Campus Ecology Project Course Credit Application

STUDENTS FROM ALL DISCIPLINES ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

The University of Lethbridge acknowledges that we are gathered on the lands of the Blackfoot people of the Canadian Plains and pays respect to the Blackfoot people past, present and future while recognizing and respecting their cultural heritage, beliefs and relationship to the land. The University of Lethbridge is also home to the Metis Nation of Alberta, Region III. The Campus Ecology Project was created to meet the needs and aspirations of our local communities. The project aims to connect local First Nations leaders, expert faculty members, and dedicated students to create a sustainable campus through applied research. Students can develop their own creative learning experiences in a multi-disciplinary cohort approach.

Purpose

The purpose of this class is to expose students to projects relevant to their degree, indigenous ways of knowing, as well as increasing education and awareness around the impact we have on our campus environment. Students will: • Conduct research tailored to their interests • Work directly with a faculty supervisor in their research and remediation efforts • Meet as a cohort to hear expert lectures and share their learnings • Complete a practical component that will create change to the campus landscape and provide educational experiences This course will require you to work with other students from various disciplines and experts from both the University and surrounding communities to develop a lasting impact for future generations. You will work towards a final presentation to showcase your research, which will be accessible to the public. Your research will help supplement the future phases of this initiative.

Qualifications & Pre-Requisites

• Successful completion of at least two years of University before the semester of application
• Mature, self-directed and able to work both independently and as a team 
• Minimum GPA of 2.5
• A definite commitment to impacting the community, preserving our local environment, and respecting traditional knowledge
• Submission of a completed application (see below)

Course Format

Cohort Seminars: The first seminars will consist of guest lectures explicitly tailored to each cohort’s research and projects. Guest lectures will include academic presentations and hands-on workshops to prepare you for the term. In the latter half of the seminars, students will focus on their practical component during the meetings. Students will be expected to attend the seminars as part of their coursework. Agility facilitates this portion of the course.

Individual Project or Research: Students can choose to conduct academic research dedicated directly to their degree. This portion of the course will be completed under the direct supervision of faculty supervisor(s). Your research or project will be negotiated with your faculty supervisor(s) and will be relevant to your chosen course designation. Should you choose to complete a practical designation only, you will need to negotiate a project with Agility.

General and Individualized Outcomes

Below is a chart that outlines general outcomes and individual tasks for this course. The general outcomes state learning objectives throughout the term. The individual tasks are deliverables and requirements each student is expected to complete throughout the course.

General Outcomes	Individual Tasks
Collaboration: work alongside fellow students and stakeholders during your course. This will include lectures, workshops, presentations, and provide you a chance to connect with your peers.	Please complete the attached application prior to enrollment. Each student will participate in the cohort meetings and present their findings to their peers.
Independent Work: It is up to your discretion, with the assistance of Agility and faculty, what your project and research will be. Each student will work towards an academic component and a practical component	Consult with Agility to determine this portion of your course. You may need to identify a faculty supervisor(s) for your research project.
Connecting to the Broader Context: you will be participating as part of a larger initiative. Every project will be shared and viewable by participants and the public.	You will need to determine how your coursework will fit within the context of the Indigenous Nature Project.
Education & Information Sharing: this project is important to many communities. Every student will share their findings with the cohort and the public.	You will present your findings and experiences and determine how your information will be shared with the public.
Project Organization: to ensure that you complete your requirements for the course, you will need to determine due dates and organize your presentations within the course timelines.	Each student will need to arrange due dates with faculty supervisor(s) and Agility. Presentations times will be negotiated. You will need to identify four objectives for your course.

Project Selection

Examples of projects completed towards the initiative include:

• An analysis of the importance of preserving native prairie ecosystems
• A baseline study for the future restoration project of the U of L
• Mapping of micro-habitats across campus
• A student survey of the wellness value of campus landscapes
• Protecting rattlesnakes and changing community attitudes towards the species
• A baseline study of human and deer interactions on U of L campus
• A study of bird species across the campus
• Analysis of native plants and the wellness effects amongst First Nations
• Implementation of bio-controls for ground squirrel populations on campus

If you need assistance identifying a faculty supervisor(s) or a research project, arrange a meeting with Brandy Old, brandy.old@uleth.ca. Participants must be prepared to register this for course credit through the Applied Studies Program. Visit the Career Bridge office (AH151) for more information and to speak with an Applied Studies Coordinator.