Category: Students

Elevate Your Education this 2022 Summer in SUST 390 Rooftop Garden @RooseveltU

This coming summer semester (2022) the Sustainability Studies program will reprise our popular and innovative special topics course, SUST 390 Rooftop Garden, at the Chicago Campus. The class will utilize RU’s unique 5th-story rooftop garden on its LEED Gold-certified Wabash Building as a living classroom for a hands-on, place-based, get-your-hands-dirty learning experience.

  • Title/number: SUST 390 Rooftop Garden (section 10)
  • Semester offered: Summer 2022 (10 weeks from May 31 thru Aug 8)
  • Location: Chicago Campus
  • Day/time: Online learning commences 5/31, with garden workdays and field trips to selected urban farms/green rooftops in the Chicago region scheduled by the instructor according to students’ availability.
  • Pre-req: ENG 102

SUST majors and minors may take this class to fulfill an upper-level SUST 3xx requirement, but 390 also is open to students at large seeking an experiential learning course, needing a general education course, or desiring elective credit.

RU President Ali, staff, and students harvest greens from the WB Rooftop Garden during the #AmDreamConf service day, 15 Sept 2016 (photo: RU Media)

Course Theme: Rooftop Gardens, Campus Sustainability, and Urban Agriculture

Diana Ramirez (BA ’17) works the garden plots on the WB Rooftop Garden, July 2017 (photo: M. Viveros)

Gets your hands dirty in this ten-week hybrid course which focuses on the unique urban ecosystem, the green rooftop, and features work in and stewardship of the fifth-story Roosevelt University WB Rooftop Garden in downtown Chicago. Students will learn about the relationships among food, biodiversity, waste, urban agriculture, green space design, and campus sustainability leadership through multiple modes: reading, participating in online discussions, taking field trips, and working in the RU garden during the summer late spring / early summer planting and growing season.

Course requirements and activities include online interaction through Blackboard; participation in garden workdays as scheduled by the student and instructor; and field trips to other urban community gardens and farms, whether rooftop or street-level. Participation in this course constitutes a significant contribution to the sustainability of RU’s Chicago Campus, and helps our community make progress on our 2015-2020 Strategic Sustainability Plan.

Moses Viveros sowing seeds in the rooftop garden, August 2017 (photo: D. Ramirez)

The RU Rooftop Garden in Chicago was started in the spring/summer of 2013, the first growing season after the opening on the Wabash Building in fall 2012. Since then, it has been funded and managed by the Department of Physical Resources, with work being done primarily by student interns and volunteers from the Sustainability Studies Program in the College of Arts & Sciences.

For questions and more details about this course, please contact Vicki Gerberich (vgerberich@roosevelt.edu), adjunct professor of Sustainability Studies; or Mike Bryson (mbryson@roosevelt.edu), professor & director of Sustainability Studies.

Maria Cancilla (BPS ’18), Prof. Vicki Gerberich, and Michelle Giles (SUST senior) during #AmDreamServiceDay 2018 (photo: M. Bryson)

Donate to the Winter Clothing Drive @RooseveltU 3/14-3/21

Students are hosting a (winter) clothing drive in collaboration with Roosevelt’s BSU, ALAS, RU Proud, and RU Generation Action. We encourage you to donate winter items but will also be accepting other types of clothing as well. This is a great opportunity to go through your closets and do some Spring cleaning in order to benefit both the environment and Chicago’s queer Black and Brown populations. Below you’ll find more info about the drive.

When: March 14-March 21

Where to drop: AUD/WB Entrances, WB 2nd Floor Cafeteria, WB 14th Floor Res Halls, AUD 2nd Floor Fainman Lounge, AUD 10th Floor Library, and AUD 526 Sust Office

Why: Donating to Brave Space Alliance’s winter closet and QT shop in partnership with Casa Al-Fatiha provides clothing for Black, Brown, Asian, and Indigenous people and/or members of the LGBTIA+ community in need

What can be donated: Pre washed, gently used, free of stains/rips winter coats (plus sizes in high need), scarves, hats, gloves/hand warmers, long johns/warm underwear, sweaters/sweatshirts/t-shirts, pants, shorts, skirts, dresses

Questions: Contact Sophia Gall0, RU Green President (rugreenclub45@gmail.com)

Apply for the Mansfield’s 2022 Fellowship for Activism and Community Engagement (thru 3/2/22)

The Mansfield Institute Fellowship for Activism and Community Engagement (FACE) will fund a second cohort of 15 Roosevelt University undergraduate students from any college or discipline. The cohort-based summer fellowship includes funding for a 3-credit Social Justice in Action internship-based course in May 2022. In addition to tuition, fellows will receive a stipend of $2,500.

