University of Mary Washington
EN-2: Co-Curricular Activities
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
Reporter |
Brenda
Togo Sustainability Coordinator Facilities Services |
2.1 Student sustainability organization
Narrative and/or website URL providing an overview of the sustainability-focused student organization(s):
The University of Mary Washington (UMW) offers a variety of sustainability-focused student organizations and initiatives that encourage active participation in environmental stewardship. Here are some key groups and programs:
1. Ecology Club (Eco Club):
One of the oldest and most active student organizations on campus, the Eco Club engages in environmental clean-ups, recycling programs, and various activities aimed at promoting sustainability. The club focuses on enjoyment, education, and action, working both on campus and within the broader community. https://cas.umw.edu/ees/clubs-and-organizations
2. Botany Club:
Dedicated to educating students about biology, ecology, and the practical uses of plants, the Botany Club covers topics ranging from seed saving and gardening to plant breeding. Members participate in projects like maintaining the UMW Pollinator Garden and exploring community gardening opportunities on campus.
3. Bee Club:
This club focuses on raising awareness about the importance of bees to agriculture and native flora. Collaborating closely with the local community, members engage in beekeeping activities and educational outreach to emphasize bees' critical role in ecosystems.
4. Better Energy Awareness and Mobilization (BEAM):
BEAM is a student group advocating energy conservation and the adoption of renewable energy on campus. They are actively involved in promoting sustainable energy practices and policies within the university community.
5. Eco-Reps:
A student-led volunteer advocacy group within UMW's Office of Sustainability, Eco-Reps work to advance the university's sustainability mission. They engage in educational initiatives, support research projects, and promote sustainable practices across campus. https://sustainability.umw.edu/
6. UMW Sustainability Internships:
The Office of Sustainability offers internships providing students with hands-on experience in sustainability projects. Interns contribute to making UMW a more sustainable campus by implementing new projects and encouraging student involvement. https://sustainability.umw.edu/
These organizations and programs reflect UMW's commitment to fostering a culture of sustainability, offering students numerous opportunities to engage in environmental initiatives both on campus and in the broader community.
Does the institution formally recognize at least one student organization that is focused on a topic other than sustainability, but is advancing ecological integrity or racial equity and social justice?:
Narrative and/or website URL providing an overview of the student organizations that are advancing ecological integrity or racial equity and social justice:
University of Mary Washington (UMW) formally recognizes several student organizations that, while not exclusively focused on sustainability, actively promote ecological integrity, racial equity, and social justice. These organizations operate under the auspices of the James Farmer Multicultural Center (JFMC) and the Multicultural Leadership Council (MLC), fostering a diverse and inclusive campus environment. Notable groups include:
1. Black Student Association (BSA): The BSA serves as a forum for students of all races to learn about African American cultures and history. It educates and addresses contemporary issues affecting the African American community.
2. Women of Color (WOC): Comprising individuals of various backgrounds and races, WOC aims to raise awareness of issues affecting minority women. The organization functions as a support group, helping students feel comfortable on campus and sponsoring events to increase consciousness of their mission.
3. DiversAbility: This organization focuses on promoting awareness and advocacy for individuals with disabilities, striving to create an inclusive environment for all students.
4. PRISM: Dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ students and allies, PRISM works to foster a campus climate of acceptance and equality through education and advocacy
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2.2 Sustainability-focused co-curricular activities
Description of and/or website URL for at least one major sustainability-focused event or series of events:
The University of Mary Washington (UMW) has hosted major sustainability-focused events targeting students over the past three years. Notably, UMW has been the venue for the annual Virginia Student Climate Action Summit, a student-led initiative that brings together high school and college students to discuss and promote actionable climate solutions. The most recent summit is scheduled for February 22, 2025, at UMW's University Center.
Does the institution have a sustainability-focused peer-to-peer education program in which student educators are selected and trained to help catalyze change among their peers?:
Description of and/or website URL for at least one sustainability-focused peer-to-peer education programs for students:
The University of Mary Washington (UMW) offers a sustainability-focused peer-to-peer education program through its Sustainability Internship initiative. Each semester, the Office of Sustainability selects and trains 4 to 6 student interns who are passionate about environmental issues. These interns engage in various activities, including organizing workshops, leading campus sustainability projects, and promoting environmental awareness among their peers. This hands-on experience not only empowers the interns to drive positive changes within the university community but also equips them with valuable skills for future endeavors.
