The University of Michigan will offer students a new living-learning community this fall focused on various aspects of sustainability, climate justice and environmental justice.
The Sustainable Living Experience, located in Oxford’s West Seeley Hall, was created following the recommendation of a committee charged by President Mark Schlissel to explore ways to enhance the culture of sustainability on campus.
It will be administered through the Program in the Environment in LSA.
“The SLE will integrate programming — like seminars and courses — into the freshman experience,” says Gregg Crane, director of PitE. “And it will increase the visibility of sustainability initiatives on campus and establish a community of engaged learners which will continue to support and nurture students beyond their residence in the SLE.”
more information
The SLE will host a diverse and inclusive community of approximately 70 students per year with the goal of creating and fostering future leaders in sustainability, both on campus and beyond.
Interested students will be assigned through the Housing lottery in first year of the program, although an application process will be established for the following year.
SLE Students will work on sustainability-related projects and will have access to on-site gardening, composting, mentorship and a community of likeminded students dedicated to sustainability issues.
The SLE will be bolstered by hands-on learning opportunities, sustainability-themed seminars, learning circles, and lectures on topics of students’ choosing.
Joe Trumpey, associate professor of art, natural resources and environment, will serve as the SLE’s first director.
“The SLE community will afford students the opportunity to build a personal practice that strives to increase environmental sustainability,” Trumpey says. “The SLE will provide an excellent opportunity for students to balance their academic experiences with a highly personal and engaged community. I am looking forward to the first cohort to join us in the fall.”