Following their course work in late May, Fellows will work in a social justice–focused community-based organization in Chicago for 10 hours per week, for 10 weeks over the summer starting in early June. Fellows will have an opportunity to work with past Fellows, attend University events together, and have opportunities to present work at conferences.

Eligibility:

  • Open to all Roosevelt University undergraduate students in any college or major
  • Students must have between 45 and 72 credit hours completed on March 2, 2022
  • GPA of at least a 2.0
  • Be able to participate fully in fellowship activities including course work, internship work, and ongoing cohort activities throughout the year

Deadlines:

  • The application process opens on February 1 and closes on March 2, 2022.
  • Applicants will be notified by March 16, 2022.

To apply, visit the Mansfield Institute Fellowship for Activism and Community Engagement (FACE) webpage. For questions or more information, please contact Prof. Heather Dalmage (hdalmage@roosevelt.edu), Director of the Mansfield Institute.

Mansfield Institute Kickoff Event on 2/1: Fellowship for Activism and Community Engagement

Join Roosevelt’s Mansfield Institute on 2/1/22 to recognize our current Fellows for Activism and Community Engagement and community partners. Attendees will hear about the program experience of current fellows, learn about the 2022 program, and meet our community partners. Register here! All Roosevelt students from any college or major with at least 45 credits are eligible to apply for the fellowship program. The selected 2022 fellows will take part in the Social Justice in Action internship-based course, a three-day seminar, and work with a social justice-focused, community-based organization for which they will receive a summer stipend. For more information, contact Prof. Heather Dalmage, Director of the Mansfield Institute (hdalmage@roosevelt.edu).

SUST 350 Students Organize Concert & Fun Fest @ Eden Place Farm (Fri 10/15) & Nature Center (Sat 10/16)

Dear RU community — The students of Prof. Mike Bryson’s SUST 350 Service & Sustainability class have dedicated this past week to planning two pop-up events to help our longtime community partner non-profit org, Eden Place Nature Center and Farm, survive and thrive in these difficult pandemic times.

  • Friday 10/15 Music! “Farm Aid” benefit concert (6:30pm, doors open at 6pm) to save Eden Place Farms (live in person at 4911 S. Shields Ave., Chicago). Live concert is free to attend in person, with suggested donation and mandatory vax proof; make any online donation for livestream access.
  • Saturday 10/16 Family Fun! “Family Fun Fest” event at the Nature Center the following day, Sat 10/16, from 12-4pm to connect with the community and help raise funds. Details below.

Here’s how you can help with Saturday’s Fun Fest!

Where: Eden Place Nature Center (4417 S. Stewart Ave.) — 10min walk from the 47th St station on the Red Line, or EP staff can pick you up at the station if needed

When: Set up from 9:00am-12:00pm , event at 12:00pm-4:00pm , clean-up 4:00pm-5:00pm

What: Looking for at least 1-2 people to manage the raffle/pumpkin pick-up booth and a wristband seller at the entrance during 12-4pm event. Also looking for raffle donations from local businesses, saleable clothing items and/or plants in small pots.

Activities: Train ride and pumpkin/plant pot painting (wristband activities), bake sale, raffle, thrift and houseplant sale, and free games such as jumbo Jenga, basketball, cornhole, etc.

RU Contact People:

  • Alyssa Spleha (aspleha@mail.roosevelt.edu), SUST 350 student event organizer (main student contact for volunteering at event)
  • Gabriel Gonzalez (ggonzalez25@mail.roosevelt.edu), SUST 350 student thrift sale organizer (for dropping off gently used clothing @WB today or Friday)
  • Mike Bryson (mbryson@roosevelt.edu), SUST 350 prof (for general questions)

Eden Place Contact Person:

  • Michael Howard (michaelhow@msn.com), Eden Place executive director and co-founder

If you have some time this week to contribute to this effort, please get in touch with Alyssa or Gabriel to find out how you can help and discuss logistics. The most pressing need is for a couple extra people to help work the entrance and booths at the Fest. However, if you can bring some clean articles of clothing to WB for the thrift sale, that’d be great too. Sorry about the short notice, but we’re doing the best we can on a tight deadline!

All off-campus volunteers would need to complete the RU Travel Waiver Form. Return to me (mbryson@roosevelt.edu) prior to the event. 350-98 RU Waiver Forms 2021Fall.pdf

Peace and thanks to all,
The SUST 350 Service / Eden Place Team

Apply Now for SUST Work-Study Opportunities for 2021-22

The Sustainability Studies Program @RooseveltU is hiring up to three undergraduate students to work as Sustainability Student Associates for the Fall 2021 semester. Information and application instructions for this part-time position can be found on Student Employment website: to apply, just login to the Handshake job posting system and upload your letter of interest, résumé, and writing sample.