UMW encourages student involvement in environmental initiatives through various clubs and organizations. For instance, the Ecology Club focuses on promoting sustainability through action and awareness, aiming to educate and engage the campus community in environmental issues. Similarly, the Botany Club and Bee Club provide platforms for students to explore ecological topics and contribute to sustainability efforts on campus.
Does the institution provide sustainability-focused employment opportunities for students on at least an annual basis?:
Description of and/or website URL for at least one sustainability-focused employment opportunity for students:
UMW provides sustainability-focused employment opportunities for students on an annual basis. We have 4-6 student interns working in areas such as grounds and landscaping, sustainability programs, and social media outreach, contributing to campus-wide sustainability efforts.
Does the institution have at least one student-managed enterprise that is sustainability-focused?:
Description of and/or website URL for at least one student-managed enterprise that is sustainability-focused:
1. Ecology Club (Eco Club): As one of the oldest and most active student organizations at UMW, the Eco Club engages in environmental clean-ups, recycling programs, and other activities aimed at promoting sustainability. The club focuses on enjoyment, education, and action, working both on campus and within the broader community.
CAS.UMW.EDU
2. Botany Club: This club is committed to educating students about biology, ecology, and the practical uses of plants. Members participate in projects like maintaining the UMW Pollinator Garden and exploring community gardening opportunities on campus.
SUSTAINABILITY.UMW.EDU
3. Bee Club: Dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of bees to agriculture and native flora, the Bee Club collaborates closely with the local community. Members engage in beekeeping activities and educational outreach to emphasize bees' critical role in ecosystems.
SUSTAINABILITY.UMW.EDU
4. UMW Sustainability Internship Program: The Office of Sustainability offers internships that provide students with hands-on experience in sustainability projects. Interns contribute to making UMW a more sustainable campus by implementing new projects and encouraging student involvement.
SUSTAINABILITY.UMW.EDU
Composting Initiatives: UMW has implemented composting programs as part of its waste reduction efforts. The university encourages composting food scraps and has integrated composting practices into its sustainability initiative
Description of additional sustainability-focused co-curricular activities for students:
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2.3 Percentage of students that participate in sustainability activities
Percentage of students that participate in sustainability activities:
Approach used to determine the percentage of students that participate in the institution’s sustainability activities:
Narrative outlining how student participation in the institution’s sustainability activities was determined:
University of Mary Washington (UMW) actively collects data on student participation in sustainability activities. The President's Council on Sustainability (PCS), established in 2009, plays a pivotal role in this effort. Comprising faculty, staff, and students, the PCS advises university leadership on sustainability policies and initiatives. It is responsible for making recommendations on sustainability issues, developing implementation strategies, and providing a cohesive public face for UMW's sustainability efforts. The PCS meets monthly during the academic year to discuss and coordinate these activities. Additionally, we use surveys to collect student feedback and measure participation levels in sustainability activities. These surveys help gauge student awareness, involvement, and interest in sustainability programs, providing valuable insights for continuous improvement. In addition to the PCS's efforts, UMW utilizes tools like Modern Campus Involve monitoring and enhance student engagement across various co-curricular activities, including sustainability programs. This platform enables the university to track attendance patterns, assess student behavior in real-time, and analyze participation data. Such data-driven insights are crucial for justifying financial investments in student programs and for understanding the impact of these activities on student retention and success. https://moderncampus.com/success-story/university-of-mary-washington-data-engagement.
UMW determines student participation in sustainability activities through a data collection strategy. Key methods include student surveys, event attendance tracking via Modern Campus Involve, membership records from sustainability-focused student organizations (e.g., Eco Club, Bee Club), and internship/volunteer participation recorded by the Office of Sustainability. Additionally, course enrollment in sustainability programs and participation in campus-wide sustainability initiatives (e.g., recycling challenges, Earth Week events) are tracked. Data from these sources is aggregated and analyzed against the total student population to calculate the percentage of students engaged in sustainability activities ensuring a thorough assessment of participation trends.
The Reporting Tool will automatically calculate the following figure:
Optional documentation
Additional documentation for this credit:
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.