How do I become an Eco-Rep?
Eco-Rep’s applications for the upcoming fall are typically available around spring break. There are fifteen undergraduate Eco-Reps and one graduate Eco-Rep, who represents Blakeley Hall at The Fletcher School. Applications for Spring Eco-reps are available at the end of September.
What can I expect?
We encourage all interested students to talk to the Eco-Rep in your dorm to get an idea of what is involved. Your Eco-Rep can also provide a recommendation for you. If your dorm does not have an Eco-Rep, contact the Eco-Rep Coordinators at tuftsecoreps@gmail.com or talk to any of the current or past Eco-Reps listed on our website. You may also view the job description here.
Eco-Reps are expected to participate in a four day training during new student orientation, come to 1.5 hour weekly meetings throughout the academic year, and work 3-5 hours per week in their dorm. Eco-Reps are paid a weekly stipend of $25. Returning Eco-Reps earn $30 per week, as does the graduate student Rep. Eco-Reps are paid for one week’s work during finals; they may choose to do that work during reading period, either of the two finals weeks or to spread the hours out across both weeks. Spring only Eco-Reps must attend a day of training during one of the two first weekends of the Spring semester.
Eco-Reps run events individually and together, maintain compost bins and bulletin boards in their dorms, collaborate with RAs and student groups, write weekly blog updates, participate in personal challenges, go on field trips, learn about sustainability and environmental issues, put up posters and signs, go to hall snacks, meet with duty teams, send out e-newsletters, make friends and generally have a lot of fun!
How are Eco-Reps selected?
Eco-Rep selections are made at the end of the Spring semester for the following year and are based on a written application and an interview. Recommendations are occasionally requested. Occasionally additional Eco-Reps are hired during the last month of the Fall semester to replace Eco-Reps who will not be returning for the Spring semester.
Applicants are evaluated on their:
- level of enthusiasm for the program
- dorm of residence
- ability to communicate effectively and get along with others
- past history of taking initiative
- creativity
- amount of time they are able to commit to the program
- environmental knowledge (not required, but a plus!)
- charisma
Applicants who are self-starters, out-going, eager to learn, comfortable teaching others and not over committed in other areas of their lives, do well in the Eco-Reps program and can make a big difference in their dorms’ culture.
Although it is not required that applicant live in one of the dorms with an Eco-Rep, individuals residing in the same dorm as their Eco-Rep assignment are preferred.
Dorms that currently have Eco-Reps are Blakeley, Bush, Carmichael, Haskell, Hill, Hodgdon, Houston, Lewis, Metcalf, Miller, Richardson, South (2), Tilton, West, and Wren.
Returning Eco-Reps may live off campus, but first year Eco-Reps must live in on campus housing. Every effort is made to assign Eco-Reps a dorm that is close to their own residence.
Preference is given to students who will be on campus for the entire year, but individuals going abroad for one semester are also encouraged to apply.
Students from all majors, interests, and backgrounds are encouraged to apply. You do not need to be an Environmental Studies major.
Why should I become an Eco-Rep?
As an individual in the Eco-Rep program you will grow as a leader and as an environmental citizen. At weekly meetings, the Eco- Reps learn about environmental issues and how Tufts tries to combat these issues. With each week in the program, Eco-Reps develop their communication skills as well as their knowledge and understanding of their impact and how they can train themselves, as well as those around them, to change. You should become an Eco-Rep if you are interested in changing yourself as well as changing others. If you want a fulfilling and engaging job, and to promote a sustainable future, apply to be an Eco-Rep.
If you are passionate about the environment, the Tufts community, and creating change, you can make a difference as an Eco-Rep! Check back here for more information, or sign-up for the Office of Sustainability newsletter to stay up-to-date on Eco-Reps information throughout the semester.
