June 2019: Campus Natural Reserve

The Campus Natural Reserve provides many opportunities for internships and student projects involving everything plants, animals, forest ecology, restoration and stewardship. They are currently in the process of creating a Story Map and slideshow that provides information of all of the experiential learning opportunities and best stewardship practices here at UC Santa Cruz.

The UCSC Campus Living Lab online map was created in response to the Campus Sustainability Plan's Action 4.3A which was to develop new materials to promote experiential learning, and Action 5.3A which is establishing a base line for formal and informal engagement opportunities. UCSC undergraduates Jon-Mychal Cox and Sarina Sylavong and UCSC Campus Natural Reserve manager Alex Jones used the paper Campus Living Lab map developed by the Sustainability Office as a starting point. They utilized UCSC ESRI's Story Map platform to design a "living" map to document many of UCSC's living labs.

The map includes a variety of on-campus organizations and programs within several categories: Agroecology, Design and Engineering, Environmental Education, Environmental Justice and Sustainability, UCSC Natural Reserves, and Stewardship and Natural History. Some labs include the Alan Chadwick Garden, Arboretum and Botanic Garden, and Forest Ecology Research Plot. Each living lab is mapped geographically on an interactive map and includes a program description and information about ways for students to get involved. 

If you have any updated information for organizations currently listed on the map, or would like to add organizations not currently listed, please email Alex at asjones@ucsc.edu. 

June 2019: Sustainability minor

Interested in pursuing a Minor in Sustainability Studies? This interdisciplinary minor is designed for students who are interested in working in the sustainability field, green entrepreneurships and startups, and want to be a part of the change to protect the environment in an equitable way. It offers a model for new undergraduate curriculum that emphasizes the central academic role of UCSC's college system. This is open to all UCSC students!

The curriculum is structured to:(i) facilitate interdisciplinary academic and research collaborations among faculty and students across multiple UCSC divisions (drawing on but outside of the divisional structure)

(ii) teach and train students to apply entrepreneurial design skills to the ecology and sustainability of design and application in the built environment, and combine STEM skills and social science knowledge to these ends

(iii) meet undergraduate demand for a sustainability curriculum with focuses distinct from those offered in existing UCSC departments

(iv) prepare students for professional careers in sustainability and entrepreneurship

The minor is designed to be a complement to students’ majors, allowing them to broaden their applied skills and knowledge, and their ability to analyze and understand complex systems and their interactions through society and the environment.  The minor will provide skills useful for work with non-profits, government agencies, small businesses and startups.  Businesses are increasingly interested in sustainability and specific positions are difficult to fill. Institutions of higher education, government agencies and others are also seeking staff with expertise in sustainability.

Learning objectives:Through the program’s learning objectives, students will:

1. Understand the causes, features, data, complexities, policies and practices giving rise to and needed to address the contemporary global socioecological crisis; the role of production, consumption, politics, policies, markets and behavior in this crisis; and options and alternatives for moving toward and achieving sustainability.

2. Learn basic applied STEM skills needed for dealing with real-world applications including assessments, measurements, technologies, behavior and other factors related to objective

3. Become cognizant of appropriate social science knowledge and methods needed to design and implement social enterprise and service learning projects in sustainability and ecological design and practice.

4. Design and conduct interdisciplinary research projects in issues and topics that are related to sustainability, including energy, food, water, the built environment, life-cycle analysis, waste disposal and recycling.

5. Design and participate in service-learning projects in collaboration with on- and off-campus units, agencies and organizations, and apply the knowledge and skills acquired through the minor.

To learn more about courses, see this page.
To learn more about program goals and course learning objectives, see this page.

June 2019: Sustainability Profile: Shirley Chun, and Alysia Tran

This month we had the privilege to interview our two Education and Outreach members, Shirley Chun, and Alysia Tran, who will be graduating this Spring. While we are sad to let them go, we are extremely proud of these sustainable banana slugs! We wish them the best in their future and hope that the Sustainability Office has given them the resources to succeed in their upcoming careers. Congrats Grads of 2019! 

Alysia and Shirley

1. What's your favorite memory working at the Sustainability Office?

Shirley: "My favorite memory working at the office is tabling at all the different events around campus. It’s a lot of fun getting to engage with people about sustainability and getting to know their stories."

