Students Taking An Active Role in Sustainability (STARS)

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Do you want to be a leader in campus sustainability efforts? Do you like delegating money and making key decisions

If so, then apply to be on the STARS pilot committee today! STARS (Students Taking an Active Role in Sustainability) is a pioneering initiative that will allow a student committee to oversee a fund available to student groups interested in doing sustainability related projects. EA is currently working to establish a pilot committee consisting of 7 undergraduates and 4 graduate students. This test run committee will have $25,000, as promised by the university, to give out as grant money.

If you are interested in being on the committee, please send your completed application to dukestars@gmail.com by SEPTEMBER 18TH! Decisions will be made by October 2nd. Selections will be made by Duke faculty and staff involved with campus sustainability efforts.

Frequently Answered Questions

How would the fund money be “stored” and distributed?
This money would be in an account under the supervision of the Executive Vice President’s office and checks would be signed off by the Sustainability Coordinator.

How many students will be on the STARS committee?
The STARS committee would consist of 7 undergraduates and 4 graduate students.

How will the STARS committee members be selected?
The STARS committee members would have to apply for the position; in the first year their applications would be approved by the sustainability coordinator and/or the energy manager. After the first year, current STARS committee members would vote on prospective members and their decision would need the approval of the sustainability coordinator and/or energy manager.

Where would the STARS committee fit in the overall Duke administrative organization?
The STARS committee would be in the jurisdiction of the office of the Executive Vice president.

What would the role of ex officio members be?
The ex officio members would advise the committee members and voice the perspective of the administration of prospective projects; however, they would be unable to vote to determine funding.

How often would the committee of students and other members meet?
The committee would meet twice a month.

Who is eligible for funding?
Any student, faculty member, student group, or department with a sustainability project idea would be eligible for funding. Durham community members, schools, or other neighborhood or energy groups would be eligible to apply for the portion of the fund allocated projects off-campus.

How is allocation decided?
Granting of funding would be decided by a 3/4th majority of student committee members.

What do you mean when you say a proactive role?
The STARS committee would be proactive in that they would be free to approach other departments/groups/community members to suggest funding-worthy projects and work in conjunction with these parties to implement the project.

What kinds of projects will this fee fund? Will they have to have a financial pay back?
While a financial payback is preferable, of course, we do not believe that it needs to be a criterion for funding.

How will applicants demonstrate the “sustainability” of their projects?
Applicants will specify the sustainability of their projects in their grant proposal and can also present in front of the committee if they feel it to be necessary.

Can one applicant only be allocated a certain amount of money?
No. If one project is worthy of a large amount of money, the committee is free to make that decision.

Will there be an application deadline or will it be rolling?
The grant application process will be on a rolling basis.