The application deadline as been extended to Friday 10/08/21 and interviews will be conducted the following week via Zoom. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. A cover letter, updated résumé, and writing sample (which can be paper written for an RU class) are required for the application. Note your FWS eligibility status in your cover letter.

Applicants should explain their interest in advancing campus sustainability as well as highlight their prior knowledge about and/or skills in relevant sustainability issues and practices (e.g., recycling, gardening, event planning, data analysis, student outreach, etc.)

Desired Majors: Sustainability Studies, Sociology, or Biology preferred; however, all majors will be considered.

Required Skills/Knowledge: Knowledge of and interest in sustainability; strong writing/editing skills; effective communication skills; dependability and strong work ethic.

Scope of Duties: This $15/hour FWS student position will work at the Chicago Campus as well as remotely to support the mission, pedagogy, and service work of the SUST Program at Roosevelt by the following (other duties as assigned):

  • developing & supporting campus sustainability projects in consultation with the program director, department faculty, operations and planning staff, and the RU Green student organization;
  • providing logistical and communication support for sustainability-related activities, events, and projects, both on- and off-campus;
  • supporting student experiential learning, recruitment, retention, & career development efforts;
  • coordinating & promoting departmental events & campus outreach (e.g., Campus Sustainability Month [October], SUST Symposia, & Earth Month);
  • performing current student and alumni outreach;
  • serving as the primary student liaison between the SUST Program and the university community in the advancement of RU’s 2015-2020 Strategic Sustainability Plan;
  • managing the Roosevelt Urban Sustainability Lab (RUSLab) & WB Rooftop Garden

Student Associates will work closely with the SUST Program Director, Prof. Mike Bryson, and utilize the Roosevelt Urban Sustainability Lab at the Chicago Campus as their home base. Funding for the position is provided by federal work-study funds.

Please email Prof. Bryson (mbryson@roosevelt.edu) for questions about the position or application process.

Fall 2021 Return to Campus

With Illinois and the City of Chicago recently entering Phase 5 of the Restore Illinois Plan, Roosevelt is excited and optimistic that the plans for more in-person operations this fall will be realized. In accordance with public health guidelines, changes will be coming to our facilities in preparation for safe and efficient return to campus. Below is information and resources to this effect, as copied from the Roosevelt Covid-19 website. These guidelines/requirements will be updated as new information becomes available.

Updated Mask Protocol

Per CDC criteria, Chicago and Schaumburg areas have moved into “substantial transmission” status. Beginning Monday, August 2, masks will be required for all individuals while on campus. The only exceptions are when eating in spaces designated for eating (the dining center and Fainman Lounge), when alone in your office or when in your residence hall room. Read more about mask guidance while on campus. The COVID-19 Response Team continues to monitor the state of public health and will provide updates to the community as needed.

Capacity Limits

Effective Tuesday, July 6, in accordance with Phase 5 of the Restore Illinois Plan, capacity limits are lifted for all campus spaces. Please note, work is beginning to remove or adapt signage and furniture around campus to reflect these changes. We appreciate your understanding and patience. If you have any questions about a particular space on campus, please ask Physical Resources.

Visiting Campus

Roosevelt is committed to a safe and responsible return to on-campus operations this fall. Please use the following guide to help plan your return to campus.

Step 1: Submit Your Vaccination Documentation

Students and University employees planning to return to campus must submit vaccination documentation or have an approved exemption at least 48 hours prior to visiting campus. Read more about the Roosevelt vaccination requirement.

Students submit their documentations here: roosevelt.edu/vaccine-student

Faculty and staff submit their documentation here: roosevelt.edu/vaccine-employee

Step 2: Fill Out Your Daily Self-Assessment

Students and University employees who have uploaded proof of vaccination or an approved exemption will continue to fill out the daily self-assessment form. A digital “sticker” indicating they are cleared to be on campus will appear on the same screen as the green check mark after a successful daily self-assessment. It may take up to 24 hours your sticker to appear after your proof of vaccination is uploaded. 

Students, faculty and staff don’t forget to download the mobile app (iOS or Android) to make your campus entry more efficient.

Step 3: Show Your Verification to Campus Safety

Show campus safety your verification via the RU app or the self-assessment kiosks at campus entrances. 

Guests and University Contractors

Residential guests will be required to register with the Dean of Students prior to their visit, at which time they will have to submit proof of vaccination, or a negative COVID-19 test within three days of their visit. They will complete the guest daily self-assessment form and be logged in Campus Safety’s badging system upon arrival on campus. 

