University of Michigan
EN-1: Student Educators Program

As part of the campus-wide Planet Blue Ambassadors program, this initiative gives students valuable training and tools to foster a culture of sustainability on campus. Student Leaders conduct educational programming, lead waste audits, and serve as peer-to-peer mentors in their U-M Housing communities. There are two primary parts of being a Planet Blue Student Leader (PBSL): an academic component via a one-credit seminar on campus, and a volunteer component, with the requirement of dedicating three to five hours per week toward Planet Blue Ambassador service and/or learning during the semester. The one-credit seminar provides skills training and intellectual frameworks for students to be effective sustainability leaders and “change agents” in campus housing units. The PBSL course draws from leading research and best practices and explores sustainability from the perspective of behavioral change, communication, and organizational change. Multiple guest speakers and lecturers are featured throughout the seminar, helping participants to learn about sustainability from multiple experts and stakeholders.

Applications are accepted for fall & winter semesters. Students from diverse academic backgrounds and interests are encouraged to apply for the program. Any student living in a University Housing apartment or residence hall is eligible. To participate in the program students must: Live in University Housing, Enroll in a 1-credit Credit/No-Credit seminar (UC 227), Attend Bi-Weekly Working Sessions, Agree to spend approximately 3-5 hours per week as a Planet Blue Student Leader (including but not limited to time in the seminar). Applications are reviewed by U-M staff & selections made prior to the start of the semester.

Students in the seminar will gain necessary skills and training as well as the intellectual framework for being effective Planet Blue Student Leaders in the residence halls. The seminar is designed to: provide a solid foundation for success through direct linkages with key University staff and faculty; ensure accountability to peers and instructors; and create an environment for co-learning via peer-to-peer mentoring. Seminar Goals Include: *Train Planet Blue Student Leaders (PBSLs) in theory and practice for encouraging environmentally responsible behaviors amongst students in residence halls, based in part on community-based social marketing literature and practice. The ultimate programmatic goal is to create a culture of sustainability in U-M residence halls and beyond. *Orient PBSLs to the people and resources available to provide assistance in implementing sustainability-related programming including resources at the Office of Campus Sustainability, University Housing, various schools and colleges (e.g., SNRE, LS&A, Engineering), the Graham Sustainability Institute and other centers (e.g., Michigan Sea Grant, Center for Sustainable Systems). *Provide a forum to encourage peer-to-peer learning about tactics to influence environmental behavior and support sustainability education. *Provide training in effective leadership, organizing, communication and organizational change and link with campus communications and public outreach resources.

In the fall of 2011, the University of Michigan announced a suite of Guiding Principles and 2025 Sustainability Goals. One of these was U-M’s goal to change behaviors and cultivate a campus-wide ethic of sustainability by investing in programs to educate our community, track behavior, and report on progress over time. With a funding commitment from the President, the Planet Blue Ambassadors Program was launched as part of a university-wide commitment to meet campus sustainability goals. This expansive program trains, educates, and encourages students, faculty, and staff to be "models" of sustainability.