| Overall Rating | Bronze |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 34.87 |
| Liaison | Courtney Gallaher |
| Submission Date | June 4, 2024 |
Northern Illinois University
EN-3: Student Life
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.50 / 2.00 |
Courtney
Gallaher Associate Professor, Sustainability Coordinator Earth, Atmosphere and Environment |
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Student groups
Yes
Name and a brief description of the active student groups focused on sustainability:
The Green Paws Environmental Alliance is dedicated to inspiring environmental activism in students at Northern Illinois University. We offer a variety of events to give students an opportunity to make a difference on campus and in their community.
https://niu.presence.io/organization/green-paws-environmental-alliance
https://niu.presence.io/organization/green-paws-environmental-alliance
Gardens and farms
Yes
A brief description of the gardens, farms, community supported agriculture (CSA) or fishery programs, and/or urban agriculture projects:
Located on the east side of NIU's Anderson Hall, this community vegetable garden was established in the spring of 2014. It is just one of the many sites that make up the network of gardens around DeKalb County as a part of DeKalb County Community Gardens (DCCG). The garden is overseen by a staff member, but student volunteers and interns run the garden.
https://www.niu.edu/communiversitygardens/index.shtml
https://www.niu.edu/communiversitygardens/index.shtml
Student-run enterprises
Yes
A brief description of the student-run enterprises:
Ellington’s Restaurant provides students studying hospitality and tourism management the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a restaurant setting. As part of their course requirements, students are responsible for planning, preparing and serving three-course meals, each centered on a unique theme.
Students participate in Ellington’s as part of the coursework in HOSP 320, a required class for hospitality and tourism management majors. Students are divided into teams, and each student assumes a role commonly found in a food service operation, such as general manager or executive chef.
As the semester starts, students learn about running a restaurant. The student teams also begin to develop and test the recipes they will serve. Several weeks into the semester, customers begin arriving for lunch service. Each student team prepares and serves their themed meal multiple times a semester.
Students are assessed for their performance in the roles they assume. Team building is a major part of HOSP 320, as each group is evaluated as a whole. Peer assessment is another important part of the class. Students also value customer feedback.
https://www.niu.edu/ellingtons/about/index.shtml
Students participate in Ellington’s as part of the coursework in HOSP 320, a required class for hospitality and tourism management majors. Students are divided into teams, and each student assumes a role commonly found in a food service operation, such as general manager or executive chef.
As the semester starts, students learn about running a restaurant. The student teams also begin to develop and test the recipes they will serve. Several weeks into the semester, customers begin arriving for lunch service. Each student team prepares and serves their themed meal multiple times a semester.
Students are assessed for their performance in the roles they assume. Team building is a major part of HOSP 320, as each group is evaluated as a whole. Peer assessment is another important part of the class. Students also value customer feedback.
https://www.niu.edu/ellingtons/about/index.shtml
Sustainable investment and finance
No
A brief description of the sustainable investment funds, green revolving funds or sustainable microfinance initiatives:
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Events
Yes
A brief description of the conferences, speaker series, symposia, or similar events focused on sustainability:
NIU hosted a Worldwide Teach In for Climate Justice in the spring of 2022, which included 7 panel discussions that were facilitated and attended by students from around campus.
Cultural arts
No
A brief description of the cultural arts events, installations, or performances focused on sustainability:
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Wilderness and outdoors programs
Yes
A brief description of the wilderness or outdoors programs that follow Leave No Trace principles:
NIU Outdoor Adventure trips aim to provide a variety of enjoyable and affordable positive experiences from clinics to lengthy expeditions. Trips are designed to be fun, yet educational, and allow individuals and groups to learn the skills necessary to enjoy the outdoors. Our trips promote responsible stewardship of the environment and natural resources.
https://www.niu.edu/recreation/programs/outdoor-adventures/adventure-trips/index.shtml
https://www.niu.edu/recreation/programs/outdoor-adventures/adventure-trips/index.shtml
Sustainability-focused themes
No
A brief description of the sustainability-focused themes chosen for themed semesters, years, or first-year experiences:
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Sustainable life skills
No
A brief description of the programs through which students can learn sustainable life skills:
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Student employment opportunities
Yes
A brief description of the sustainability-focused student employment opportunities offered by the institution:
Students can work as paid interns through our communiversity garden and as assistants to the campus sustainability coordinator.
Graduation pledge
No
A brief description of the graduation pledge(s):
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Optional Fields
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Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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