Applied Studies

Campus Sustainability Project

Campus Sustainability Project

Sustainable Solutions Start with You- Be Part of Our Campus Applied Studies Cohort!

What is the Campus Sustainability Project Cohort?

On April 11, 2024 the Board of Governors approved ULethbridge鈥檚 inagural . It includes principles that focus on creating 鈥渁 vision for campus sustainability and action [that] is informed by early definitions and priority setting鈥 which meets the needs of today without compromising the needs of tomorrow.鈥 It 鈥渟trive[s] to create, model, and share ideas and innovations for engaged and knowledgeable citizenry, sustainable systems and surroundings, and conscious decision-making and leadership.鈥

The Campus Sustainability Project Cohort allows students an opportunity to get involved in sustainability initiatives on campus that interest them. Participants can select from a list of pre-existing campus sustainability projects or propose their own based on the three overarching goals found in the Sustainability Action Plan. Sustainability is a multi-disciplinary problem and as such, the cohort is open to students across faculties and disciplines.

Overarching Goals

1. Empower Action

  • Sustainability Leadership
  • Teaching & Learning
  • Research, Scholarship & Creativity
  • Community Engagement & Collaboration
  • Communication & Celebration

2. Leverage Efficiency & Innovation

  • Energy & Emissions
  • Sustainable Buildings
  • Travel & Transportation
  • Water -Waste
  • Food Security and Operations

3. Sustain Biodiversity

  • Respect for Native Biodiversity
  • Land Use Management

What are Applied Studies?

Applied Studies are customized work-integrated learning courses that allow you to earn academic credit by combining practical work experience with your academic studies, bridging the gap between theory and real-world application and giving you the opportunity to enhance practical skills.

Qualifications and Pre-requisites
  • Minimum 2.0 GPA
  • Second-year standing (a minimum 30.0 credit hours)
  • Mature, self-directed person who is able to work both independently as well as part of a team
  • Open to all majors
  • Commitment to impacting community, preserving our local environment, and respecting traditional knowledge
Basic Requirements
  • The Campus Sustainability Cohort runs every Fall, Winter, and Summer semester.
  • Submit monthly reports to the Applied Studies Coordinator.
  • Participate in bimonthly meetings with other cohort participants.
  • The Applied Studies Instructor and the Vice President of Research and Innovation Services will evaluate your performance throughout the semester, including mandatory attendance of one monitor visit during the semester.
  • At the completion of your placement, the workplace supervisor will complete a final evaluation assessing your performance.

Getting Started

1. Find a Position

Start by researching a campus sustainability project work placement (paid or volunteer) that aligns with your field of study. You can explore opportunities on MyExperience's Careers Job board, engage in discussions with faculty based on recommended positions, or self-initiate placements. Aim for a minimum of 120 hours of work within a semester in a position related to your professional goals.

2. Connect with Applied Studies Instructor

Once you have a potential position or research in mind - it is time to talk to an Applied Studies Instructor.

  • Set up an Appointment: Use MyExperience to schedule an appointment with an Applied Studies Instructor. They are experienced professionals who can assist you throughout the process.
  • Discuss Course Options: During the appointment, the instructor will provide you with detailed information about the available course options related to your field of study. They will explain the requirements, expectations, and potential outcomes of each course.

3. Get Inspired: Make an Impact on Campus Sustainability

Looking for meaningful ways to explore sustainability with the Campus Sustainability Cohort? Whether you're interested in nature, policy, design, or community engagement, here are some ideas to spark your passion!

  • Sustainability Walking Path
    Design an interactive path across campus that highlights key sustainability initiatives being worked right at the 免费福利资源在线看片 of Lethbridge鈥攈elping students and visitors learn as they explore.

  • Campus-Wide Sustainability Contest
    Lead or contribute to a creative contest that invites the campus community to propose and implement innovative sustainability solutions, or questions for further research.

  • Campus Ecosystems Exploration
    Study the organisms thriving in campus habitats like our pond, and swamp. Help others connect with the natural environment.

  • Guided Nature Walks
    Create a program that gets the campus community outside鈥攖hrough birdwatching, plant identification walks, or seasonal eco-tours.

  • Waste & Recycling Audit
    Conduct a study of how materials are used and disposed of on campus. Identify opportunities to reduce waste and promote better recycling practices.

  • Active Transportation & Bike Culture
    Explore how to support low-impact transportation like biking or e-scooters. Could a student-led bike club or improved infrastructure encourage greener commuting?

  • Water Conservation Initiatives
    Research ways the campus can reduce water use and promote water-wise habits to lower its ecological footprint.

  • Human-Deer Interaction Study
    Examine how students and wildlife interact on campus鈥攁nd develop ideas for improving coexistence with local species.

  • Edible Planters & Food Security
    Explore how green spaces can contribute to sustainable food practices on campus.

  • Campus Wildlife Policy Review
    Review current policies related to wildlife and propose updates that support ethical and sustainable practices.

  • Insects on Campus: Biodiversity Study
    Discover the small but vital insect populations living on campus. Document species and consider how to protect local biodiversity.

These are just starting points. Let your curiosity guide you as you explore the . Every project, no matter the size, can contribute to a more sustainable campus community.