CSI: Greensboro Engaging Arts Students in the Sustainability Conversation Trey McDonald Sustainability Coordinator Trey McDonald Sustainability Coordinator Jessica Trotman Sustainability Education & Outreach Jessica Trotman Sustainability Education & Outreach

UNCG part of the UNC system ~18,000 students ~3,000 employees ~200 acres / 5.5 million gsf Sustainability Office has existed for 2.5 years Background

At UNCG, 15% population of students in the “arts” Music Theater Dance Creative Writing / English Visual Arts Interior Architecture These students can be missed through traditional sustainability programming and marketing Need greater engagement to build a culture of sustainability on campus – but how ? Background

Step 1. Acknowledge the problem Students have been difficult to engage. WHERE is the energy on campus? Make the most of our unique populations.

Step 2: Brainstorm HOW Incentives for Students Money and Recognition How to they earn the incentive? Complete a project Benefits to the University Student engagement, ideas for administration

Student award Project for campus GRANT PROGRAM

Step 3: Money Matters Difficult to get funding due to financial climate in state Partnership - secured funding for grants through UNCG Sustainability Committee ($1,500) Learn about financial aid and tax implications for students Option: Order materials for students

Step 4: Create RFP Find Support Recruited staff/faculty from art museum and music library with grant experience Write RFP RFP should be 1-2 pages Clearly state expectations Do not overcommit Get input from supporters Release Social Media Faculty Posters Hand bills in practice rooms and studios

RFP Elements Purpose: create art that is – Informed by the environment – Inspires audience to value the earth – Brings attention to campus sustainability issues – Conveys interconnectedness Eligibility and Scope of Work Deliverables and Responsibilities Proposal Requirements Schedule

Students had three months to create the proposal. Proposals were reviewed and voted on. Three winners were notified and announced at Earth Day reception.

Step 5: Manage Regularly check in with recipients Request a formal grant report due halfway through the project phase Set deadline for ordering materials, or returning receipts. Maintain records of their purchases

Step 6: Associated Events Provide opportunities for projects to be presented on campus. – UNCG hosted a symposium, where students and faculty presented on arts and sustainability. – Students will present their projects and participate in moderated discussion for Campus Sustainability Day

Winning Design Projects 1. Solar Charging Hub Corry Mears Senior Interior Architecture 2. Glenwood Sustainable Home Austin Loman Senior Interior Architecture

Winning Performing Arts Project “…and we will build our own truths” Steven Landis MM composition Elisa Foshay MFA choreography

Lessons Learned Create a natural timeline of events – no project work over summer Create guidelines to benefit your mission and the student interest Support the projects with engaging ancillary events to reach a larger audience Ask for help – Consult financial aid when deciding how to make awards – Recruit faculty to evaluate applications at least three months in advance

Contact Information Trey McDonald Jessica Trotman