University of Richmond
Environmental Awareness Group
Minutes of the Meeting of 4 November 2002
Present: Stuart Wheeler (Chair), John Hoogakker, Allyson Ladley, Michael Watrous, Fran White, Ellis West, Michael Wolf.
In attendance: John Bishop, David Kitchen, Liz Chupe
Apologies: Andrew McBride
The minutes of the previous meeting were left unread.
Chairman’s Communications: The chairman gave a brief update on preparations for the coming ULSF visit
Web Site:
Fran White gave a brief overview of plans for a new website to promote environmental awareness and presented a draft template of the web page.
The committee discussed how best to make the page “visible” and recommended that it should be located on the Provost’s web site, with clear additional links from the sustainability and environmental studies websites.
The site should be used to inform students about environmental issues, UR activities and initiatives, and act as a resource with relevant papers, articles, references, bibliography, announcements etc
The site should offer students the opportunity to comment on related issues.
Student Initiatives:
David Kitchen gave an update on the response from the RAs to the idea of a new environmental initiative.
A list of ideas from the RAs was presented to the committee. David Kitchen is to meet with the EAG student representatives to formulate specific proposals and recommendations.
Where possible, student government should be involved at all levels. The committee recommended contact with both the football team and ROTC.
University Initiatives:
The committee discussed possible sources of funding to support environmental initiatives. Elizabeth Taraski should be consulted about a three-year plan for funding
Possible projects involving the reduction of both noise pollution and traffic on campus were discussed.
Ellis West suggested that the university conduct an audit of the existing environment on campus. This should involve a full assessment of the existing natural environment including trees, plants, animals, insects etc. the committee discussed the possible use of GIS as a tool, and means to involve students.
John Hoogakker informed the committee of the possible development of an “Ecoscape” on campus, involving a boardwalk over a wetland environment.
The minutes end at this point as Dr kitchen had to leave the meeting.