Alysia: "My favorite memory working at the office is bonding with my E+O team! I am grateful for my amazing team and how well we work with each other."

2. While working in the office have you received any training, opportunities, or events that have helped you in your major or future jobs? If so which are they?

Shirley: "I have learned a lot from working in the office. Through participating in different sustainability events, tabling, working on newsletters, and collaborating with other teams in the office, I have learned a lot about sustainability, what it means to be sustainable, and the various ways to address climate change. I have also gained experience with marketing and promoting events through social media." 

Alysia: "As an aspiring software engineer, I feel that my position as a Website Assistant and Graphic Designer really allowed me to gain more experience in the field. I got to manage our Sustainability Office website and was in charge of making any necessary edits and updates to it. I also was in charge of making and banners and flyers for the teams across our office which allowed me to improve on my creativity. Throughout it all, I was able to expand on my skills and learn many new ones which have helped me become more well-rounded."

3. What is your major and how has the sustainability office help you achieve it?

Shirley: "As an Environmental Studies/Economics major the sustainability office has given me the opportunity to gain more hands on experience with both majors. Through all the different sustainability events, tabling, newsletters, and collaboration with other teams in the office, I have learned so much about sustainability and what it means to be sustainable. "

Alysia: "I am a Computer Science major, and I believe that my position in the office has allowed me to gain more experience in what it takes to manage a website, and it also allowed me to become more creative as I created banners and flyers. Working at the office has also allowed me to learn more about sustainability, and what it is about. "

4. Tell us about your experience at InterOrg 

Shirley: "InterOrg was a lot of fun! It was my third time attending the event, and my first time being involved in the planning process. It was really fun getting to spend the weekend away in the forest and getting to connect with students from different organizations."

Alysia: "I had so much fun at InterOrg! This year was my first InterOrg, and I really enjoyed spending the weekend with my coworkers and getting a chance to bond with not only our Sustainability Office but with other campus organizations as well. It was also an awesome experience being a part of the planning process and to see all the behind the scenes of what it takes to plan for the event!"

5. Is there something you would like UCSC students to know about the Sustainability office? 

Alysia: "Everyone at the office is super nice and friendly! Also, everyone seems to be doing literally everything which is really inspiring!"

6. What is something you recommend to interns at the Sustainability Office? 

Shirley: "I would recommend reaching out and getting to know everyone at the Sustainability Office, everyone is super friendly! I also recommend going out and participating in the different sustainability events, they’re a lot of fun and it’s a good way to meet new people and learn something new!"

Alysia: "I would recommend everyone to apply to work at the Sustainability Office because you will get a chance to grow on any desired skill and to work with other like-minded and motivated individuals. Once you are at the office, don’t be afraid to try things outside your comfort zone and to take on tasks outside your area! "

      

June 2019: Contests and Funding

GAPA Foundation Scholarship: Due: June 9th, 2019

You must be attending a post-secondary institution in the United States in the fall of 2019. We invite high school seniors, undergraduate, and graduate students to apply. The application is open to students who attend community college, university, and trade/vocational school. Applicants should have a strong history of activism within the API and/or LGBTQ communities; however, applicants do not need to identify as either to apply.

Abbott and Fenner Scholarship: Due: June 14th, 2019

Abbott & Fenner are committed to continuing our efforts at helping those who have the desire and ambition to succeed, with a $1,000 scholarship. The winner(s) of this annual scholarship will receive their award within 2 weeks of the listed deadline. All applicants should include their full name and mailing address with their submissions as well as the school they are currently attending.

Manos de Esperanza: Due: June 30th, 2019

A non-profit organization based in Northern California. Our primary purpose is to promote, plan and actively seek aid for those in need. As part of our support to local communities, Manos de Esperanza “Hands of Hope” Scholarship Program assists students in completing their undergraduate college education. Manos de Esperanza grants annual scholarships of $500 to $1000 to students who have a history of performing public service activities in their local community and who plan on contributing in the future. Students who demonstrate excellent leadership skills and commitment to their community are highly encouraged to apply. 

Scooter Inside Scholarship: Due: June 30th, 2019

The main aim of our scholarship program is to promote knowledge and awareness on different types of scooters and how to use them correctly on the road to avoid accidents.

