“The Sustainability Education Resource Centre (SERC) has opened my eyes to the diversity of sustainability opportunities on campus, like student groups and the incredible course variety,” says Lauren Wright, an honours student in Romance Studies at UBC.
At the SERC, students and faculty can explore and learn about how to get involved and connect with groups and courses that can deepen and enrich their sustainability experiences at UBC. Students like Lauren who are interested in sustainability visit the SERC in-person or online to get information about relevant courses, leadership and volunteer programs and alternate credit options.
The opportunity for students to integrate sustainability into their studies is core to UBC. “If it wasn't for the SERC, I wouldn't have known that it was possible to do an arts minor that included science courses and was focused on the environment” says Lauren. “I learned about the Minor in Environment and Society in Arts and other academic credit involvement opportunities such as the SEEDS program.” She also learned about student groups on campus, such as Environmental Science Students Association and the Student Environment Centre.
“I like how personal and welcoming the SERC is,” says Lauren. “I have received extremely useful advice about how to get more involved in the sustainability community at UBC and I will definitely be making the most of this helpful resource in the future!”
Kshamta Hunter, the student advisor at the SERC, works one-on-one with students to help them make sustainability part of their experience at UBC. “Students are interested in knowing about current issues in their field. If someone is particularly keen about water conservation, for instance, they can take courses tailored towards that theme,” says Hunter. “But if their interest isn’t focussed, there are options that are more general. Personalizing the service is key to getting the right fit for each student.”
Visit the SERC on the main floor at the Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability at 2260 West Mall in Vancouver or online.
Contact the Sustainability Student Advisor