Courses and Application Process
Course Descriptions
A team of University of Minnesota Rochester students in specialized courses — PUBH 3571 and PUBH 4571 — leads special projects during the course. Students take part in a three‑day environmental and public health immersion event for high‑school students in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and a one‑day field experience that strengthens mentorship and project development.
UMN Rochester students develop, design, implement and evaluate their own public health projects (PUBH 3571) and research initiatives (PUBH 4571). Project topics focus on public health, and students choose an area that fits their interests. Both courses meet the Community Engaged Learning (CEL) attribute at UMN Rochester.
Courses:
- PUBH 3571 — EcoliteracySCHOOL: Public Health Immersion Field Experience
- Prereqs: PUBH 2561 – Intro to Public Health; Instructor Permission Students complete a unique public health project and carry out a program or activity implementation connected to their topic.
- PUBH 4571 — EcoliteracySCHOOL: Public Health Immersion Field Research Experience
- Prereqs: PUBH 2561 – Intro to Public Health; PUBH 3571; Instructor Permission Students build on their previous implementation work and take a research approach to their public health topic through data collection, analysis and evaluation.
Course Structure
Students meet in person once a week throughout the Fall semester, with additional coursework completed asynchronously. Students also travel for two required field experiences during the semester.
Field experiences involve outdoor living and activities, walking on uneven terrain, exploring underground terrain and riding on a school bus. Some activity spaces do not have running water or flush toilets, though composting toilets are available. Students participate as part of an encouraging group that supports trying new things.
Participation in the entirety of both field experiences is mandatory. Transportation to learning locations is provided by school bus. There is no additional cost to students. Grant funding and a student‑engaged “pay it forward” program support supplies and transportation.
Field Experiences
- Field Experience 1: Saturday, Sept. 26, 7 a.m.–Sunday, Sept. 27, 7 p.m.
- Field Experience 2: Saturday, Nov. 14, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Student Mentorship
EcoliteracySCHOOL involves mentorship with high school students and required participation in two outdoor field experiences. Students who have not had mentorship or outdoor related experience, will be supported and guided through this program.
Enrollment
Students must apply for instructor permission into these courses. Students will be selected based on the strength of their application, ability to attend the required field experiences, curricular plans and public health courses taken. Students whose applications are not accepted for this fall are welcome to reapply next year.
Application Process
Application Timeline:
- Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting April 1. Coaches will be notified when the course fills. This course has limited enrollment.
Contact
If you have questions, contact Dr. Barnett and your Student Success Coach for additional support.
Jessie Barnett
Faculty, Center for Learning Innovation
Office Loc: 318 Commons
[email protected]
Learn More
Student Projects
Frequently Asked Questions
Field Experiences
During field experiences, you'll spend time in mentorship "pods" consisting of two UMN Rochester students and two high school students.
- Field Experience 1: Saturday, Sept. 26, 7 a.m.–Sunday, Sept. 27, 7 p.m.
- Field Experience 2: Saturday, Nov. 14, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Gear and Food
All necessary gear for camping is provided. There will be an opportunity to check out other needed items, such as a blanket, air mattress, flashlight, etc. for the field experiences.
Food is provided, however students are welcome to bring their own food if that is more comfortable or if there are dietary restrictions.
Travel and Costs
Transportation and other costs are covered through grant funding. For specific cost related questions please contact Dr. Barnett or Dr. Osiecki.
Activity Level
Physical activity is part of the field experiences through hikes and other activities both indoor and outdoor. On average, hikes are three miles long. Students are encouraged to prepare themselves for this level of exercise prior to the field experiences.
Conflicting Courses
Due to the mandatory requirements of this course, a student may experience conflicting times with other courses. In the event of a conflict, a request may be submitted during registration to accommodate. Students can also discuss with their other course professors to find a way to fit this course into their schedule.
Course Capacity
Seats for this course are limited. Priority is given to students with senior and junior standings. If a student does not get accepted initially, they are encouraged to apply again the following year with their applications being top priority for consideration.