What is an Eco-Rep?
Eco-Reps are peer educators for campus sustainability.
Trained in the basics of W&L's campus sustainability initiatives by the Office of Sustainability and Energy Education (OSEE) in topics including building & grounds, energy, waste, food, and climate action goals, Eco-Reps help share accurate sustainability information as questions come up in campus peer groups.
Eco-Reps are listed as peer resources on the Sustainability website and may be approached for more formal guidance (e.g. a student org may ask for advice on planning a sustainable event), or simply be a trusted resource in informal situations (e.g. a friend at lunch may want to confirm if their cup goes in the recycling or compost bin).
Eco-reps also help OSEE develop programming and information campaigns by submitting at least one suggestion for a targeted student engagement/peer education. Eco-Reps are not responsible for implementing these programs, but will be welcome to participate as much as their time and interest allows.
What does training entail and what is the time commitment of being an Eco-Rep?
- Eco-Reps complete three learning modules through Canva. Each module should take no more than 1 hour to complete.
- Eco-Reps attend an in-person session for each module. These will be no more than one hour, will be scheduled according to the times most convenient to the full cohort, and will include refreshments!
- Based on information from modules, in-person discussions, and (importantly!) life experience, at the end of the training period each student will submit a detailed suggestion for a peer-education event or initiative.
Training time totals 6 hours over the course of a semseter. Additional time spent on Eco-Rep duties during the semester will vary by individual level of engagement, but typically total time (including training) per semester will not exceed 12 hours.
A very brief "refresh" module (30 minutes or less) will be offered every fall for Eco-Reps who wish to renew their annual certification.
What are the benefits of being an Eco-Rep?
Along with a motivated peer cohort, Eco-Reps:
- Achieve a solid understanding of current environmental challenges and practical solutions.
- Play a formal volunteer role in positively impacting W&L's sustainability programs and policies.
- Develop leadership and communication skills.
- Attain official W&L Eco-Rep certification and public recognition as peer educators on the Sustainability Office website.
- Have access to special opportunities to connect with key members of the W&L administration and campus visitors on important sustainability issues.
What is an Eco-Leader?
Eco-Leaders are students who build on their Eco-Rep certification with additional learning that includes a broader global context and a wider focus on connections between environmental, social, and economic issues.
Eco-Leader certification is achieved through participation in educational opportunities additional to the Eco-Rep training, including at least three in-person discussion sessions and three experiences, selected from a slate of options. These may include attending on-campus talks, "behind-the scenes" tours or activities related to campus operations, or engaging in an off-campus program or event. Options will be offered regularly throughout the academic year and students may meet the criteria as their schedule permits.
Layered on to the benefits of being an Eco-Rep, the Office of Sustainability will sponsor Eco-Leaders' participation in the Environment Virginia Symposium, a marquee statewide event held annually in April at VMI.
While specific engagement will vary from year to year, Eco-Leaders will also enjoy special opportunities to engage in university policy and planning discussions and with students from other colleges and universities in the region on sustainability issues.
Students should indicate their interest in the Eco-Leader program upon completion of their Eco-Rep certification.