Establishing and Managing Successful Sustainability Internship Programs Emilie Rex – Indiana University Josh Stoffel – Connecticut College AASHE 2013

Purpose of Session Present guide structure – Guide format – Toolkit Collect toolkit feedback – What you need – What you can contribute – Toolkit format

Our Process Contextualizing your program Increasing capacity Drafting a SIP proposal Creating a SIP Aligning projects with sustainability goals Recruitment and hiring Mentorship Evaluation and documentation Best Practices for Managing SIPs Case studies Crowdsourced resources to support each section SIP Toolkit

Strategic Planning/Goal Alignment Project Development Hiring and Recruitment Support and Accountability Program Evaluation Life Cycle of an Internship

Creating a New Program Develop a structure that fits your institution, considering: structure mentorship capacity management capacity funding Identify existing resources and support Define goals and objectives: student engagement vs. career development vs. project completion

Best Management Practices Align program with strategic goals/documents adds structural integrity builds cross- campus collaborations aids in making strong case to admin Don’t overdo it! Stick to your program goals.

Framing the issue Scope and timeline Mentorship responsibilities Funding sources Intern input Developing Internship Projects Consider:

Hiring and Recruitment Define the process: SIP goals Your capacity and resources Type of hiring process Provide BM strategies: Building an application Utilizing your resources Streamlining the process Increasing recruitment Scope Timeline Level of community support needed

Supporting Students During the Internships Preparing students: Building foundational knowledge Providing an accountability system BM strategies: Managing UP Empowering students to manage their: Projects Mentors Project stake-holders Mentorship Building commitment from stake-holders Training and developing good mentors Preventing burnout

Evaluation, Documentation, and Network Building Documentation and Evaluation Celebrating Success and Alumni Development Recognizing student/mentor contributions Drawing attention to the sustainability initiative Using alumni to tell the story of your program Institutional memory Program evaluation and reporting

Toolkit Feedback What you NEED: What would help your program succeed? What you HAVE: What resources can you offer in each of the areas? – Case studies – Handouts – Documentation Format?

Questions? Emilie Rex – Indiana University Josh Stoffel – Connecticut College AASHE 2013