EcoliteracySCHOOL

A team of University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR) students in specialized courses (PUBH 3571 and PUBH4571) is responsible for special projects during the course. Students will participate 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 during which student leaders further their mentorship relationships and projects. 

UMR students are responsible for developing, designing, implementing and evaluating their own unique projects (PUBH3571) and research initiatives (PUBH4571). Project topics are all focused in areas of public health - and students may select a topic of interest. These courses meet the Community Engaged Learning (CEL) attribute at UMR.

Courses:

PUBH3571 -- EcoliteracySCHOOL: Public Health Immersion Field Experience (Prereqs: PUBH2561 - Intro to Public Health, Instructor Permission) 

PUBH4571 -- EcoliteracySCHOOL: Public Health Immersion Field Research Experience (Prereqs of PUBH2561 - Intro to Public Health, PUBH3571, and Instructor Permission)

Students meet for class sessions throughout the entire Fall semester. Students will also travel for two field experiences during the semester. Full attendance and participation in field experiences is required. 

Field experiences involve outdoor living and activities, walking on uneven terrain, etc. Some activity spaces do not have running water or flush toilets (composting toilets are available). You will have an encouraging group with you to experience new things. 

Participation in the entirety of all field experiences is mandatory. Transportation will be provided. There is no additional cost to students for field experiences. Grant funding and a student-engaged "pay it forward" program help fund this program including supplies and transportation costs.

• Field Experience 1: Friday, Sept 13 from 6:30 a.m. - Sunday, Sept 15 at 8:00 p.m.
• Field Experience 2: Saturday, Nov 16 from 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

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.

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 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.

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]

During field experiences, you'll  spend time in mentorship "pods" consisting of two UMR students and two high school students.

• Field Experience 1: Friday, September 15, 2023 at 7 a.m. - Sunday, September 17, 2023 at 8 p.m.
• Field Experience 2: Saturday, November 4, 2023 from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

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.

Transportation and other costs are covered through grant funding. For specific cost related questions please contact Dr.  Barnett or Dr. Osiecki.

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.

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.

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.