Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 65.87
Liaison Jessica Bast
Submission Date Jan. 5, 2016
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.0

North Carolina State University
EN-1: Student Educators Program

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 4.00 / 4.00 Rebekah Dunstan
Sustainability Program Coordinator
University Sustainability Office
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Does the institution coordinate one or more ongoing student, peer-to-peer sustainability outreach and education programs that meet the criteria for this credit?:
Yes

Number of degree-seeking students enrolled at the institution:
33,989

Name of the student educators program (1st program):
NC State Stewards

Number of students served (i.e. directly targeted) by the program (1st program):
33,989

A brief description of the program, including examples of peer-to-peer outreach activities (1st program):

NC State Stewards is the university’s sustainability student leadership program, moving NC State to a brighter, stronger and more sustainable future. NC State Stewards promote sustainable practices among their peers and the community through workshops, presentations and campus events. But most importantly, NC State Stewards are role models, inspiring campus to consider the impact that personal decisions have on the environment, community and the future. Peer to peer activities include facilitating energy and water competitions within residence halls which includes educational presentations, bulletin boards and weekly emails with conservation tips. The NC State Stewards present at conferences across NC State and the state of North Carolina as well as the Southeastern EcoReps Conference in South Carolina. The NC State Stewards presented over 12 presentations 2014-2015. Other peer to peer activities including tabling events and demonstrations such as World Water Day and how to build your own solar phone charger.


A brief description of how the student educators are selected (1st program):

Each spring students are invited to complete an application for the NC State Stewards program. After a review of the applications received, a select number of applicants are invited for in person interviews. After the interview round, a select number of applicants are extended invitations to join the NC State Stewards program.


A brief description of the formal training that the student educators receive (1st program):

Each semester the NC State Stewards attend a retreat which includes team building, leadership development, public speaking skills and general information about sustainability at NC State.


A brief description of the financial or other support the institution provides to the program (1st program):

The NC State Stewards receive some program funding from the University Sustainability Office.


Name of the student educators program (2nd program):
EcoVillage Mentors

Number of students served (i.e. directly targeted) by the program (2nd program):
60

A brief description of the program, including examples of peer-to-peer outreach activities (2nd program):

An EcoVillage Mentor is a student staff position, requiring the mentor to live in Bragaw Hall with EcoVillage participants. EcoVillage Mentors collaborate with the EcoVillage Director and residence hall staff members to support students' transitions at the university and develop a community conducive to student success dedicated to:

Engaging in dialogues on national and international environmental issues such as global climate change, sustainable development, sustainable agriculture, and life-cycle assessment
Assessing personal environment footprints
Contributing to leading initiatives designed to engage the campus on sustainability theories and practices
Supporting and appreciating diversity and various perspectives among EcoVillage participants


A brief description of how the student educators are selected (2nd program):

Required Qualifications:
Enrolled as a full-time student
Completed a minimum of 29 credit hours prior to the start of employment
Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 at the time of application and appointment to position; maintain a 2.7 GPA throughout employment
No active record or University disciplinary action at the time of application, appointment to position, and during employment as an EcoVillage Mentor
Completed a minimum of one (1) semester of on-campus living
Expressed commitment to sustainable education and a sustainable lifestyle

Preferred Qualifications:
Declared major or academic degree plans related to: agriculture; agroecology; environmental science; engineering, design, architecture or management; food systems; sustainability; natural resources; sciences; or science education
Previous participation in internship, co-operative studies, student organization, or research projects related to sustainability

Submit Online Application
Participate in a 40-minute interview (sign-up for interview time as application is completed): February and March


A brief description of the formal training that the student educators receive (2nd program):

Ecovillage Mentors receive formal training/support in a variety of forms including:

Commitment to Sustainability:
Support EcoVillage Director in development of programming initiatives supporting sustainability
Provide direct support and mentorship for transitions associated with orientation to the university, resources for academic success and learning about various opportunities provided in college degree programs
Raise awareness about ecological issues and encourage environmentally responsible behavior
Serve as a role-model for EcoVillage's sustainability efforts through personal conduct and behavior
Inspire Village participants to pursue creative ways of incorporating sustainable living practices into the residence hall community

Academic Support:
Create and plan initial Mentor Welcome events to develop participant familiarity with University resources
Assist in forming and encouraging peer study groups within the Village community
Plan and coordinate monthly Faculty Hot Topics programs

Mentoring, Role-Modeling, and Peer Education:
Assist with the coordination, planning, and implementation of all Village activities including:
Welcome/Orientation, Capstone project, Educational Sessions, Faculty Hot Topics and Service Projects
Serve as project advisor supporting EcoVillage participants with University sustainability outreach projects
Plan monthly social/networking opportunities for assigned Mentor group

Time Commitment:
Attend weekly EcoVillage staff member meetings and curricular activities including: classes, lectures, faculty dinners, seminars, film series, and other community events
Maintain two office hours per week in the EcoVillage office
Attend and participate in bi-weekly mentor meetings
Participate in training prior to arrival of EcoVillage participants


A brief description of the financial or other support the institution provides to the program (2nd program):

University Housing provides funding for the village director, assistant director, 2 RA's and the mentors in addition to program funding.

The EcoVillage Mentors specifically receive the following Remuneration and Benefits:
$1,800 annual stipend ($900 per semester)
$250 meal allowance ($125.00 per semester)
ResNet services ($110 per semester)


Name of the student educators program (3rd program):
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Number of students served (i.e. directly targeted) by the program (3rd program):
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A brief description of the program, including examples of peer-to-peer outreach activities (3rd program):
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A brief description of how the student educators are selected (3rd program):
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A brief description of the formal training that the student educators receive (3rd program):
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A brief description of the financial or other support the institution provides to the program (3rd program):
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Name(s) of the student educator program(s) (all other programs):
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Number of students served (i.e. directly targeted) by all other student educator programs:
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A brief description of the program(s), including examples of peer-to-peer outreach activities (all other programs):
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A brief description of how the student educators are selected (all other programs):
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A brief description of the formal training that the student educators receive (all other programs):
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A brief description of the financial or other support the institution provides to the program (all other programs):
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Total number of hours student educators are engaged in peer-to-peer sustainability outreach and education activities annually:
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The website URL for the peer-to-peer student outreach and education program(s):
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.