Who will be living in EcoHouse?
EcoHouse residents will be students of all years and all academic disciplines who are interested in environmental issues and would like a chance to get more deeply involved on campus.
How would my day to day life be any different?
You'll still be living with your friends, eating in the dining halls, and taking classes like any other UConn student but if you have an interest in environmental issues, living in EcoHouse will allow you to explore that interest much further.
You'll be able to practice a more sustainable lifestyle, surrounded by students interested in doing the same. You'll be involved in developing our first "green" residence hall on campus. You'll still be involved in the UConn experience but with the added perk of remaining more in the loop on issues that you care about.
Do I have to be a science major to live in EcoHouse?
No! We'd like to have students from any and every major involved in EcoHouse! Sustainability issues are incredibly complex and solutions need to cover all the bases so we'd like to bring as many perspectives to the table as possible. We're not looking for experts on the issues (though we welcome any expertise that you might have)- we're looking for students who are committed to exploring the issues and want to make a difference on campus.
Where will EcoHouse be located?
EcoHouse will be located in Hollister, a residence hall in the West Campus cluster. As you can see from the map below, this is an extremely convenient location on campus, close to the library, gym, Co-op bookstore, and many academic buildings.
What is required of me if I live in EcoHouse?
EcoHouse residents will be required to participate in a seminar course and attend a certain number of community events each semester. There will be loads of other opportunities to get involved in various projects and activities but we'd like to keep the program flexible so that as many students as possible can participate, even with already busy schedules.
What kinds of projects and activities would we be working on?
There will be projects available all across campus and within the EcoHouse building itself. We'll develop more specific programming once we convene in the fall and see where everyone's interests lie but examples could include:
Planning and implementing "green" renovations in the residence hall
Assisting with the University Climate Action Plan
Developing workshops and educational programs for other students, faculty, and staff
Doing trailwork in the UConn Forest and along the Fenton River
Going on hikes, rock climbing trips, etc.
Attending campus environmental events (i.e. the Teale Lecture Series), many times with the added opportunity to meet speakers, etc.
Hosting and attending environmental movie nights, art shows, poetry readings, you name it!
Will there be any chances to get off campus?
There will definitely be chances to get off campus. There are a lot of places of interest in our area that we'd like to be able to explore. The town of Mansfield, CT is also known around the state for its sustainability programs so there will be chances to get involved there as well.
How do I apply to live in EcoHouse?
The following link will get you to the application page for Learning Communities. There is a lot of important information on this page so be sure to read it carefully.
http://www.lc.uconn.edu/apply_now.htm
First year students can click on the link that says "2009-2010 Learning Community Application for New UConn Students" entering in the Fall semester.
The deadline for First year students is July 10, 2009.
Returning students can click on the link that says "2009-2010 Learning Community Application (for returning students who will be Sophomores, Juniors, & Seniors). The application period for returning students has past for 2009-2010.
How can I get more information about EcoHouse?
