| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 63.22 |
| Liaison | Jessica Russell |
| Submission Date | Oct. 17, 2019 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Mount Royal University
AC-8: Campus as a Living Laboratory
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
4.00 / 4.00 |
Courtney
Stange Administrative Assistant Institute for Environmental Sustainability |
Is the institution utilizing its campus as a living laboratory for multidisciplinary student learning and applied research in relation to Air & Climate?:
A brief description of the student/faculty projects and how they contribute to understanding campus sustainability challenges or advancing sustainability on campus in relation to Air & Climate:
Gwen O'Sullivan, Associate Professor in Environmental Science, researches Environmental Forensics specifically related to persistent organic pollutants. She also teaches an Air Quality and Air Pollution Monitoring classes to Mount Royal Students. The Air Pollution Monitoring class combines lectures and laboratories to examine the methods used to monitor pollutants emitted to the atmosphere. Laboratory exercises use these methods to monitor pollutants throughout Mount Royal University campus.
Is the institution utilizing its campus as a living laboratory for multidisciplinary student learning and applied research in relation to Buildings?:
A brief description of the student/faculty projects and how they contribute to understanding campus sustainability challenges or advancing sustainability on campus in relation to Buildings:
Green Roof Implementation: A feasibility report and cost analysis completed in February 2016. The purpose of the report was to determine the feasibility for Mount Royal University to install a green roofs on Mount Royal's East Residences. The report encompassed many benefits regarding buildings, energy, air, water, and biodiversity around campus.
An Environmental Science Class in Watershed Management ENVS 3323 taught by Professor Brian Sevick researched the proposed implementation of a green roof and water capture system. The students also designed the system and submitted the research and conclusions to the CIPH Waterwise School Competition.
Is the institution utilizing its campus as a living laboratory for multidisciplinary student learning and applied research in relation to Energy?:
A brief description of the student/faculty projects and how they contribute to understanding campus sustainability challenges or advancing sustainability on campus in relation to Energy:
Mount Royal University's Leaders for Environmental Awareness and Protection (LEAP) Student Club. Conducted a feasibility report in 2016 to determine the impact of a Sustainable Greenhouse Project on campus. The report aimed to conduct the feasibility of the project and it's contributions to sustainable waste management, generation of sustainable energy creation in the form of heat as well a solution to sustainable food sourcing. The report was completed in 2016 and LEAP is currently working on improving it's design and recommendations. The students worked with Faculty of Science Professor Diana Fletcher on the project and continue to work with her regarding sustainable energy creation.
Is the institution utilizing its campus as a living laboratory for multidisciplinary student learning and applied research in relation to Food & Dining?:
A brief description of the student/faculty projects and how they contribute to understanding campus sustainability challenges or advancing sustainability on campus in relation to Food & Dining:
Mount Royal University along with a faculty member in the Nursing department, Sonya Jakubec, at MRU manage the campus's community garden project. This project aims to help educate the community on sustainable food practices. Students volunteer to help take care of the community garden which is located near the East Residence on Campus. Students learn about food security and how to tend to a garden and engage with community members.
Is the institution utilizing its campus as a living laboratory for multidisciplinary student learning and applied research in relation to Grounds?:
A brief description of the student/faculty projects and how they contribute to understanding campus sustainability challenges or advancing sustainability on campus in relation to Grounds:
Mount Royal University's campus greenhouse is used by students in the Faculty of Science to conduct research regarding plant science. Students use the greenhouse for a variety of reasons including class projects, capstone projects, and research.
Biology classes use the greenhouse to learn about plant science including life cycle and environmental impacts.
Capstone projects and research are chosen by students, often in their third or fourth year of study, projects within the greenhouse include biodiversity and food security issues.
Is the institution utilizing its campus as a living laboratory for multidisciplinary student learning and applied research in relation to Purchasing?:
A brief description of the student/faculty projects and how they contribute to understanding campus sustainability challenges or advancing sustainability on campus in relation to Purchasing:
Is the institution utilizing its campus as a living laboratory for multidisciplinary student learning and applied research in relation to Transportation?:
A brief description of the student/faculty projects and how they contribute to understanding campus sustainability challenges or advancing sustainability on campus in relation to Transportation:
Faculty member Israel Dunmade, along with many student research assistants completed A Study on Potential Climate Change Impact of Commuting to Mount Royal University. The report was completed in June 2017 with data collection beginning in 2016. They contributed to sustainability by examining the commuting patterns of students, staff, and faculty of the University. They also provided recommendations to help with the implementation and marketing for sustainable transportation to and from campus.
