How does being on a Sustainable Crew benefit my students?

During the Sustainable Crew experience, students will learn about important environmental issues facing our community, learn about how their daily activities contribute to the issues and discover easy actions they can take to make a difference!

Other benefits to students include, improved:

• Public speaking skills
• Interpersonal communication skills
• Leadership skills

Sustainable Crew participation can be included in their future college transfer or job applications.

You will notice a difference in the students who go through our program. Teachers who have offered our program in the past say that students are more interactive and engaged in class and more comfortable and confident when speaking.

How will this program help me achieve my educational goals?

Offering Sustainable Crews is a effective and easy way to provide extra credit opportunities for your students without spending hours grading, arranging or over-viewing extra credit materials.

Sustainability enhances almost any educational curriculum. By offering extra credit to your students you are promoting environmental awareness and sustainability concepts and making a difference in the lives of our future leaders. Sustainable Works not only educates students on the issues, but provides hands on learning opportunities and recommendations on how to reduce our impact on the environment.

Will the times conflict with class schedules?

No. Each semester we offer approximately 20 different crew meeting times. Students select a meeting time that works for their schedule.

Are there other professors that participate?

Yes. Each semester we engage approximately 30 professors from over 15 departments representing a variety of academic disciplines. Sustainable Works is happy to provide references from our previous participants.

What is the time commitment for students?

The time commitment for each student varies dependent upon their interest level, but the minimum commitment is as follows:

Crew Member

• 1 ½ hour meeting once a week for nine weeks
• 3 hour one time required community service activity
• Approximately 6 hours of reading and reflecting throughout the program

Crew Leader

• 1 ½ hour meeting once a week for nine weeks
• ½ hour each meeting to prepare and organize crew materials
• 14 hours of leadership training

How much time will this take me?

Being a faculty participant is easy. Sustainable Works will come to your class and present the extra credit opportunity. We facilitate registration and provide you with a list of students that have completed the requirements.

Is there a fee for students to pay to be apart of the program?

Yes, $25 for program materials. We offer fee reductions for students who are receiving financial aid or need financial assistance. We don't turn anyone away because of lack of funds.

Will this be more work for me?

No. Sustainable Works prides itself on providing a turn-key, hassle-free program. If you already offer extra credit opportunities than it could actually be a little less work for you.

Will someone from the program, come and do a presentation for my class?

During the second and third week of the semester Sustainable Works will come to your class and present the program. Students can sign up during the presentation or by coming the SMC Center for Environmental and Urban Studies, located on campus.

How will I know who completes the Sustainable works program?

At the end of the semester Sustainable Works sends participating professors an alphabetized student list for each course in which they offer the program. Students on the list have met all program requirements and are eligible for extra credit.