| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 66.49 |
| Liaison | Ezra Small |
| Submission Date | July 29, 2011 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University of Massachusetts Amherst
ER-1: Student Sustainability Educators Program
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
5.00 / 5.00 |
Claire
Hopkins Student Sustainability Coordinator Physical Plant |
Total number of degree-seeking students enrolled at the institution:
Program name (1st program):
Number of students served by the program (1st program):
A brief description of how the student educators are selected (1st program):
The Student Program Managers are selected to run the entire program by the former Program Managers and the Sustainability Coordinator. It is their job to facilitate the entire program and educate the Area Eco-Reps. The program Managers are chosen from Area Eco-Reps who show leadership and facilitation skills. Area Eco-Reps educate and facilitate the Eco-Reps with the Direct Support of the Program Managers. Area Eco-Reps are selected through an application process. To apply to be an Area Eco-Rep the student has to have been an Eco-Rep.
A brief description of the formal training that the student educators receive (1st program):
Area Eco-Reps study the theory and practice of peer facilitation in their first semester in a formal class structure that includes readings and practical experience with the direct support of the Program Managers. These individuals take on progressively more facilitation responsibilities through weekly meetings. At the end of the first semester the Area Eco-Reps are competent student facilitators and are able to work with the Eco-Reps on their own.
A brief description of the staff and/or other financial support the institution provides to the program (1st program):
The Sustainability Coordinator at UMass Amherst is the anchoring body of the Eco-Rep Program. Through his position the Eco-Rep Program has financial and administrative support.
The website URL for 1st Program:
Program name (2nd program):
Number of students served by the program (2nd program):
A brief description of how the student educators are selected (2nd program):
Contact departments on campus to recruit students. Students are interviewed for the positions. Preference is given to first people apply and show the most interest. The program actively seeks people from diverse academic backgrounds who have a good sense of community.
A brief description of the formal training that the student educators receive (2nd program):
The first month of student committees existence is split in half between learning the history of the program and and the basic agricultural principle. The other half of the work is hands on learning in the garden.
A brief description of the staff and/or other financial support the institution provides to the program (2nd program):
Ryan Harb is the Chief Sustainability Specialist who oversees the permaculture garden and all future permaculture garden projects. Nathan Aldrich is the Sustainability Specialist who also works with the program and works closely with the student committee. Both these positions are funded through Auxiliary Services at the university as well as the gardens themselves.
The website URL for 2nd program:
Program name (3rd program):
Number of students served by the program (3rd program):
A brief description of how the student educators are selected (3rd program):
Students apply for internship positions. They submit a resume and cover letter and then are interviewed based on their qualifications and the need within the organization.
A brief description of the formal training that the student educators receive (3rd program):
The new student educators go through a brief training before the semester begins. During the semester the students have access to veteran student educators as well as UMass staff and faculty.
A brief description of the staff and/or other financial support the institution provides to the program (3rd program):
The Sustainability Initiative has a budget provided by the Physical Plant. The director of the Physical Plant works closely with the students to ensure the development and execution of sustainable programs.
The website URL for 3rd program:
Program name (All other programs):
Number of students served by the program (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.