| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 64.54 |
| Liaison | Shane Stennes |
| Submission Date | Oct. 25, 2012 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
ER-1: Student Sustainability Educators Program
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
5.00 / 5.00 |
Shane
Stennes Director of Sustainability University Services |
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):
This program occurred in each of the 11 residence halls. Community Advisors and Sustainability Advocates
presented information about the benefits of cycling to class and activities on campus. They also engaged in conversation with students about tips, ‘how to’ and provided campus resources.
The learning outcome was to
help students make sustainable choices in their transportation modes.
A brief description of how the student educators are selected (1st program):
Community Advisors are selected annually from a highly rigorous process. Over 300 students regularly apply for 50-70 open positions. CAs are expected to offer peer to peer education on a regular basis and on a myriad of topics for students. Sustainability Advocates are then selected from the final CA staff to represent the specific interests of Sustainability efforts on campus and in Housing and Residence Life. CAs can both apply and be appointed to the Sustainability Advocate position. They relay information, programs and opportunities to all of their staff who then distribute it to students.
A brief description of the formal training that the student educators receive (1st program):
All Community Advisors complete a two week training that equips them with peer educator skills in the areas of: presenting information, passive education, active listening skills, helping skills and an overview of the department’s values which includes Sustainability as a core focus. From there, the Sustainability Advocates receive ongoing training in their monthly meetings in how to construct sustainability programs and effective ways to have related conversations.
A brief description of the staff and/or other financial support the institution provides to the program (1st program):
Programs in a Box are financially supported by the Sustainability Education Funds, National Residence Hall Honorary and by student programming funds. Each peer educator is responsible for using these funding avenues to tailor and support their unique version of the program. All Program in a Box events have the staff support of at least one, and often two full-time University Staff Members.
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):
This program occurred in each of the 11 residence halls. Community Advisors and Sustainability Advocates asked students to correctly sort actual trash into the correct recycling container. Students learned which materials can go in our three bin system and the educators addressed common issues and mistakes. The outcome was to ensure students had increased knowledge about how to correctly recycle on campus.
A brief description of how the student educators are selected (2nd program):
Community Advisors are selected annually from a highly rigorous process. Over 300 students regularly apply for 50-70 open positions. CAs are expected to offer peer to peer education on a regular basis and on a myriad of topics for students. Sustainability Advocates are then selected from the final CA staff to represent the specific interests of Sustainability efforts on campus and in Housing and Residence Life. CAs can both apply and be appointed to the Sustainability Advocate position. They relay information, programs and opportunities to all of their staff who then distribute it to students.
A brief description of the formal training that the student educators receive (2nd program):
All Community Advisors complete a two week training that equips them with peer educator skills in the areas of: presenting information, passive education, active listening skills, helping skills and an overview of the department’s values which includes Sustainability as a core focus. From there, the Sustainability Advocates receive ongoing training in their monthly meetings in how to construct sustainability programs and effective ways to have related conversations.
A brief description of the staff and/or other financial support the institution provides to the program (2nd program):
Programs in a Box are financially supported by the Sustainability Education Funds, National Residence Hall Honorary and by student programming funds. Each peer educator is responsible for using these funding avenues to tailor and support their unique version of the program. All Program in a Box events have the staff support of at least one, and often two full-time University Staff Members.
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):
This program occurred in each of the 11 residence halls. Community Advisors and Sustainability Advocates showed a series of film clips and engaged in conversation with students about tap water vs. bottled water. Students were asked to read an email once a week for four weeks that continued to introduce the concepts of bottled water and equity and drinking water. Students were asked to complete a post program survey to indicate what they had learned. The learning outcome was to provide information so students could analyze data and make the choice most appropriate for them regarding bottled water.
A brief description of how the student educators are selected (3rd program):
Community Advisors are selected annually from a highly rigorous process. Over 300 students regularly apply for 50-70 open positions. CAs are expected to offer peer to peer education on a regular basis and on a myriad of topics for students. Sustainability Advocates are then selected from the final CA staff to represent the specific interests of Sustainability efforts on campus and in Housing and Residence Life. CAs can both apply and be appointed to the Sustainability Advocate position. They relay information, programs and opportunities to all of their staff who then distribute it to students.
A brief description of the formal training that the student educators receive (3rd program):
All Community Advisors complete a two week training that equips them with peer educator skills in the areas of: presenting information, passive education, active listening skills, helping skills and an overview of the department’s values which includes Sustainability as a core focus. From there, the Sustainability Advocates receive ongoing training in their monthly meetings in how to construct sustainability programs and effective ways to have related conversations.
A brief description of the staff and/or other financial support the institution provides to the program (3rd program):
Programs in a Box are financially supported by the Sustainability Education Funds, National Residence Hall Honorary and by student programming funds. Each peer educator is responsible for using these funding avenues to tailor and support their unique version of the program. All Program in a Box events have the staff support of at least one, and often two full-time University Staff Members.
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):
In conjunction with UDS’ evolving sustainability platform, UDS has developed a “Green Team” Internship Program to assist in research and customer engagement in Dining’s social responsibility and environmental efforts. Green Team interns are University of Minnesota students who have a passion for educating others about environmental responsibility. Green Team members work to provide education about organic composting, recycling and other UDS sustainability efforts for students, faculty, and staff on campus.
A brief description of how the student educators are selected (All other programs):
Students apply for the internship and are then selected by UDS staff based on their applications and interview process.
A brief description of the formal training that the student educators receive (All other programs):
Green Team training is held twice a year in a day long event. The students learn an overview of programs that dining services hosts and promotes, and how to communicate these programs to the campus community. One event they work to organize and staff is the Eat Well, Live Well event, which promotes healthy and sustainable food choices. At the training, students learn about the composting process and how to communicate that information to customers, as they are responsible for promoting and assisting customer with the composting program daily in Coffman Union.
A brief description of the staff and/or other financial support the institution provides to the program (All other programs):
Students are paid through the University Dining Services support budget for student employees.
The program was formalized by UDS in September 2007. There are currently three paid intern Green Team Positions.
The website URL for all other programs:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
Enrollment data for Fall 2010. Available at http://www.oir.umn.edu/student/enrollment/term/1109/current/11944
Enrollment data for Fall 2010. Available at http://www.oir.umn.edu/student/enrollment/term/1109/current/11944
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.