| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 49.21 |
| Liaison | Joanne Wong |
| Submission Date | Feb. 5, 2013 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Mills College
ER-1: Student Sustainability Educators Program
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
5.00 / 5.00 |
Britta
Bullard Sustainability Coordinator Campus Facilities |
Total number of degree-seeking students enrolled at the institution:
Program name (1st program):
Number of students served by the program to whom peer-to-peer sustainability outreach and education is offered (1st program):
A brief description of the program, including examples of peer-to-peer outreach activities (1st program):
Eco-Reps are residential students who raise awareness about ecological issues, encourage environmentally responsible behavior in their halls and peers, and plan related events and activities. The Eco-Reps are a resource to the residents who are exploring how they can make a positive impact through their daily lives and environmental stewardship.
This year, Eco-Reps are working in the two residence halls focused on first year students. Students are grouped into themed Living Learning Communities (LLCs). The Eco-Reps give presentations about sustainable living to each LLC, including training on recycling and compost sorting, a brainstorm on energy conservation, and the presentation of juxtaposed images representing different daily choices and how they affect the planet and communities. They also do silent programming, posting information and compelling images in the halls. They conduct trash room audits and adjust signage. The Eco-Reps plan hall-wide events to engage students in ideas and campus programs dealing with creek restoration, energy and water conservation, waste diversion, healthy and local food, and community connection.
A brief description of how the student educators are selected (1st program):
The positions are through the campus work-study program. An official job description is offered online and in the Residence Halls. Students submit an application and attend an interview with the Sustainability Coordinator.
A brief description of the formal training that the student educators receive (1st program):
The career services office provides an introductory training. Then, a team meeting occurs once a week. The Sustainability Coordinator conducts trainings on different forms of engagement, event planning, leadership development, sustainable principles and actions, campus programs and navigating campus services. The Sustainability Coordinator also leads debriefs on resident reactions to programs and program evaluations. For the rest of the weekly hours, Eco-Reps are working together or with their residents on their programming.
A brief description of the staff and/or other financial support the institution provides to the program (1st program):
The institution supports the running of the Sustainability Center, including a Sustainability Coordinator and paid Eco-Rep positions. Financial support for basic supplies and food for programming is also provided.
The website URL for 1st Program:
Program name (2nd program):
Number of students to whom peer-to-peer sustainability outreach and education is offered (2nd program):
A brief description of the program, including examples of peer-to-peer outreach activities (2nd program):
Spokes Folks Bike Co-op is a student-run, college-owned space that promotes cycling and provides access to tools and resources. Volunteers host open hours so students are able to use the tools to maintain their bicycles. This past year, students bring tools and resources to the center of campus during lunch every Monday and Wednesday in order to broaden the scope of students exposed to the program. Some volunteers have helpful mechanical knowledge to share with those who want to learn how to repair their bicycles. The Co-op also partners with community organizations to host workshops, skill share events, and group rides. The space is open to all members of the Mills College community.
Mission statement:
Spokes Folks Bike Co-op strives to make bicycles accessible for everyone, to further environmental justice and sustainability, and to support sustainable transportation and exploration.
A brief description of how the student educators are selected (2nd program):
The Spokes Folks Bike Co-op Manager is recruited by the Sustainability Coordinator according to interest, commitment, and ability to provide educational opportunities along with mechanical assistance to Mills community members. At this time, it is a volunteer position. It is the hope of the Sustainability Coordinator that this position will become a compensated position supported by the Mills College student government, the ASMC. The Manager recruits several other key student volunteers to implement programming.
A brief description of the formal training that the student educators receive (2nd program):
The Sustainability Coordinator has weekly check-ins with the Spokes Folks Bike Co-op Manager, providing training in program building, event implementation, outreach strategies, and stategies in how to futher build the program. Mechanical training is provided through connections to external bicycle shops and cooperatives. The Sustainability Center also sponsored the Manager's attendance to the annual AASHE Conference.
A brief description of the staff and/or other financial support the institution provides to the program (2nd program):
The Sustainability Coordinator is the staff advisor for this program. Mills College has provided the space used by the Bike Co-op (next to the Sustainability Center), a basic inventory of tools that is updated each year, and a small budget for events and activities.
The website URL for 2nd program:
Program name (3rd program):
Number of students to whom peer-to-peer sustainability outreach and education is offered (3rd program):
A brief description of the program, including examples of peer-to-peer outreach activities (3rd program):
A brief description of how the student educators are selected (3rd program):
A brief description of the formal training that the student educators receive (3rd program):
A brief description of the staff and/or other financial support the institution provides to the program (3rd program):
The website URL for 3rd program:
Program name (All other programs):
Number of students to whom peer-to-peer sustainability outreach and education is offered (All other programs):
A brief description of the program, including examples of peer-to-peer outreach activities (All other programs):
A brief description of how the student educators are selected (All other programs):
A brief description of the formal training that the student educators receive (All other programs):
A brief description of the staff and/or other financial support the institution provides to the program (All other programs):
The website URL for all other programs:
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.