Increasing numbers of post-secondary students are becoming environmental leaders and now their activities can earn them credits at Thompson Rivers University.

The university’s student engagement department is launching a new certificate program for students who engage in green activities and curricula.

The Leadership in Environmental Sustainability certificate program is not comprised of courses. Rather it’s earned in tandem with other programs and activities in a formal way that adds to basic transcripts.

“Don't graduate with just a degree, diploma or certificate,” states the program material. “At TRU we want you to launch your career with a resume full of the relevant learning experiences employers value today.” 

TRU is pioneering the one-credit certificate and other institutions are paying attention to see what comes out of it, said Sukh Heer Matonovich, TRU engagement co-ordinator.

Co-ordinators are introducing the new program with a splash in the middle of Student Street on March 27 along with an opportunity to earn free enrolment into the certificate program.

A contest called Upcycle That! encourages students to turn normal everyday items that may be obsolete into something useful.

For example last year’s city phone book can be shaped into a cloverleaf and propped up on its side to use as a desktop pen and pencil container.

Judges will determine the winners based on originality, variety of materials, aesthetic and practical values and a two-minute oral presentation.

The top three winners will receive a waiver for the certificate’s $100 tuition.

“We hope to see engagement from our students and help them look at things differently in a celebration of creativity and ingenuity,” said Matonovich.

Matonovich also hopes the event’s central location will allow the upcycling trend to spread to department faculty, staff and officials too.