Student Government Association Blog

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Amendments to Sustainability Guidelines Approved

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On Tuesday, April 26th, the Student Government Association Senate approved proposed amendments to the Sustainability Commission Guidelines, which consisted of such changes as the clarification of what “letters of support” should include, a change in the student composition of the commission, and the establishment of procedures for what occurs when a non-student member is an advisor for a proposal (i.e. they are to appoint a designee while the proposal is discussed and voted on).  All pertinent changes are detailed below.

 

For more information, please contact Kinsley Stocum, Director of Communications, at kinsley17@missouristate.edu.

 

Sustainability Commission Approves Two Proposals

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On Friday, March 25th, The Sustainability Commission approved two proposals to be funded through the Sustainability Fund.

 

The Electric Vehicle proposal, submitted by Cedric Egbers, requested funds for the purchase of an ecologically friendly utility vehicle for the growing student recycling program. The vehicle will be used to collect recyclables from each building and transport them to the appropriate collection sites.

 

The Campus Garden proposal, submitted by Jacob Berger, is the first phase of a two-part project that lays the foundation for a small-scale organic garden on Missouri State’s campus. The garden will be located on the south side of Normal Street, and ground was broken last week.

 

For more information, please contact Kinsley Stocum, Director of Communications, at kinsley17@missouristate.edu.

 

A Letter from Madison Wilson, Chief Sustainability Commissioner

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Like the idea of stainless steel water bottles? Or do you wish our campus had a bike rental program? These are just two examples of past projects that were approved by the Sustainability Commission, a branch of the Student Government Association. The Green Bike Program will be kicking off the week after Spring Break, allowing Resident Hall members to rent bikes for an entire semester, for a small charge of $10!

All projects submitted to the Commission are completely student-initiated, and those approved are funded entirely by the Sustainability Fund. The fund currently has a budget exceeding $200,000, and is financed by the $2/semester Sustainability Fee that every student pays and which is then matched by the University President each semester. Every penny of the Sustainability Fund is at MSU students’ disposal for sustainably minded projects.

The Sustainability Commission urges students to take advantage of the Fund by submitting proposals that will lessen the environmental impact of the University and promote sustainability. An ideal proposal would compliment at least one of the aspects of sustainability: environmentally, socially, or economically. Sustainability is much more than just recycling and being environmentally minded. The Commission accepts proposals from all areas of sustainability, no proposal is too small, and few projects are unattainable.

A template was created to assist students in writing proposals and can be found on the Student Government Association website. A basic proposal must include a proper justification for the proposal, verification of administrative support, and details outlining the project. The Commission is always available in assisting students compose proposals and acquiring necessary information.

The Sustainability Commission will continue accepting proposals until the completion of the semester. Any student interested in proposing a sustainable project or obtaining more information regarding the Sustainability Commission is advised to contact the Chief Sustainability Commissioner, Madison Wilson at Madison724@missouristate.edu.

 

 

How It’s Made: Sustainability Fund Edition

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Everything you need to know about the SUSTAINABILITY FUND at Missouri State in five minutes or less:

Did you know there is over $100,000 a year available to students to use for projects regarding sustainability at this University?

Quick facts:

  • In March 2009, students voted to implement a $2 per semester fee to go towards sustainability on campus.
  • This fund is to be used solely by students for students.
  • The only requirement for submitting a proposal to use the fund is that you are a student.
  • The Sustainability Commission, made up of five students and non-voting faculty and staff members, will evaluate all proposals submitting and allocate funds accordingly.

How to utilize it:

  • Formulate an idea for a sustainable project (see sample list below).
  • Compile basic research of what, where, how, how much, when, who, etc. of the project.
  • Reference the Student Government Association website (sga.missouristate.edu) for guidelines and the linke below* for a sample proposal.
  • Seek out members of the Sustainability Commission or other knowledgeable students and faculty if you have any questions.
  • Submit your proposal to the SGA Director of Sustainability at any point during the semester.
  • Be prepared to present, explain, and defend your proposal.

Sample project ideas:

  • Student maintained campus community garden
  • Corrugated cardboard recycling facilities
  • Local organic dining options
  • Installation of Photovoltaic solar panels
  • Campus wide low-flow toilets, faucets, and showerheads
  • Motion activated lights in all campus buildings
  • The possibilities are endless!

*Copy and paste this link into your browser for a sample Sustainability Proposal. Format is not standardized but this is a good example of the depth of information you should know about implementing your project idea.

http://sga.missouristate.edu/docs/Sample Sustainability Proposal.doc