Texas A&M University
ER-1: Student Sustainability Educators Program

Student educators submit an online application that assesses their relevant coursework, computer skills, experience, campus and community activities, extracurricular activities, and skills (grant writing, public speaking, etc). The application also gauges why they are interested in working with the Office of Sustainability and the goals they have for the internship. After applications are reviewed, the Office of Sustainability invites the top scorers to an in-person interview. At the interview we ask directed questions specifically about sustainability, their knowledge of, and interest in the program. We look for applicants who are good at working on teams, possess time management skills, and evaluate whether they are self-starters or need direction. After getting a sense of what their interests are and how they work we ask them specific questions to gauge their interest in topics where they are best suited. After these interviews the Office of Sustainability selects the best applicants that fit the projects we have slated for that semester.

We schedule an” Orientation Day” for all volunteers. During this day everyone can get to know each other and learn about the goals and mission of the Office of Sustainability. The general agenda is below: 1. Learn a little bit about everyone – names, degree, year, favorite movie/color/something fun and anything else they want to share, why they signed up etc. 2. Provide introduction about the office and goals for the future to motivate the volunteers (and share previous achievements like solar tables, water filling station etc.) 3. Watch the “Story of Stuff” discuss their views/thoughts/comments on them. 4. Go over a few basic terms to familiarize the team with basic definitions and jargon. 5. Review responsibilities of the volunteers and introduce the office certification programs. 6. Have all volunteers fill out any other paperwork that is needed. 7. Watch “The Story of Bottled Water,” and "The Story of Electronics" 8. Take the Sustainability Pledge 9. Take the Carbon Footprint quiz and a Slavery Footprint quiz 10. Share the volunteer responsibilities page with them as a list of ideas, opportunities and actions they can take on. 11. Provide example ideas of what they can do such as hosting a class once a month over a sustainability topic or encouraging students to take the pledge at the solar tables. 12. Answer any questions they have over their duties. 13. All volunteers should be well introduced to the new Sustainable Office Certification program, its checklist and ultimate goal.

The program is coordinated and run by the Office of Sustainability. It is funded through our office budget as well as a grant from the Aggie Green Fund. The program is managed by the Sustainability Officer, Sustainability Graduate Assistant, and the Sustainability Office Intern.

In conjunction with the Residence Hall Association (student self-governance), students are invited to apply to the Aggie eco-reps program. Ideal outcome would be at least one representative from each of the halls or apartment areas would be selected to work along with residence hall staff and hall council leaders. The applications will be screened and interviews will be conducted. Once selected, students are placed on payroll to receive a small stipend.

Residence Life partnered with Johnson Controls, Utilities & Energy Management (UEM) and the Office of Sustainability for training and development of curriculum regarding utilities conservation. There will be an orientation at the semester's start and weekly meetings at which training will occur.

This program is supported by the Aggie Green Fund, and the department of Residence Life through hall improvement funds and sustainability outreach funds. The Residence Hall Association has also committed its support as audits are completed and needs arise. Johnson Controls and Siemens have also pledged support for outreach initiatives.