program, including examples of peer-to-peer outreach activities:
EcoReps are student environmental leaders who work with Campus Life, Community Advisors, and the Student Government Association to raise environmental awareness through the residential life program. They lead the Dorm Electricity Competition, 5 Minute Shower Challenge, Clean Plate Club, Green Graduation, RESCUE Sale, and promote sustainability through communication and leading by example within their assigned dorms.
A brief description of how the student educators are selected:
Interested students submit an application and go through an interview process. They are selected based on their adherence to the job criteria.
A brief description of the formal training that the student educators receive to prepare them to conduct peer outreach:
Each interested employee has a meeting with the Sustainability Coordinator to discuss the program and any potential issues. Once hired, students are instructed on e-mail etiquette and helpful ways to engage their communities. Additionally, underclassmen are often put into groups with upper classmen who act as informal mentors and resources.
A brief description of the financial and/or administrative support the institution provides to the program (e.g. annual budget and/or faculty/staff coordination):
The Office of Sustainability has the funds to hire 20-25 EcoReps and to facilitate several student outreach campaigns.
Name of the student educators program (2nd program):
Colby Beekeepers
Number of students served (i.e. directly targeted) by the program (2nd program):
1,879
A brief description of the program, including examples of peer-to-peer outreach activities (2nd program):
The Colby Beekeepers maintain a hive on campus near the organic garden. The beekeepers educate their fellow students by inviting all interested parties to hive checks where the beekeepers explain how the hives work and how the colony functions. Although the hives are only active in the summer, students are able to attend a bee check in September and at the end of the school year in May. Additionally, the beekeepers hold tabling sessions in our student center with honey tastings, and information about the importance of beekeeping.
A brief description of how the student educators are selected (2nd program):
All interested parties are able to join the beekeepers, however only a select few get to attend the formal training each year due to funding constraints. The students who have shown the most dedication and passion in the club are able to go to the trainings.
A brief description of the formal training that the student educators receive to prepare them to conduct peer outreach (2nd program):
Each January, about five students attend a beekeeping training at the University of Maine. There, they learn about beekeeping safety, best practices, and hive maintenance. The students who are able to receive this training then bring their knowledge back to campus to share with their fellow beekeepers and other interested students. The students who receive formal training and those who learn from students with the training are fully equipped to educate their peers about beekeeping and conduct formal tours and information sessions about the hives and beekeeping in general.
A brief description of the financial and/or administrative support the institution provides to the program (e.g. annual budget and/or faculty/staff coordination) (2nd program):
The Colby Beekeepers receive guidance from a faculty member in the Economics Department and receive funding from the Colby Student Government Association. Additionally, they received start up funding from the Environmental Studies Department and the Sustainability Office.
Name of the student educators program (3rd program):
Colby Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (COFGA)
Number of students served (i.e. directly targeted) by the program (3rd program):
1,879
A brief description of the program, including examples of peer-to-peer outreach activities (3rd program):
COFGA members work in the Colby Organic Garden, known as 2 Feet 2 Bedrock, during the summer months and the beginning and end of the school year. Members are taught by local farmers, as well as campus resources such as the Head Gardener in Facilities, and are overseen by Dining Services. The produce grown in the garden is served in the dining halls, and the club holds events at the garden, which is open to the entire campus regardless of gardening experience, to help plant and harvest. Additionally, during the off-season, students hold informational sessions in the Student Center.
A brief description of how the student educators are selected (3rd program):
Anyone who is interested and passionate about organic farming are welcome to join the club. There are 3 to 4 student workers who apply and are paid to work in the garden over the summer. These students are chosen based on their knowledge and dedication.
A brief description of the formal training that the student educators receive to prepare them to conduct peer outreach (3rd program):
Students are trained by both their more knowledgeable peers and campus and local experts. This training increases their knowledge about organic, sustainable farming which they are qualified to pass on to their peers.
A brief description of the financial and/or administrative support the institution provides to the program (e.g. annual budget and/or faculty/staff coordination) (3rd program):
Dining Services and Facilities provides funding and guidance to the gardeners.
A brief description of all other student peer-to-peer sustainability outreach and education programs, including the number of students served and how student educators are selected, trained, and supported by the institution:
The Colby Outing Club helps coordinate the COOT orientation trips each year, and provides outdoor education throughout the school year. The student trip leaders undergo Wilderness First Aid training, and learn Leave No Trace practices. Orientation leaders undergo specialized training in leadership in the outdoors. The Outing Club sponsors trips and teaching programs that promote a deeper connection and understanding of nature, and thus an appreciation of the natural world we are able to experience both on and off campus. COOT leaders are selected by application and interview process, and anyone can become a Trip Leader for academic year recreational trips after the appropriate training. These programs are funded by the Student Government Association and the Office of Campus Life. All of Colby's students are served through these programs since all students go on a COOT trip and academic year trips and gear rental are open to all students.
Total number of hours student educators are engaged in peer-to-peer sustainability outreach and education activities annually (all programs):
8,700
The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The total hours student educators are engaged in peer-to-peer sustainability outreach and education activities is based on the amount of meeting time these clubs spend in formal meetings during the school year. Although some of these sustainability-related clubs may not have formal peer-educator training, all of these clubs strive to educate their peers at Colby about their individual missions through informational tabling sessions, sponsoring guest speakers, showing documentaries, and organizing around their club's mission.
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.