Accidents are inevitable, and they can happen to anyone. The truth is, even those great scooterists and motorists that you admire also find themselves in accidents at one time or another. To prevent such incidents from taking place, our $1200 scholarship program is trying to promote deep knowledge on the best use of scooters and other accessories while on the road amongst the students. This will help students get more information about scooters, learn safety procedures and be more careful when using their scooters on the road.

Essay Topic: How to improve your scooting experience or your best scooter adventure.

Snow, Carpio & Weekley, PLC Education Scholarship: Due: June 30th, 2019

The Arizona Law Offices of Snow, Carpio & Weekley are pleased to offer the S.C.W. DREAMers Scholarship ($2,500). The Scholarship is open nationwide to those who will be attending college fall semester of 2019. Applicants must be a High School Senior or undergraduate United States DREAMer. Immigrants who meet certain criteria as listed below are referred to as DREAMers as they fill the requirements of the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act.

Migrant Farmworker Baccalaureate Scholarship: Due: July 1st, 2019

Provides support for a student with a history of migrating for employment in agriculture who has successfully completed one year of college to cover expenses beyond what the youth is entitled to in federal/state and other scholarship assistance. This scholarship is designed to assist the youth in obtaining a baccalaureate degree without being encumbered with substantial debt. 

Elmer Carvey Scholarship: Due: July 1st, 2019

The Elmer Carvey Memorial Scholarship is awarded to undergraduate students attending public, four-year colleges in California. The stipend is $1,500 for one year and is applied toward tuition during the 2019-2020 school year. Applications from students in physics, chemistry, materials science and engineering, whose desired career goals are in areas of interest to the society are encouraged (see http://sccavs.org/about.htm). (Planned careers in biology/medicine are generally not covered by this Scholarship unless they are interdisciplinary and involve areas of interest to the SCCAVS.) High school seniors and current college students may apply. Please address questions to info@sccavs.org. 

2019 PepsiCo Cesar Chavez Latino Scholarship: Due: July 22nd, 2019

Students of Latino descent who are beginning or continuing their studies at higher educational institutions in Arizona and California, to apply for the PepsiCo Cesar Chavez Latino Scholarship Fund. The Scholarship Fund provides $300,000 in scholarship awards to qualified Latino students in Arizona and California regardless of national origin or immigration status in an effort to promote their academic success. It supports 10 scholarships at $5,000 per student annually and will continue to do so until 2021. Scholarships are granted solely based on academic excellence, leadership in extra-curricular activities, commitment to volunteer service in the community and financial need. They are designed to supplement the students’ financial resources from family, government, and other sources. The intent is to fill the gaps our students encounter in financing a college education.

June 2019: Classes, Training, and Community

Student Environmental Center

The Student Environmental Center (SEC) is a student-run, student lead activist organization on campus dedicated to institutionalizing sustainability and environmental justice at UCSC through projects and events that educate and empower students. Reach out to sec-group@ucsc.edu for questions, inquires, and ways to get involved

LEED Accreditation Courses

Opportunity for UCSC faculty, staff students to access hundreds of hours of FREE online training and webinars through the US Green Building Council's LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Online platform through October 2019. The campus is looking for strong user engagement in this pilot year in order to identify the need for future years. Having at least a LEED-GA accreditation is viewed as a minimum qualification for most jobs within the green building industry. The platform includes access to learning modules that can be incorporated into existing course curricula, training resources for students seeking to pursue a LEED credential, and ongoing education materials for staff and faculty seeking to maintain their existing LEED credential. Questions can be emailed to education@usgbc.org. Educational Facilities Planner Chrissy Thomure at cthomure@ucsc.edu is the campus' official LEED liaison, and can also help point you in the right direction as needed. Learn more about the courses here.

SOCY 177E - Eco-Metropolis: Research Seminar in Urban and Environmental Studies

Session 1 June 24 - July 26: Explore the intersection of cities and the environment through the emerging field of environmental studies. Discuss topics including environmental justice and its relation to racism and gentrification, breaking down the separation between the natural and unnatural, how to build more sustainable cities in an equitable and inclusive way.

ENVS 104A/L - Field Methods Upper Division Course

Session 1 June 24 - July 26: Learn research design and basic field methodologies in the environmental sciences this summer: visit field sites; learn, design, and conduct sampling protocols; and analyze and present data! Concurrent enrollment in 104L is required.

