INSPIRE sustainability internships: Promoting campus greening initiatives through student participation

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Author
Hayles, Carolyn
Date
2019-06-01Acceptance date
2019-03-11
Type
Article
Publisher
Emerald
ISSN
1467-6370
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Purpose - An exploration of the outputs of an internship programme, one of a number of campus-based sustainability activities that have been introduced at the University of Wales, Trinity Saint David, to encourage student-led campus-based greening initiatives.
Design/methodology/approach - A Case Study approach was undertaken, allowing the
researcher to investigate the programme in its real-life context. The researcher used multiple
sources of evidence to gain as holistic a picture as possible.
Findings - Interns report positive changes in their behaviours towards sustainability as well
as encouraging feedback on their experiential learning, the development of their soft skills,
and the creation of new knowledge. Moreover, students communicated perceived benefits for
their future careers. The reported outcomes reflect mutually beneficial relationships for
student and institution, for example raising the profile of campus greening activities;
supporting the University’s aim to embed sustainability throughout its campus, community
and culture.
Research limitations/implications - The researcher recognises the limitations of the
research, in particular the small sample size, which has resulted primarily in qualitative
results being presented.
Practical implications - Feedback from previous interns will be used to shape future
internships. In particular, INSPIRE will look for opportunities to work more closely with
University operations, departments, faculties and alongside University staff, both academic
and support staff.
Social implications - Following student feedback, INSPIRE will give students opportunities
for wider involvement including an opportunity to propose their own projects in order to
shape future internships that meet the needs of student body on campus.
Originality/value - Despite being one case study from one institution, the research highlight
the value of such programmes for other institutions.
Journal/conference proceeding
International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education;
Citation
Hayles, C.S. (2019) 'INSPIRE sustainability internships: Promoting campus greening initiatives through student participation', International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSHE-03-2019-0111
Description
Article published in International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education available at https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSHE-03-2019-0111
Sponsorship
Cardiff Metropolitan University (Grant ID: Cardiff Metropolian (Internal))
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