The WashU Green Ambassador (WUGA) Program is a student-managed, peer-education program supported by the Office of Sustainability that orients new students to the sustainability initiatives on WashU’s campus. WUGAs play a critical role in training first year student to adopt behaviors that align with WashU’s culture of sustainability, behaviors that they will carry with them during their time at WashU (and beyond).
WUGA leadership is coordinating a team of individuals who are passionate about the environment, who want to influence WashU’s culture, and who demonstrate strong leadership. WUGAs work closely with one or two freshmen floors to plan sustainable programming and educate students about topics like waste sorting and alternative transportation options on- and off-campus.
WUGAs will also work in one of four teams: Waste Reduction, Energy Usage and Efficiency, Alternative Transportation, and Food and Dining. Each team will create and execute a project related to their team’s focus that they will work on throughout the semester. Projects are developed with guidance from the Office of Sustainability and are eligible for funding through the Student Sustainability Fund. Projects are designed to make a sustainable change on campus and foster student involvement. Applicants will be assigned to a team based on their interests and are expected to participate throughout the fall semester.
WUGA responsibilities include:
- Participating in the WUGA training and retreat the week prior to school (August 20-21 or August 21-22).
- Volunteering on first year Move-In Day to assist with waste sorting and bike registrations.
- Help staff waste sorting stations at several First 40 events and during meal time in Bear’s Den.
- Completing the required 20 hours of WUGA service.
- Being an active participant in your respective WUGA team.
- Maintaining an active role on your WUGA floor(s).
- Attending team meetings approximately once a month.
- Being a role model in sustainability on campus!
Benefits of being a WUGA include:
- Participation in a free, fun retreat at the beautiful Shaw Nature Reserve; food and housing provided.
- Extensive training on sustainability initiatives established on WashU’s campus.
- Eligible for early move-in, beginning August 20.
- T-shirts identifying students as WUGAs.
- Breakfast the morning of first-year move in day.
- Leadership development and valuable experience for those interested in working in sustainability-related fields.
- Networking opportunities with a broad range of students interested in sustainability projects.
- Opportunity to carry out a sustainability project that will impact the community.
WUGA representation is a great way for green student groups to recruit new members and gain early involvement as new students shape their WashU experience. It is also a great way to earn community service hours before the school year gets busy.
BECOME A WUGA Team Leader
Are you interested to enhance your student leadership skills while fostering a sustainability culture on campus? Apply to be a team leader for the 2018-19 Washington University Green Ambassador (WUGA) program!
Additional Responsibilities for Team Leaders include:
- Working with the Student Directors to lead the WUGA program
- Acting as a resource for WUGAs and the general student body
- Developing plans and setting goals with designated team for the year
- Leading teams to achieve goals
- Coordinating meeting times, when necessary, with team
- Attend one meeting during spring semester with Student Directors to plan for the summer/fall semester