STUDENT SUSTAINABILITY GRANTS

IDEA GENERATOR PROCESS

Are you concerned about our world?

Can you imagine PSU on a path toward a more sustainable future?

Do you have ideas that could enhance the way we learn about and act on pressing environmental, social and economic issues?

We are sure that you do.

PSU hopes to help you put your ideas for a more sustainable future into practice.

We have heard lots of great ideas from students for how PSU can assess, create, and commit to a positive sustainability agenda.  Now we are ready to commit to supporting student’s ideas by allocating funding from the Miller Foundation gift.  Student sustainability projects have helped put PSU on the map and we want to make sure that student innovation continues to drive our university to become a leader in the nation. To make your projects successful the Center for Sustainable Processes & Practices has created a proposal process that will link your ideas and skills with other students, knowledgeable faculty, staff and administrators. Undergraduate students are strongly encouraged to participate (proposals will be accepted from ALL students and all project proposals will be evaluated based on the same criteria regardless of the student's level of study or degree program).

Idea Generator Focus

To facilitate student involvement in promoting and implementing PSU’s sustainability agenda, the Center for Sustainable Processes and Practices has developed an “idea generation” process to share, develop, and possibly fund student project ideas that enhance students’ experiences of sustainability on (and connected to) the PSU campus. We hope to catalyze projects that will lay a foundation for student-led sustainability activities in the future.

Project ideas should be aligned with Portland State’s longer term vision and aspirations of becoming a nationally and internationally renowned university for excellence in innovative sustainability research, curriculum, student eco-literacy, and community engagement – even if you are graduating soon, consider that when you do, you will carry a degree from PSU and its reputation with you for the rest of your life.  This is an opportunity for you to contribute to a lasting legacy of sustainability innovation and action at PSU.

Examples of Priority Activities

Proposals should provide opportunities for innovative educational activities and should be connected to the ongoing PSU sustainability related initiatives. Examples might include; ongoing faculty work on one or more of the Miller Grant key areas of focus (e.g. undergraduate students participation in research, participation into conferences, publications, etc); international dimension of sustainability (e.g study abroad, sustainability related exchanges); research and learning related to living laboratory opportunities focused on climate change, water, and other urban sustainability issues; other activities that will contribute to PSU’s academic sustainability efforts.

Project Guidelines

There are a few limitations and opportunities to keep in mind when developing your project proposal.  Each individual student or team of students must have a project advisor from PSU faculty or staff.  Funds from the Miller gift cannot be used for capital construction investments.  For all purchases of material things, you must demonstrate that the investment will enhance student learning or to help PSU operate in a more sustainable way.

There is no minimum or maximum amount that can be requested. The Center for Sustainable Processes and Practices has allocated a total of up to $35,000 to support these proposals, and the activities proposed must be completed by the end of the Spring term, 2009.

DOWNLOAD A PROPOSAL FORM here.

**Full project details are in the "idea generator" section in the main menu**

Stage 1: Preparation (Deadlines: 1/26 abstract; 1/30 completed proposal)

To encourage students new to proposal writing, the Center for Sustainable Processes and Practices will organize a Project Proposal Writing Workshop January 23, 2009 (10:30, URBN 212). Students and other interested parties are encouraged to participate. We are asking all teams to submit an initial project title, the names of the contact person, team members, and the advisor(s), along with a 150 word abstract (due 1/26). This will help us invite appropriate community and faculty members who might be interested in, and able to help you with your projects to participate in the Idea Generator Event.

In preparation for the Idea Generator Event, students can work individually or in teams (student/faculty/community partners) to develop a project proposal by completing the template here. The completed project proposal should be sent electronically to the Center For Sustainable Processes and Practices at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it by January 30th, 2009. This represents the first phase of thinking and planning for your project.  Please keep in mind that the project will need to demonstrate deliverables that are feasible by the end of this academic year. For longer term projects, please note that we are considering a similar process for the 2009-2010 academic year.

Each individual or team must have at least one advisor (PSU faculty or staff). The proposals will be evaluated by a review panel of PSU students, faculty and administrators.

Stage 2: Idea Generator Event (2/5 12-2pm, Smith 328) **please note room change**

We will host a high-profile event that will provide an opportunity for teams to present ideas for projects that will support student success in sustainability initiatives, and connect students with Portland State’s growing network of community partners. We will invite PSU administrators, faculty and staff as well as community partners to help teams build on ideas and sustainability concepts.  The idea generator event will function as a space where students can coalesce around project ideas and get initial feedback from other students, faculty, staff, administrators and the community.

All those who attend the idea generator event will have a chance to give feedback on the project ideas presented based on the same criteria that the official review panel will use. You might find that there is another team working on a similar issue that will be able to help you, or you may find that the resources of a community partner will be valuable in making your project successful and ask them to assist you in your work. The main function of this event is to bring people together to work collectively and effectively. Project evaluators will pay special attention to proposals that include partnerships and have developed thinking to address the interdisciplinary nature of sustainability.

Stage 3: Follow up and Final Decision

After the idea generator event, teams will have the opportunity to submit revised proposals based on the comments and reflections of those in attendance at the idea generator event. These revised proposals will be due within one week of the event (2/11) and it is therefore advised that initial proposals should have covered the main dimensions of your project. Revised proposals should incorporate any new thinking or collaborators based on responses at the idea generator event. The panel of evaluators will then review final proposals and audience responses to gauge project development, and how much support each project has gained.  We hope to announce approved projects by February 23^rd.

Request for Interview - If necessary, the reviewing panel may request an interview with the proposer(s) to ask specific questions or to request clarification regarding specific elements of the proposal.

Selected Student Proposals and Available Funds – The panel will review the final proposals and make specific recommendations on a portfolio of investments to the Provost, the Interim Director of the Center for Sustainable Processes and Practices and the Vice Provost of Student Affairs. These funds will be administered through the most relevant channel (i.e., funding through the Student Affairs Office, the Facilities Office, specific student sustainability groups, etc.).

Decision —The Interim Director of the Center for Sustainable Processes and Practices and the Vice Provost of Student Affairs will make the final determination of all investments and allocation of funds with the input and approval of the Provost.

Final Presentation – All student groups selected for funding will be required to deliver a presentation to an audience of PSU and community representatives in June 2009. The presentation should highlight project activities, contribution to building Portland State’s sustainability-related capacity, key outcomes, measurements of success and any next steps that would build upon the funded activities.

Relevance – Is the project aligned with PSU’s sustainability vision and strategy (this is articulated here)? Is it connected to ongoing sustainability initiatives on campus?

Robustness of the team – Is commitment from all the team members (student/advisor/community partner, etc) apparent and strong?

Efficacy - Is the project feasible given resources and timelines? Is it going to produce its intended goal and outcomes?

Implementability – Is the project appropriately organized and budgeted to start up, operated and maintained on time and within the stated budget?

Sustainability - Does the project help build on sustainability in a lasting way so that there is benefit beyond the end of the project?