Tips for ETE Scholars
2.1 ETE - What to Expect
Overview
Environment, Technology & Economy is a multi-disciplinary program that will introduce you to the topic of global sustainability. This is a huge topic that is applicable to every major on campus! With only one credit per semester, we will barely begin to scratch the surface, but what we will do is introduce you to some of the key concepts in sustainability, and help you learn how to break down complex issues making relevant connections to your own interests and career goals. We will do this by examining some major current events through the lenses of the built and natural environments, technological advances, and various economic sectors (such as energy & transportation) and their impact on global sustainability.
Along the way we will incorporate some hands-on learning opportunities and trips to informative, useful (and fun) places. We will also consistently maintain a focus on how to help you be a successful student and community citizen, and teach you practical steps to prepare you for your future career. We also strive to incorporate what you want to learn about, so if you have ideas about a topic/trip you would like to see included in the curriculum, come and talk to us & we will see if we can work together to find a way to incorporate them.
Your first lesson is this: we will provide you with opportunities, advice and assistance, but we cannot do it for you. You have to take full advantage of what is put in front of you and take control of your own learning and life.
College Park Scholars (CPS) - ETE Program Website
This website is designed to give prospective, incoming and current students and their families some basic information about our program's theme, basic requirements & structure, course syllabi, and the faculty & staff you'll be working with. You can access the website here.
Environment, Technology & Economy is a multi-disciplinary program that will introduce you to the topic of global sustainability. This is a huge topic that is applicable to every major on campus! With only one credit per semester, we will barely begin to scratch the surface, but what we will do is introduce you to some of the key concepts in sustainability, and help you learn how to break down complex issues making relevant connections to your own interests and career goals. We will do this by examining some major current events through the lenses of the built and natural environments, technological advances, and various economic sectors (such as energy & transportation) and their impact on global sustainability.
Along the way we will incorporate some hands-on learning opportunities and trips to informative, useful (and fun) places. We will also consistently maintain a focus on how to help you be a successful student and community citizen, and teach you practical steps to prepare you for your future career. We also strive to incorporate what you want to learn about, so if you have ideas about a topic/trip you would like to see included in the curriculum, come and talk to us & we will see if we can work together to find a way to incorporate them.
Your first lesson is this: we will provide you with opportunities, advice and assistance, but we cannot do it for you. You have to take full advantage of what is put in front of you and take control of your own learning and life.
College Park Scholars (CPS) - ETE Program Website
This website is designed to give prospective, incoming and current students and their families some basic information about our program's theme, basic requirements & structure, course syllabi, and the faculty & staff you'll be working with. You can access the website here.
2.2 Colloquium
What is Colloquium?
Colloquium is the main class for participants in the ETE Scholars Program. This class meets once a week in the Cambridge Community Center, commonly referred to as the CCC or in Cumberland Hall, CBD. Colloquium brings all first-year students together at a set time. Each week you will meet either in the large plenary group or in your individual section– not both (please note - this is DIFFERENT from the majority of your other courses on campus - most courses meet in both lecture & section every week). Each section has approximately 20 students and allows for further discussions of the topics covered in colloquium, as well as other assignments.
First Semester Colloquium
The first ETE colloquium is titled CPET100. For more information on the class please see the CPS - ETE Program Curriculum.
Second Semester Colloquium
The second semester colloquium course for ETE scholars is titled CPET101. For more information on the class please see the CPS - ETE Program Curriculum.
Colloquium is the main class for participants in the ETE Scholars Program. This class meets once a week in the Cambridge Community Center, commonly referred to as the CCC or in Cumberland Hall, CBD. Colloquium brings all first-year students together at a set time. Each week you will meet either in the large plenary group or in your individual section– not both (please note - this is DIFFERENT from the majority of your other courses on campus - most courses meet in both lecture & section every week). Each section has approximately 20 students and allows for further discussions of the topics covered in colloquium, as well as other assignments.
First Semester Colloquium
The first ETE colloquium is titled CPET100. For more information on the class please see the CPS - ETE Program Curriculum.
Second Semester Colloquium
The second semester colloquium course for ETE scholars is titled CPET101. For more information on the class please see the CPS - ETE Program Curriculum.