Employees of regular University contractors (custodial staff, cafeteria workers, etc.) and members of rental partner communities will follow their respective rules on vaccinations/testing. Those individuals will continue to fill out the guest daily self-assessment form. All will need to have RU IDs. Individuals identified by the contractor/partner as compliant with their rules at the beginning of the semester will be issued a physical sticker to be added to their ID, indicating they are cleared to be on campus.

All other visitors to campus will complete the guest daily self-assessment form. They will also be logged in Campus Safety’s badging system upon arrival on campus. 

Pathways to Grad School: SUST Alumni Share Experiences & Advice

As part of our Earth Month 2021 program of virtual sustainability events this past spring semester, five distinguished alumni of Roosevelt’s Sustainability Studies (SUST) program met via Zoom on Thursday, April 29th, to talk about their recent grad school experiences. Our panelists recounted their process of researching, selecting, and applying to a graduate program; what their time in graduate school has been like; and how their RU education prepared them for graduate study.

Alumni Panelists:

  • Yessenia Balcazar (BA ’18), MA ’21 at University of IL Chicago (Urban Planning)
  • Wilmarie Medina-Cortes (BA ’19), MA student at University of IL Chicago (Museum Studies)
  • Lindsey Sharp (BA ’16), MA student at Wayne State University (Anthropology)
  • Moses Viveros (BA ’17), MA and MBA (’20) graduate from Chatham University (Food Studies and Business Administration)
  • Charlton Zimmerman (BA ’19), MPA student at University of Delaware (Public Administration)

Moderator: Dr. Mike Bryson, Professor and Director of Sustainability Studies, Roosevelt University’s College of Arts & Sciences

Link to Youtube Video: https://youtu.be/z1fOIjj20dQ

Since its founding in 2010 as the Chicago area’s first sustainability-focused bachelor’s degree, the SUST program’s more than 100 alumni have pursued a wide variety of career and graduate education pathways, community and environmental service projects, and creative endeavors. Other SUST alumni who have gone on to graduate school include:

  • Margaret Allen (BA ’19, newly accepted to MS program in Environmental Sustainability @ Loyola University Chicago
  • Josh Campbell (BA ’13), Tom Lewallen (BA ’15), Akilah Mitchell (BA ’16), UIC Urban Planning MA program
  • Mike Magdongon (BPS ’13), MBA @ Erasmus University (Netherlands)
  • Ben Shulman (BPS ’12), UIC Communications MA

SUST alumni are currently enployed in a wide variety of fields:

  • Margaret Allen (BA ’19), Industrial Hygiene Technician at Environmental Design International
  • Zarakyah Ahmadiel aka Troy Withers (BPS ’13), Restorative Practices Coordinator for Blocks Together / Cameron Elementary School
  • Yessenia Balcazar (BA ’18), Bryant Williams Intern at Southeast Environmental Task Force; Transportation Intern at Chicago Aviation Authority
  • Christian Cameron (BA’14), Urban Forester & Youth Educator
  • Maria Cancilla (BPS ’18), Horticulture Intern @ Shedd Aquarium; Garden Educator @ Gardeneers / Americorps
  • Karen Craig (BA ’15), Manager of Retail & Visitor Experience at Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance
  • Stephanie Eisner (BA ’13), Program Manager & Philanthropic Advisor at Caerus Foundation
  • Brittany Janney (BA ’18), Environmental Technician with Davey Resource Group
  • Reece Krishnan (BA ’16), Energy Specialist at Franklin Energy Services
  • Tiffany Mucci-Heitman (BPS ’16), Freelance Writer, Massage Therapist and Holistic Health Pro
  • Jessie Crow Mermel (BPS ’12), Marketing & Development Assistant at Severson Dells Nature Center; On-farm Educator at Angelic Organics Learning Center
  • Rebecca Quesnell (BA ’15), Sustainability Coordinator @ RU; Sustainability Director @ Independent Recycling Services
  • MaryBeth Radeck, Entrepreneur & Sustainability Consultant, Director of Project Operations @ +Intention, Owner of Caring Transitions
  • Diana Ramirez (BA ’17), Chicago Program Coordinator at Student Conservation Association
  • Emily Rhea (BA ’16), Project Manager & Energy Analyst @ Eco-Achievers
  • Cheryl Roberts (BPS ’14), Energy Manager @ GE
  • Ben Shulman (BPS ’12), Director of Publishing @IIT Architecture, Blogger, Editor
  • MeLissa Tate (BA ’18), Corporate Sustainability Specialist @ Ferrara Candy Company
  • Ron Taylor (BPS ’12), Director of Parks & Energy @ City of Harrisburg
  • Jesse Williams (BA ’15), Director of Sustainability @ Rust Belt Riders