| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 47.57 |
| Liaison | Keaton Schrank |
| Submission Date | June 9, 2011 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Westminster University - Utah
ER-1: Student Sustainability Educators Program
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
5.00 / 5.00 |
Kerry
Case Environmental Director Environmental Center |
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):
Each year, the Westminster College Environmental Center selects a cohort of 3-4 campus sustainability fellows. These students work collaboratively, under the guidance of the Environmental Center Director, to identify, implement, and assess at least two projects that promote widespread student learning about sustainability, encourage energy-saving behavior(s), and reduce the College’s emissions footprint. Fellows are paid as student employees for their time working on the projects and must be able to dedicate at least ten hours per week for the full school year.
Desired qualifications include
• Commitment to improving Westminster’s campus sustainability
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Success working with peers
• Desire to learn more about effective methods for institutionalizing sustainability
Campus Sustainability Fellows submit cover letters and resumes and are selected by the Westminster Environmental Center Director. The position is open to all undergraduate students.
A brief description of the formal training that the student educators receive (1st program):
Campus Sustainability Fellows work in the Environmental Center and have constant mentorship by the Environmental Center Director at weekly meetings. Fellows receive traning in community based social marketing, using campus communications/media programs, and volunteer recruitment. Students also conduct training for the Residence Hall Eco-Reps as part of their duties.
A brief description of the staff and/or other financial support the institution provides to the program (1st program):
Campus Sustainability Fellows are paid hourly as student employees by the college. Additionally, a minimum of 10% of the Environmental Center Director's time is dedicated to this program.
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):
Westminster's Bicycle Collective is part of the duties of the Campus Bicycle Coordinator and Bicycle Technicians (all student employment positions). Applicants submit a cover letter and resume and are selected by the Environmental Center Director. In addition, students volunteer for the program helping out at weekly open shop hours, making bike safety videos, doing campus outreach, and leading group rides. Volunteers are recruited and selected by the Campus Bicycle Coordinator and bike club.
A brief description of the formal training that the student educators receive (2nd program):
The Bicycle Collective student workers and volunteers receive training on the campus free bike rental program, using campus communications and outreach systems, and outreach strategies. Additionally the Environmental Center funds these students' attendance at Salt Lake City Bicycle clinics and workshops. All paid employees for this program work in the Environmental Center and recieve ongoing mentorship from the Environmental Center Director.
A brief description of the staff and/or other financial support the institution provides to the program (2nd program):
Bicycle Collective student workers are paid hourly as student employees. Approximatedly 5% of the Environmental Center Director's time is dedicated to this program. Additionally, the program has access through both the Environmental Center budget and donor contributions.
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):
Westminster's organic garden effort has recently expanded to include sustainable food discussions and vegetarian cooking classes. These are overseen by 1-2 Campus Garden Coordinator(s) who are student employees. Westminster's Organic Garden student workers apply by submitting a cover letter and resume and are selected by the Environmental Center Director and Garden Committee. Additionally student volunteers help organize and coordinate some aspects of the garden, like the Chicken Co-operative. These students are recruited and selected by the Garden Coordinator and Garden Committee.
A brief description of the formal training that the student educators receive (3rd program):
Like other Environmental Center student employees, Garden Coordinators receive training in community based social marketing, campus communications systems, and outreach. Westminster's Organic Garden student workers work in the Environmental Center and recieve ongoing mentorship from the Environmental Center Director and Garden Committee members. The center also provides funding for Garden Coordinators to attend local sustainable agriculture workshops.
A brief description of the staff and/or other financial support the institution provides to the program (3rd program):
Westminster's Organic Garden student workers are paid hourly as student employees. Approximately 10% of the Environmental Center Director's time is dedicated to this program. The program is funded by the college through the Environmental Center budget and donor funds.
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):
Julie Tille, the advisor for the Center for Civic Engagement, hires students with strong service backgrounds to help other students complete service.
A brief description of the formal training that the student educators receive (All other programs):
Julie Tille oversees the students and makes sure they are capable of conducting and leading service projects. Some are trained by Ameri-Corps.
A brief description of the staff and/or other financial support the institution provides to the program (All other programs):
Westminster College funds the Center for Civic Engagement. Students often find outside donors for projects and work with other charities.
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.