ENVS 157 - Writing in the Natural Sciences

Session 2 July 29 - August 30: Guided practice in writing effectively about science and natural history for a variety of audiences. Assignments emphasize reporting first-hand observations, explaining processes and phenomena, understanding scientific papers, and writing about scientific and technical subjects for a general audience.

Summer Marine Ecology Field Lab

During Summer Session 1, BIOE 158L Marine Ecology Field Lab will be offered for the first time in several years and is a wonderful and unique opportunity for students to get a 5-unit BIO upper division or field experience. If you have questions, need a permission code please email JogSmith@ucsc.edu.

June 2019: Internships, Employment, and Volunteering

Sustainability Certificate Program: Project Manager

The Sustainability Certificate Program provides a unique opportunity for UCSC employees to explore issues, concepts and strategies for building a more sustainable and inclusive campus through the lens of multiple disciplines and perspectives. The Student Coordinator assists and supports this professional development program, and collaborates with students, staff and faculty to develop resources encourage inclusive sustainability. To apply, visit the Career Center website and search for position #5304 and follow application instructions there or, if you would like to be considered for a scholarship instead of hourly pay, send your resume and cover letter to scasey@ucsc.edu

Compensation: $13/hr 2019-20 school year or scholarship pay

Employment Dates: September, 2019 - June 2020; must be available Wednesdays from 12-4 pm fall, winter and spring quarters.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: Open until filled

PICA (Program in Community and Agroecology) Coordinators PICA is a student-run, student-led organization that focuses on developing a thriving food and environmental justice POC community. PICA is hiring one garden coordinator (academic year) and one compost coordinator (summer and/or academic year). Training will be given after hiring and experience is preferred. Please email your resume to pica@ucsc.edu Education for Sustainable Living Program (ESLP) ESLP is a collaborative and interdisciplinary student organization with the vision of reshaping the way we learn, effectively mentoring students, and engaging in projects that support sustainable development. Apply to become an organizer for the 2019-2020 school year, with the opportunity to volunteer or intern and then move into a paid positions. To get involved, email eslp@ucsc.edu with your resume, position you're interested in, and hours you're available to interview. For more information, visit eslp-enviroslug.org. County of Santa Clara, Office of Sustainability Internship The County of Santa Clara Office of Sustainability (OOS) is seeking up to two student interns who should be junior or senior year college students. This internship will support the OOS to implement the Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN) 2019 grant. BayREN is a collaboration of the nine Bay Area Counties that work together to implement local and regional energy efficiency programs. Grant funds are provided to the County of Santa Clara (County) to implement and outreach the six BayREN subprograms within the County. Under the guidance of OOS Senior Management Analyst, the fellow will assist in the implementation and marketing of the six BayREN programs. Learn more about the internship and how to apply here. City of Berkeley – Office of Energy and Sustainable Development The City of Berkeley’s Office of Energy and Sustainable Development (OESD) leads the City’s sustainability efforts to reach the ambitious Climate Action Plan goals, strives to help Berkeley residents, businesses and the city government create a healthy, equitable, and safe community, and coordinates with multiple city departments to monitor and track CAP implementation and metrics, and focuses its efforts on energy, electric vehicles, and green building related policies, strategies, and programs. The Fellow’s efforts will directly benefit the OESD, building the office’s capacity to engage and educate a broad swath of the community on climate mitigation solutions. The Fellow will identify contacts, develop curriculum and implement an outreach plan, with a focus on hard-to-reach populations. The Fellow’s outreach will increase residents’ knowledge and awareness of both climate change problems and solutions, and identify ways for residents to meaningfully participate in mitigation efforts. Learn more about the project here. Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center Summer Positions Exhibits & Interpretation Intern The Sanctuary Exploration Center in Santa Cruz is seeking a summer intern to assist with public education and interpretation programs. Working with staff, the intern will develop a  pop-up interactive focusing on either plankton or marine mammals. They will develop instructions, materials and guides the interactive and lead the interactive throughout the week. It is important for this person to enjoy interacting with the public and be a proactive member of a team.  Additionally, competent computer skills in Microsoft office is necessary. Public Programs Intern The Sanctuary Exploration Center in Santa Cruz is seeking a summer intern to assist with public special events and daily public programs. Working with staff, the intern will develop small hands-on daily activities for the public.  Additionally, they will assist with monthly First Friday art/science programs and other weekend special events. This intern may be asked to assist at the front desk, gift shop or with other daily operations at the Center. Summer 2019 internship schedules will be based on availability of candidates but will fall between the dates of June 1st – September 15th.  The volunteer internship will be 16-24 hours per week and work times will depend on candidate availability, falling within the hours of Wednesday-Sunday 9:30am-5pm. To apply, please contact ExplorationCenter@noaa.gov Monterey Bay Economic Partnership Student Ambassador The Monterey Bay Economic Partnership is currently recruiting 2 UCSC student interns to join the Student Ambassador Program! The Career Connect Student Ambassadors is part of the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership's (MBEP) workforce development initiative. Their goal is to develop student leaders and role models at each college campus who will help educate the community (e.g. students, staff, families, student organizations, etc.) on the college and career resources offered on Monterey Bay Career Connect (MBCC). Learn more and apply here: Monterey Bay Internships posting. Part-time & Full-time Positions for Environmental Campaigns Fund for the Public Interest is looking for passionate and dedicated students to join our grassroots campaign office in downtown Santa Cruz, as campaign staff to make real change during this school year. Currently, we are working to protect our coast and wildlife by banning single-use polystyrene (styrofoam) on a statewide level. Learn more at www.fundjobs.org