2.3 Field Trips
Importance of Field Trips
Field trips are a major component of the hands-on Scholars experience. ETE students are required to go on one field trip per semester and complete an assignment about their experience. The purpose of this graded assignment is to evaluate your understanding of the experience and to help you make connections to the course – plan on taking notes & using them during and after the trip. If you are unable to attend a scheduled ETE field trip during the semester, you must independently attend a faculty pre-approved alternate field trip option or propose in advance (and get approved to attend) an alternate field trip you've identified. But be forewarned - the alternate field trip assignment is more rigorous - one of the key points of this requirement is to help you get to know your classmates and the ETE faculty & staff better, so sign up for a scheduled trip if at all possible!
Field trips are a great way to connect what you learn inside the classroom to the real world. ETE students use knowledge and analytical skills gained in the classroom to consider how each trip relates to sustainability concepts and issues. After attending the Recycling Center ETE field trip, for example, students were able to see how the practices they study in class are being put to use at the Recycling Center.
Field trips are a major component of the hands-on Scholars experience. ETE students are required to go on one field trip per semester and complete an assignment about their experience. The purpose of this graded assignment is to evaluate your understanding of the experience and to help you make connections to the course – plan on taking notes & using them during and after the trip. If you are unable to attend a scheduled ETE field trip during the semester, you must independently attend a faculty pre-approved alternate field trip option or propose in advance (and get approved to attend) an alternate field trip you've identified. But be forewarned - the alternate field trip assignment is more rigorous - one of the key points of this requirement is to help you get to know your classmates and the ETE faculty & staff better, so sign up for a scheduled trip if at all possible!
Field trips are a great way to connect what you learn inside the classroom to the real world. ETE students use knowledge and analytical skills gained in the classroom to consider how each trip relates to sustainability concepts and issues. After attending the Recycling Center ETE field trip, for example, students were able to see how the practices they study in class are being put to use at the Recycling Center.
Signing Up
One field trip per semester is required of all students while they are in the program. Signing up for field trips is mandatory, as each trip has a limited number of available seats. You will sign up via the ETE field trip sign-up page on this website. We take crazy student schedules into account when planning our adventures- so most field trips will be scheduled on weekends. A schedule will be given out the first week of class. We may add more as the semester goes on. Co-Curricular “Trips” There are so many interesting things going on in and around campus that relate to what ETE is all about! Because of this, we may be leaving the classroom to show you real life examples of our studies. For example, we may check out the sustainable features of one of the new LEED-certified resident halls or do a waste audit outside of the Stamp Student Union. 2.4 Capstone Practicum Experience |
Some examples of Past Field Trips...
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What is a Practicum and Why is it Important?
Another dimension of the hands-on scholars experience is your practicum. Practicum is defined as, “the part of a course consisting of practical work in a particular field.” In other words, a practicum is like an internship experience. It provides students with an opportunity to participate in experiential learning in a setting of interest to them, apply knowledge gained from coursework, build and refine skills, and develop relationships with potential future employers. Adding experience to your resume is a great way to make your application stand out among others when searching for future jobs. In addition, the practicum allows you to better evaluate whether or not your intended field of study is right for you. It would be counterproductive to wait until you received a degree to find out you do not enjoy working in a particular field. Start early and gain experience!
When to Start?
Start thinking about your interests and do some internet searches to see what kinds of opportunities are available. Your practicum should be thought of as an opportunity to test and learn about one or more of your career interests. Make the most of it by taking the selection of your practicum experience seriously and starting early. Keep in mind that most students do not enter college with an exact idea of the career path they would like to follow. An experience like the ETE practicum is a great way for students to learn about their interests. There is no specific date by which you must choose your practicum; however, you are REQUIRED to complete your practicum prior to the spring semester of your sophomore year.* You will then enroll in CPET 2X0 to process your practicum and prepare for the Academic Showcase in May of your sophomore year, and more importantly, to guide you on your path to your future career.
*In lieu of a practicum, students can choose to participate in one of several College Park Scholars Discovery Research courses or go on an approved Travel Study/Study Abroad experience. More information about these options will be discussed in colloquium.
What to Look for
When looking for a potential practicum there are a few main points to consider. First, the majority of internships are unpaid positions. This will be specified under the description that the company, organization, or group provides. Second, some internships are more time consuming or flexible than others. You should choose a practicum that realistically fits into your schedule. If an organization is looking for a candidate to work 20 hours a week and you can only manage to work 8, this is not the internship for you. Third, location is another major factor to consider when choosing a practicum. It is great to gain experience working in all types of locations, such as urban, suburban, and rural areas, as well as far away locations or even other countries. The more diverse the experience is, the better. Fourth, the type and size of organization or company with which you will work should also be considered. Whether the position is with a non-profit organization, public company, private firm, governmental organization, educational and politically funded group tells you about the type of experience you should expect to have. The size of the company or organization matters too in that some companies can employ a few thousand people, while other groups may only be able to support a handful. These are all aspects to consider when looking for the best practicum experience for you.
