CSI: Greensboro Engaging Arts Students in the

Sustainability Conversation

Trey McDonaldSustainability Coordinator

Jessica TrotmanSustainability 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 HOWIncentives 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

GRANTPROGRAM

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 Projects1. Solar Charging HubCorry MearsSenior Interior Architecture

2. Glenwood Sustainable HomeAustin LomanSenior 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 InformationTrey McDonaldrkmcdona@uncg.edu

Jessica Trotmanjgtrotma@uncg.edu

http://uncgsustainability.wordpress.com/