Is the institution utilizing its campus as a living laboratory for multidisciplinary student learning and applied research in relation to Waste?:
A brief description of the student/faculty projects and how they contribute to understanding campus sustainability challenges or advancing sustainability on campus in relation to Waste:
In the 2017 winter semester at Mount Royal University, a General Education class (GNED 1304) created a platform that used SnapChat videos and a points system to determine what waste goes in each bin. Students would send videos to Mount Royal University's waste collection team (Environmental Services) and they would reply if the student was using the proper waste bin. Students used this information to serve as a test population to determine the level of knowledge related to disposal of items used by students daily.
Is the institution utilizing its campus as a living laboratory for multidisciplinary student learning and applied research in relation to Water?:
A brief description of the student/faculty projects and how they contribute to understanding campus sustainability challenges or advancing sustainability on campus in relation to Water:
Ken Cummings, Associate Professor in Environmental Science, teaches a course each year called Water Pollution and Surface Water Analysis. In this course students learn how to conduct water samples and scan for water quality including pH, acidity, alkalinity, residual chlorine, hardness, etc.
Lab exercises include monitoring the pond at Mount Royal University for each quality parameter and assessing the overall health of the water. Data is collected yearly from each class and incorporated in lecture and laboratory material.
Is the institution utilizing its campus as a living laboratory for multidisciplinary student learning and applied research in relation to Coordination & Planning?:
A brief description of the student/faculty projects and how they contribute to understanding campus sustainability challenges or advancing sustainability on campus in relation to Coordination & Planning:
Is the institution utilizing its campus as a living laboratory for multidisciplinary student learning and applied research in relation to Diversity & Affordability?:
A brief description of the student/faculty projects and how they contribute to understanding campus sustainability challenges or advancing sustainability on campus in relation to Diversity & Affordability:
In 2016, student in the Human Resources department completed capstone projects to help promote and foster a health work environment at Mount Royal University. One of the projects assessed employment equity, diversity and inclusion practices at Mount Royal University. This project advances sustainability within the Diversity & Affordability section by giving students real world experience as well as advancing a number of initiatives at Mount Royal University. Findings from these projects have contributed Mount Royal's new recruitment strategy and employee benefits, flexibility, and value.
Is the institution utilizing its campus as a living laboratory for multidisciplinary student learning and applied research in relation to Investment & Finance?:
A brief description of the student/faculty projects and how they contribute to understanding campus sustainability challenges or advancing sustainability on campus in relation to Investment & Finance:
Is the institution utilizing its campus as a living laboratory for multidisciplinary student learning and applied research in relation to Public Engagement?:
A brief description of the student/faculty projects and how they contribute to understanding campus sustainability challenges or advancing sustainability on campus in relation to Public Engagement:
Is the institution utilizing its campus as a living laboratory for multidisciplinary student learning and applied research in relation to Wellbeing & Work?:
A brief description of the student/faculty projects and how they contribute to understanding campus sustainability challenges or advancing sustainability on campus in relation to Wellbeing & Work:
Mount Royal University Shannon Kell, PhD (Faculty of Health, Community and Education) in partnership with Facilities Management and Health Campus Team conducted surveys and researched what students think of Mount Royal University's learning spaces and how campus spaces promote and support student well-being. Professor Kell teaches in the Education program and encourages her students to incorporate outdoor time as part of their own classrooms when they graduate. The results of her research will be used to improve the spaces on campus and to inform other institutions for facility planning. www.mru.ca/seek
Is the institution utilizing its campus as a living laboratory for multidisciplinary student learning and applied research in relation to other areas (e.g. arts & culture or technology)?:
A brief description of the student/faculty projects and how they contribute to understanding campus sustainability challenges or advancing sustainability on campus in relation to other areas:
The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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.