U-Idaho Sustainability Center Joins Forces With Office of Community Partnerships
Monday, March 26 2012
MOSCOW, Idaho - This year has been busy for both the University of
Idaho Sustainability Center and the Office of Community Partnerships
(OCP). Provost and executive vice president Doug Baker approved the
merger of the two organizations. Under OCP’s umbrella, the
Sustainability Center will maintain its identity, student
leadership-orientation and its wide range of student activities.
The Sustainability Center was started by students in 2006 and
continues to serve as a test-bed for student leadership and advancing
sustainability on campus, and in the broader region. Students gain
hands-on learning experience through paid positions, internships, class
projects, volunteer and service-learning activities, and mini-grants for
student projects.
OCP supports Idaho communities through applied research and student
projects focused on local priorities. It aims to advance innovation and
sustainability, build leadership, and create vibrant communities.
“Merging OCP with the Sustainability Center expands our mission to
specifically address community priorities in the area of sustainable
development,” said Priscilla Salant, director of the Office of Community
Partnerships. “The Sustainability Center’s expertise helps us develop
community-based opportunities for hands-on student learning and applied
research, especially in the areas of local food systems, waste
management, and bio-energy.”
The merger also expands the scope of activity and resources for the
Sustainability Center. OCP’s relationships with communities throughout
Idaho are providing new learning opportunities for the Sustainability
Center’s many student volunteers and service-learning participants. OCP
is also providing additional staff and financial support for
Sustainability Center activities, including additional student
positions.
“We’re expanding our focus and building from our successful
campus-based work to develop new activities involving students in
Idaho’s communities,” said Adria Mead, student director of the
Sustainability Center. ”This means more opportunities for students both
on and off campus, and a bigger, more effective Sustainability Center.”
The merger has created enthusiasm and creativity far beyond
expectations. For example, OCP will head up next year’s President’s
Sustainability Symposium, focusing the event on sustainable economic
development in small and mid-sized communities. Plans are also underway
for expanded student engagement activities, both on campus and
throughout the state, helping realize the promise of the new
collaboration.
For more information about the university’s sustainability efforts,
contact the University of Idaho Sustainability Center at uisc@uidaho.edu
or visit www.uidaho.edu/sustainability.
For more information about the Office of Community Partnerships
contact jeanniem@uidaho.edu
or visit www.uidaho.edu/communitypartnerships.
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About the University of Idaho
The University of Idaho helps students to succeed and become leaders.
Its land-grant mission furthers innovative scholarly and creative
research to grow Idaho's economy and serve a statewide community. From
its main campus in Moscow, Idaho, to 70 research and academic locations
statewide, U-Idaho emphasizes real-world application as part of its
student experience. U-Idaho combines the strength of a large university
with the intimacy of small learning communities. It is home to the
Vandals, and competes in the Western Athletic Conference. Learn more:
www.uidaho.edu.
About the University of Idaho
The University of Idaho helps students to succeed and become leaders. Its land-grant mission furthers innovative scholarly and creative research to grow Idaho's economy and serve a statewide community. From its main campus in Moscow, Idaho, to 70 research and academic locations statewide, U-Idaho emphasizes real-world application as part of its student experience. U-Idaho combines the strength of a large university with the intimacy of small learning communities. It is home to the Vandals, and competes in the Western Athletic Conference. For information, visit
www.uidaho.edu.