Slippery Rock University
EN-4: Outreach Materials and Publications

SRU has two groups that regularly publish newsletters regarding upcoming sustainability events and educational materials.

The Robert A. Macoskey Center for Sustainable Systems Research & Education publishes a weekly newsletter containing upcoming events at the center, organic produce available, and sustainable living tips.

The School of Business's Sustainable Enterprise Accelerator (SEA) also issues a regular newsletter describing sustainable student internship opportunities, project case histories, client interviews, conservation tips, and upcoming sustainability events scheduled such as the SRU Slow Foods group, volunteer opportunities, Earth Day activities, etc.

The Harmony House at the Macoskey Center for Sustainable Systems Education and Research contains educational posters throughout the building that describe green features such as the geothermal heating system, daylighting, passive solar heating, alternative energy systems, use of recycled and low-VOC materials, composting systems, etc. Permanent interpretive display signs are also located along the onsite demonstration gardens, solar PV system, and nature hiking trails to describe sustainable landscaping features, permaculture planning used for site development, and alternative energy systems used.

A Campus Sustainable Features Map is also available, and shows various sustainable buildings/features with a description of each feature and why it is important (this map can be downloaded as a PDF at www.sru.edu/sustainability)

The SRU Campus Sustainable Features map highlights the institution's major visible sustainable features including green roofs, the harnessing human energy project, LEED certified buildings, the wind-powered lake aeration system, solar-powered rain water collection and drip irrigation system, rain gardens, wildlife sanctuaries, ecological research area, limestone classroom, solar systems, weather station, butterfly trail, hike/bike trail, and equestrian trail. The map is available for use during admissions walking tours and can also be downloaded by the general public from the sustainability office's website.

An informational flyer that explains SRU's commitment to sustainability and identifies sustainability-focused organizations and resources on campus is included in the "Successful Learning: A Guide to First Year Studies (FYRST) booklet that is the "go to" resource for incoming students.

Sustainability Seminars are offered as part of the FYRST year seminars for all incoming freshman.

Tours, posters and educational programs conducted at the Macoskey Center for Sustainable Research and Education also focus on teaching sustainable lifestyles.

Sustainability Seminars are offered as part of the FYRST year seminars for incoming freshman who reside in the residence halls.

Energy dashboards located in the lobbies of the Residence Halls also display current/historical electrical energy and water use, as well as energy conservation tips, to support periodic energy conservation contests.

Energy conservation booklets and similar material are available to be downloaded from our sustainability website (via the "energy conservation" button at www.sru.edu/sustainability), with hard copies of the same (and additional sustainability resource material) available to groups touring the Macoskey Center for Sustainable Systems Education and Research.

Videos on Youtube are another means of outreach used to promote sustainability at SRU.