| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 69.45 |
| Liaison | Yumiko Jakobcic |
| Submission Date | March 3, 2017 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Grand Valley State University
EN-1: Student Educators Program
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.58 / 4.00 |
Amanda
Rodgers Graduate Assistant Sustainable Community Development Initiative |
Does the institution coordinate one or more ongoing student, peer-to-peer sustainability outreach and education programs that meet the criteria for this credit?:
Number of degree-seeking students enrolled at the institution:
Name of the student educators program (1st program):
Number of students served (i.e. directly targeted) by the program (1st program):
A brief description of the program, including examples of peer-to-peer outreach activities (1st program):
Zero-Waste Ambassadors are students who volunteer at every home football game to help educate guests on how to sort their landfill, recyclable and compostable waste. Guests are composed of students, faculty, staff, and community members.
A brief description of how the student educators are selected (1st program):
Recruitment of Zero-Waste Ambassadors is a joint effort between the Office of Student Life, Campus Dining, Facilities Services, and the Office of Sustainability Practices. Students often volunteer on an annual basis and use student organization/club involvement to invite other students. Sustainability related student organizations on campus often are involved in the zero waste game day efforts as well as other organizations who require volunteer hours such as Greek Life or Student Senate.
A brief description of the formal training that the student educators receive (1st program):
Zero-Waste Ambassadors receive training from The Office of Sustainability Practices and Facilities Services on recycling and composting before every home game. A "cheat sheet" is available for those unfamiliar with the processes. Staff assist throughout the games/events by continually checking on volunteers and fielding any issues or questions.
A brief description of the financial or other support the institution provides to the program (1st program):
Campus Dining provides a free meal ticket for the Zero-Waste Ambassadors during football games. Volunteers are encouraged to collect any returnable cans from the tailgating areas before the game as well as any can/bottles collected during the game and use the funds toward their student organizations.
Name of the student educators program (2nd program):
Number of students served (i.e. directly targeted) by the program (2nd program):
A brief description of the program, including examples of peer-to-peer outreach activities (2nd program):
The Citizenship Mentors compete in a building vs. building competition by encouraging residents to reduce their energy use in the living centers for an entire month. During this time, resident assistants increase their sustainability related outreach techniques through passive and active programming as well as bulletin boards and promoting on campus sustainability related events.
A brief description of how the student educators are selected (2nd program):
Citizenship Mentors are a subset of returning Resident Assistants appointed on an annual basis by Housing staff.
A brief description of the formal training that the student educators receive (2nd program):
Citizenship Mentors receive training from staff in The Office of Sustainable Practices on ways to reduce energy use and how to relate that information to residents. Facilities Services also works closely with Housing to ensure that safety regulations are followed during the competition.
A brief description of the financial or other support the institution provides to the program (2nd program):
Facilities Planning staff include energy metering devices in the participating buildings.
Name of the student educators program (3rd program):
Number of students served (i.e. directly targeted) by the program (3rd program):
A brief description of the program, including examples of peer-to-peer outreach activities (3rd program):
The Campus Dining Green Team is made up of students and interdisciplinary staff who work together to make the campus more sustainable through campus dining efforts. Students and staff collaborate on yearly academic plans as well as provide learning opportunities for peers to learn which bin (compost, recycle, landfill) campus dining containers, cutlery, food waste, etc. should be appropriately placed.
A brief description of how the student educators are selected (3rd program):
Green Team student leaders are hired by Campus Dining. The rest of the Green Team is composed of volunteers.
A brief description of the formal training that the student educators receive (3rd program):
Green team members are provided education and subsequent materials in order to feel comfortable conversing with their peers about campus dining sustainability efforts. The Office of Sustainability Practices provides support for Green Team leaders when necessary.
A brief description of the financial or other support the institution provides to the program (3rd program):
Campus Dining pays an hourly rate to the Green Team leaders and also offers campus dining dollars to volunteers.
Name(s) of the student educator program(s) (all other programs):
Number of students served (i.e. directly targeted) by all other student educator programs:
A brief description of the program(s), including examples of peer-to-peer outreach activities (all other programs):
Sustainable Agriculture Project volunteer hours are facilitated by interns. Interns work to educate peers and facilitate the growth and development of best farming and gardening practices for drop in volunteers, classes, student organizations, and community groups.
A brief description of how the student educators are selected (all other programs):
Interns interview for positions and are selected by a hiring committee. The interns selected are dedicated to best farming practices, continuing education in sustainability related areas, and creating a welcoming community at the Sustainable Agriculture Project.
A brief description of the formal training that the student educators receive (all other programs):
Interns at the Sustainable Agriculture Project receive training on growing practices, safe food practices, and leadership development by the Farm Manager.
A brief description of the financial or other support the institution provides to the program (all other programs):
The Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies supports the Sustainable Agriculture Project through funds designated for farm expenses. Interns are paid through the Office of Sustainability Practices.
Total number of hours student educators are engaged in peer-to-peer sustainability outreach and education activities annually:
The website URL for the peer-to-peer student outreach and education program(s):
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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.