June 2019: Green Tips

Tips for a smooth move out

When you move out at the end of the quarter, it may seem generous to leave unwanted items on the sidewalk with a “FREE” sign. Unfortunately, this material often ends up in our waterways, green spaces, the bay, or in landfills. Instead, try the following for a smooth move out:

• Stop purchasing items that you use infrequently. Common items in the trash during move out include partially used condiments, cereal, pasta and other packaged food.

• Pack up and move early. Pack items that you don’t use every day and move them early. Moving items early means the rest of your stuff has a better chance of fitting into your car.

• Swap or sell items online. To offer your unwanted items for free or for sale, list them on Freecycle, Craigslist, or Next Door Santa Cruz.

• Donate unwanted items to a local charity. Only do this if your items are in good condition. Many charities are unable to take items that are ripped, stained, broken, bent, frayed, or worn. This is especially true for bulky items such as couches, mattresses, desks, and dining room tables. For more information, check Goodwill’s online site or Hope Services.

• Recycle early. Recycle carts overflow during move out, so clear out extra papers and accumulated bottles and cans early or visit a local recycling drop off center for additional recycling. For a current list of acceptable items visit www.cityofsantacruz.com/recycleright

• Recycle special and household hazardous waste responsibly. To recycle household chemicals likebathroom cleaners, nail polish, aerosol cans (not empty), bleach, disinfectants and a whole list of other items go to the Household Hazardous Waste Facility on Dimeo Lane. Open Saturdays 7:30AM-3:30PM.

• As a last resort, for bulky items that can no longer be reused, schedule a pickup with the city of Santa Cruz in the month of June: These pickups are only for large bulky items that will be taken to the landfill. This includes mattresses, box springs, couches, and living-room chairs. To arrange a pickup, register online with the city of Santa Cruz after May 27. If you register for a bulky item pick-up, you will receive a free large pizza coupon for Woodstock’s pizza!

Thank you for your help keeping our environment clean and our landfill free of items that can be reused!

May 2019: Zero Waste Lunch & Learn

The Sustainability Office invites you to join us for our Zero Waste Lunch & Learn on Friday, May 24 to gain context around the collapse of the international recycling market, how it is impacting UC Santa Cruz, and what you can do about it! 

You may have read in a recent City on a Hill press article that much of UC Santa Cruz's mixed recycling is currently being landfilled. Are you concerned and want to learn more about how our campus is taking action? From beginner to avid recycler, everyone will have something to learn at this Lunch & Learn co-hosted by Sustainability Programs Manager, Kristen Lee, and the student-led Zero Waste Team. We'll have interactive games, food and more! 

Location: Colleges 9 & 10 Namaste Lounge

When: Friday, May 24 12pm-1:15pm

Lunch is first come, first serve: burritos from Viva's will be provided to the first 70 people who arrive.

Hope to see you there!

Please bring your own mug and cutlery to help us be sustainable.

#ZeroWaste