| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 70.01 |
| Liaison | Cindy Shea |
| Submission Date | July 18, 2014 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
IN-1: Innovation 1
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 1.00 |
Jaye
Cable Chair, Curriculum for the Environment and Ecology Department of Marine Sciences |
Title or keywords related to the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
A brief description of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome :
The Institute for the Environment launched the Sustainable Triangle Field Site (STFS) in spring of 2011 as an urban field site experience located on and near the UNC campus.
With its proximity to both strong academic departments and pioneering private and nonprofit enterprises, the STFS offers students the opportunity to pair academic studies in the environment, urban planning, geography, health, and related fields with practical experience delivered through internships and Capstone research projects.
The STFS is a unique and flexible field program that serves students in residence at UNC. Rather than spending a semester at another location with a small cohort, students participating in the STFS retain their established Chapel Hill residences, relationships and school base. They learn and grow as a group through common courses, Capstone team projects, field experiences, weekly dinners, and seminars. Internships place students at nonprofits, governmental entities and private companies around Chapel Hill and in nearby communities. Through these internships, students may take part in sustainability research, craft environmental education programs, or help develop a sustainable business model. By exploring how sustainability is practiced on and near their own campus, STFS students gain an understanding of how communities, industries, government and nonprofit organizations can work together toward a sustainable future.
The STFS accommodates up to 16 students each spring semester.
A brief description of any positive measurable outcomes associated with the innovation (if not reported above):
Around 45 students have participated in the Sustainable Triangle Field Site since spring 2011. Students have the opportunity to work with local businesses and organizations and complete a project and report during the internship. These partnerships prepare students for careers in sustainability and provide a service to local organizations. Interns have advanced on and off campus recycling programs, local food purchases, emergency preparedness, and bicycle infrastructure on campus.
A letter of affirmation from an individual with relevant expertise:
Which of the following STARS subcategories does the innovation most closely relate to? (Select all that apply up to a maximum of 5):
| Yes or No | |
| Curriculum | Yes |
| Research | Yes |
| Campus Engagement | Yes |
| Public Engagement | Yes |
| Air & Climate | --- |
| Buildings | --- |
| Dining Services | --- |
| Energy | --- |
| Grounds | --- |
| Purchasing | --- |
| Transportation | --- |
| Waste | --- |
| Water | --- |
| Coordination, Planning & Governance | Yes |
| Diversity & Affordability | --- |
| Health, Wellbeing & Work | --- |
| Investment | --- |
Other topic(s) that the innovation relates to that are not listed above:
The website URL where information about the innovation is available :
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.