SERC Presentation to ESPM

History ● Student leaders observed a need ● Conceptualized project ● Researched similar centers ● Received TGIF funding and space ● Opened the center October 12th, 2012

Why does CAL Need SERC? ●

CAL is an environmental vanguard, therefore, the institutionalization of SERC is necessary to promote progress, research and accomplishments

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No collaboration, synergy, political clout amongst the 30 environmental groups on campus

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No central location/hub for environmental community

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No place for students to obtain resources information, jobs, internships & volunteer opportunities

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Limited connectivity with environmental community off campus

Functions and Goals ●

Connect current, freshman and transfers students with leadership opportunities, on-campus environmental organizations, projects and initiatives, jobs, internships & research

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Promote collaboration and guide student and faculty/student led initiatives by connecting students with resources such as skill workshops (e.g. grant writing workshops), TGIF and the LEAD Center

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Empower students and student organizations through leadership retreats, feedback and joint projects

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Participate in an ongoing dialogue with campus sustainability organizations and administration

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Connect with outside organizations and projects to further the environmental agenda on campus

Mission Statement The mission of the Student Environmental Resource Center is to strengthen the collective effectiveness and durability of campus sustainability efforts by providing information, opportunities, and services to students and student groups with an interest in sustainability.

Current Structure Director | Noah Puni Assistant Director | Mauricio Castillo ECO Director | Omead Kohanteb Chief of Staff | Katie Hoffman Finance Director | Zen Trenholm

Communications Director | Sofie Karasek Education Director | Justine Rembac Education Director | Justine Rembac Strategic Advisor and ASUC Liaison | Nolan Pack Intern | Roberta Giordano

Services Offered ●

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● Research & Testing for Campus Sustainability Projects

Club and organization literature library & archive

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Club information, mission statements, meeting times, projects

Computers & research space (eventually printing!)

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Room reservation (collaborative space)

Green Certification advising, consulting, and auditing

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Event advertising board/calender (for environmental clubs

Information packets: grants, event planning, green certified events, starting a club, etc.

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DVD and Book Loans and exchange

Events & Workshops ● Funding/grant-writing workshops

SERC ● Event planning & organizational strategy workshops ● Advertising / PR & media workshops ● Documentary screenings ● Skill sharing & development workshops

What has SERC accomplished? ● Student Environmental Organizations at Cal DeCal ● Partnered with ECO and STeam ● Acquired short-term space

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Promoted events, clubs and projects (At center, FB, Website & blog)

What has SERC accomplished? ●

Hosted weekly SERC staff meetings and monthly ECO forums and other student club meetings

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Acquired signatures from students and faculty endorsing the center

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California Student Sustainability Coalition (CSSC)

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Partnered with LEAD Center

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Seeking long-term CACSF grant funding

Benefits of ESPM/SERC Collaboration ●

A space to showcase ESPM student/faculty research

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Promotion ESPM academic advising to freshman/transfer/current students interested in env. issues

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Work with ESPM peer advisors to encourage/advise students to take classes within ESPM

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Hold educational and social events to familiarize students with the ESPM environment

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Collaboration on projects, initiatives & research

Long Term Goals ● Institutionalization ● Permanent space ● Full-time paid staff

If SERC is housed in ESPM... ● Respectful tenants ● Locked space ● Open when ESPM is open ● Follow ESPM rules ● Ongoing evaluation

Similar Centers ● Gender Equity Resource Center ● Multicultural Community Center ● LEAD Center ● UC San Diego Sustainability Resource Center ● UCSC Student Environmental Center ●

San Jose State Environmental Resource Center

Katherine Walsh

What SERC is Asking of ESPM ● Can ESPM secure a space for SERC? ● Can you advocate for space acquisition on behalf of SERC?