Fellowships / Campus Sustainability

Student Sustainability Fellowships

Furthering sustainability on the PLU campus through student research in collaboration with faculty and staff.

Purpose

The Student Sustainability Fellowships are intended to provide an opportunity for students of any discipline to participate in furthering the sustainability efforts on the PLU campus. Students will actively engage in research about existing practices and uses of resources on the PLU campus and examine best practices on other college and university campuses and other facilities in the local area. They will also investigate and propose strategies and solutions to address sustainability practices on the PLU campus and help identify funding agencies or opportunities for the projects. The fellowships are also intended to continue the collaboration between students, faculty and staff around issues of sustainability while building the skills of the students. Example final research reports from past fellows are available below.

For 2008-2009

Three students will be funded this year, two on unrestricted sustainability topics and one Mithun Sustainability Fellowship, which focuses on the built environment.
Please see the Information Sheet under Downloadable Forms for details on the application procedure and the expectations of the fellowship.

Extended deadline for student application--Mithun projects only: April 25, 2008

Proposed Sustainability Projects

Objectives for Students

To pursue new knowledge in the area of sustainability with the focused, sustained support of faculty and staff mentors
To learn the issues, approaches, and techniques of a particular field
To develop written communication and collaboration skills
To lay the foundation for future professional development
To increase the sustainability practices on the PLU campus
To increase the collaboration between students, faculty, and staff

Objectives for Faculty

To bring academic rigor to the decision-making process of sustainable practices at PLU
To increase the sustainability practices on the PLU campus
To increase the collaboration between faculty, staff and students
To develop, maintain, and expand active research programs that involve undergraduates

Objectives for Adminstrative Staff

To bring knowledge of and experience with the management and operations of the PLU campus
To increase the sustainability practices on the PLU campus
To increase the collaboration between staff, faculty and students

Downloadable Forms

An Information Sheet is available that outlines the details of the fellowship application process and expectations.

For students to apply, please follow the instructions on the Student Application cover sheet.

If faculty or staff have ideas of projects that you would like to see happen, use this form to submit your ideas.

Research Reports

The Softer Side of Sustainability: Community Based Education, Leadership, and Action at Pacific Lutheran University, by Tamara Power-Drutis, Sustainability Fellowship, March 2008

Focus on Food: PLU's Sustainable Foods Movement, by Rachel Esbjornson, Sustainability Fellowship, August 2006

COMMON GROUND: Proposal for an Organic Community Garden at Pacific Lutheran University, by Kate Fontana, Sustainability Fellowship, August 2006