| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 75.37 |
| Liaison | Suchi Daniels |
| Submission Date | Jan. 14, 2014 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University of South Florida (Tampa)
ER-1: Student Sustainability Educators Program
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
5.00 / 5.00 |
Kebreab
Ghebremichael Director of Water Sustainability Concentration Patel College of Global Sustainability |
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):
The students receive training for this position through their involvement in the Sustainability Internship Program through the Office of Sustainability. They are responsible for coordinating and implementing university sustainability initiatives. Direct student interaction includes updates on day-to-day activities and review of completed materials for both graduate and undergraduate students. Examples of activities include the distribution of sustainability practices and information during Bull markets, week of welcome, Earthday, facilitate recycling and water conservation awareness campaigns, and sustainability competitions in the residence halls.
A brief description of how the student educators are selected (1st program):
The Office of Sustainability is advised by the Sustainable Initiative Steering Committee that represent different colleges, administrative departments and student. Through the Office of Undergraduate Research students are informed of the various research internship opportunities that are available for sustainability projects. Interested students are encouraged to apply for projects in which they qualify. Applications are evaluated by the Office of Sustainability and accepted students are placed on the appropriate projects. The Office of Sustainability will assign mentors.
A brief description of the formal training that the student educators receive (1st program):
The director of the Office of Sustainability, Patel College of Global Sustainability faculty and program manager advise the student mentors by providing information about the current sustainable initiatives on campus. Formal training regards familiarizing with the sustainability reporting systems, sustainability initiatives in campus, using the office equipment and coordination with other sustainability faculty and staff.
The students receive training for this position through the Office of Sustainability. They are responsible for coordinating and implementing university sustainability initiatives. This position is normally unpaid internship program but the Office of Sustainability generously provides a payment to the students.
A brief description of the staff and/or other financial support the institution provides to the program (1st program):
The student is provided a stipend of $250 for one semester. The time commitment for this program is roughly 5 hours per week for one semester.
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):
The Office of Sustainability in collaboration with the Office of Undergraduate Research initiated the Sustainability Scholars Program. This service-learning program provides talented USF undergraduate students with the opportunity to work closely with the Office of Sustainability staff to make USF a Green University. Sustainability Scholars work collaboratively with stakeholder groups on campus to conduct “sustainability audits” of selected programs, offices, and businesses, examining and assessing coupled social, economic, and environmental practices that promote or impede sustainability. Scholars share their results with the group in the form of a sustainability report card with specific suggestions for creating or improving sustainable practices. The greater goal of the research effort is to help the USF community become a cleaner, greener place to live and work.
A brief description of how the student educators are selected (2nd program):
Two Sustainability Scholars are selected each fall and spring semester among a pool of applicants for these positions. Applications, consisting of a letter of interest, resume, and letter of recommendation, are screened by the Office of Sustainability and the Patel College of Global Sustainability faculty.
A brief description of the formal training that the student educators receive (2nd program):
Throughout the experience, Sustainability Scholars learn how to construct and implement a formal research design, receive training in research ethics and relevant methods for data collection and analysis, and use their results to help create and evaluate policies and programs for sustainability initiatives at USF. These students work closely with Office of Sustainability staff and work directly with Patel College of Global Sustainability faculty and with many of the sustainability related groups and initiatives on campus.
A brief description of the staff and/or other financial support the institution provides to the program (2nd program):
Each scholar is awarded $1000 and receives three credit hours of mentored “Undergraduate Research.” The time commitment for this program is roughly 10 hours per week for one semester.
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):
In collaboration with the Office of the Provost, the Office of Sustainability started the Sustainability Fellows Program. This service-learning program provides talented USF graduate students with the opportunity to work closely with the Office of Sustainability staff to make USF a Green University.
A brief description of how the student educators are selected (3rd program):
Two Sustainability Fellows are selected each fall and spring semester among a pool of applicants for these positions. Applications, consisting of a letter of interest, resume, and letter of recommendation, are screened by the university's Sustainability Initiative Steering Committee. Reappointment for a second semester is contingent upon satisfactory performance of assigned duties.
A brief description of the formal training that the student educators receive (3rd program):
Sustainability Fellows serve as 0.25-0.50 FTE Graduate Research Assistants, working 10-20 hours per week to help coordinate sustainability activities on campus, educational and community-based initiatives on sustainability, and other tasks integral to the mission of the Office of Sustainability. Students in this position work closely with Office of Sustainability staff and work directly with many of the sustainability related groups and initiatives on campus.
A brief description of the staff and/or other financial support the institution provides to the program (3rd program):
Each fellow receives a stipend of $3750-$7500 (for Ph.D. students) or $2500-$5000 (for MA students) per semester along with the rights afforded to graduate assistants as outlined in the USF/BOT-UFF/GAU Collective Bargaining Agreement.
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):
Members of the Green LLC in Maple B hall have participated in the following:
• RecycleMania along with the entire HRE department;
• Indoor composting with worm canisters;
• Maintaining an outdoor butterfly garden;
• Viewing and discussing documentaries on global issues in sustainability;
• Sustainable programs such as making hair gel, learning to knit, having a hydroponic garden in the hall and doing some type of Earth Day project each year;
• Volunteering at the HRE Swap Shop 2 times per year to repurpose, reuse and reduce what is put in our land fills;
• Taking field trips to local organic farms and gardens;
• Meeting with professors who support green initiatives during House Calls program each fall with follow up programming throughout the year
• Residents in the Green LLC also volunteer at USF Botanical Gardens, Florida Aquarium and MOSI;
• Helping deliver energy reduction light switch covers to residents in fall 2013.
A brief description of how the student educators are selected (All other programs):
All components of a candidate’s application – including responses in their online application and their performance in their group and individual interviews – are taken into consideration when selecting Resident Assistants (RAs). Residential Life & Education staff members review all files and hire individuals who will bring various strengths to their community and staff teams.
A brief description of the formal training that the student educators receive (All other programs):
An extensive training program challenges and teach the students what they need to know to excel in the position. Training is required for student staff, so students should plan accordingly when considering to apply. Resident Assistants are trained in the areas of:
• Diversity/Multicultural Awareness
• Communication/Listening Skills
• Time Management
• Counseling/Conflict Mediation
• Leadership Styles
• Ethical Decision Making and Problem Solving
• Programming and Community Building"
A brief description of the staff and/or other financial support the institution provides to the program (All other programs):
RAs are compensated with housing in the area of the assignment provided. They are also given a meal plan, with the option to upgrade (at cost to the RA). Please see: http://www.housing.usf.edu/experience/employment/ra/
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.