23 April 2024
A group from St. John’s University was concerned about creating an eco-friendly campus. Public Relations Majors spoke to a group of staffers recently about their thoughts on creating a sustainable campus.
Students in the Public Relations Campaigns seminar taught by Tiffany L. Mohr Ph.D.The Public Relations Program is directed by Assistant Professor and director, Public relations program at The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies. Dr. Mohr asked her students to pitch ideas for new initiatives at employees who have a stake on campus sustainability.
Dr. Mohr stated that many of her classes are taught in a project-based academic service-learning format. This allows them to use their knowledge and skills to serve others, which in this instance is the campus.
St. John’s students addressed sustainability issues on four fronts. They reduced food waste, created sustainable landscaping and improved transparency and trustworthiness in communication about green initiatives. Dr. Mohr stated that more than forty stakeholders from the University including faculty, staff and students were present to discuss sustainability.
She said that the students approached their course with an eagerness to learn and a positive attitude. Most of the students are seniors who will be leaving campus within a couple weeks. Their sense of responsibility, their desire to make a difference, and even a little nostalgia contributed to the campaign’s success. “I hope the discussions with campus stakeholders, and the initiatives suggested by students will result in actionable and lasting positive changes for our campus.”
Francesca, who is a sophomore in high school, said that the purpose of their group was to create and intensify green and sustainability initiatives, “while establishing reasonable goals for a healthier and safer environment.”
Christina, a student, said: “We would like St. John’s University’s sustainability to be improved through transparency marketing, with investments in eco-friendly, genuine practices, clear messaging backed by data, and collaborations between other campus organizations who share the same goals.”
Jeramiah also stressed the importance of presenting to those who have influence over policy and messages moving forward. This includes employees working in Campus Facilities and Services, Marketing and CommunicationThe. Office of University Mission. He said: “We’d like to talk about what is important for us and also to the other party.”
He added, “We would like to change the behavior of St. John’s by supporting all their passions.” Not only should we change the message, but also the way that students live on campus and how they interact with it.
Francesca stated that students were aiming to communicate transparency by using clear language. We want students to be engaged and care about learning more about sustainability.
Jeramiah explained that the purpose of St. John’s toolkit was to clearly promote sustainability. St. John’s is doing many wonderful things.
The students suggested green roofs, solar panels and other initiatives to maintain the sustainability efforts the university has been pursuing for the past decade. The students hope to inform their peers about the work St. John’s University has done and inspire them to take action and participate themselves. Students may not have been aware of the University’s energy-saving upgrades.
Jeramiah said that these topics are very important for employees as well as students. He was also pleased to observe a group discussing them in an informal environment.
The hope is to have more discussions about policy and implementation. It’s great to know that people can come together and discuss solar panels, electric vehicles, and how the campus could be more sustainable.
Earth Day Celebrations will be held by students in all of the D’Angelo Center Lobby on 24 April from 2 to 4.