How to Find a Practicum
Throughout the program we will work with you on career-building skills like resume writing, finding job search resources, and interviewing. That being said, there are countless ways to find a practicum relevant to your interests. Networking is an important skill in the internship and job hunt process; students should always be looking for opportunities to network. Professors often have great connections that can be helpful to students. Company and organization web pages always list job and internship opportunities at the bottom of the page. Check out the Practicum Resources page for great on-campus resources, and the Practicum Postings page for specific time-sensitive opportunities that come across the desks of the ETE Faculty & Staff!
Getting Credit for Your Practicum
Before you can use your practicum for credit with the ETE program, you must complete the proper paperwork. Please note to ensure that your experience will count for credit, there are forms that must be completed before your practicum begins. There are also reports and evaluations that take place during and after your practicum experience. You will receive additional details about your assignments and expectations after you have secured an acceptable experience. When you register for the practicum course CPSP2X9E in the spring of your sophomore year, you can register for up to 3 credits based on the hours you have worked. For more details on the in-class requirements, please contact the ETE Faculty & Staff.
Practicum and Your Resume
In order to get a good practicum, you will need to have a resume. If you don’t already have one, make your first draft of your resume now. Visit the Career Center for some advise on improving it…we will work on it more, but if you start it now it will be stronger then! As a first step to writing one, see the UM Career Center website - it has great information, including how to write a resume, what to include, errors to avoid, and several samples. You can also download the Terp Career and Job Search Guide - it's free and includes even more great resources. After you finish your practicum, adding it to your resume is an important step to getting you on your way to a satisfying career. You will work on the most effective ways to do this during the ETE capstone practicum course in the spring semester of your sophomore year.
Requesting a Letter of Recommendation
You may also need letters of recommendation. Whether you choose to request a letter of recommendation from your professor or a TA depends on your relationship with them. The ideal recommender is one who is knowledgeable about you and the position/honor for which you are applying. Whether or not this is the case, you should provide all relevant information about the position/honor and the specifics about why you fit the requirements. You should not feel like you are imposing when you ask for a letter BUT you should do everything that you can to maximize the ease with which the letter is written. Please remember these important tips when requesting a recommendation...
First & foremost, plan ahead. Give your reference a MINIMUM of two weeks notice to write a letter. This demonstrates your professionalism and will ensure that your reference has plenty of time to complete a well-composed letter.
Emailing your request to your professor or TA is likely the most appropriate approach so that you may provide her/him with all of the essential information. You may also wish to make the request in person and then follow up with an email to provide necessary information. Provide all of the necessary information in your email:
Another dimension of the hands-on scholars experience is your practicum. Practicum is defined as, “the part of a course consisting of practical work in a particular field.” In other words, a practicum is like an internship experience. It provides students with an opportunity to participate in experiential learning in a setting of interest to them, apply knowledge gained from coursework, build and refine skills, and develop relationships with potential future employers. Adding experience to your resume is a great way to make your application stand out among others when searching for future jobs. In addition, the practicum allows you to better evaluate whether or not your intended field of study is right for you. It would be counterproductive to wait until you received a degree to find out you do not enjoy working in a particular field. Start early and gain experience!
When to Start?
Start thinking about your interests and do some internet searches to see what kinds of opportunities are available. Your practicum should be thought of as an opportunity to test and learn about one or more of your career interests. Make the most of it by taking the selection of your practicum experience seriously and starting early. Keep in mind that most students do not enter college with an exact idea of the career path they would like to follow. An experience like the ETE practicum is a great way for students to learn about their interests. There is no specific date by which you must choose your practicum; however, you are REQUIRED to complete your practicum prior to the spring semester of your sophomore year.* You will then enroll in CPET 2X0 to process your practicum and prepare for the Academic Showcase in May of your sophomore year, and more importantly, to guide you on your path to your future career.
*In lieu of a practicum, students can choose to participate in one of several College Park Scholars Discovery Research courses or go on an approved Travel Study/Study Abroad experience. More information about these options will be discussed in colloquium.
What to Look for
When looking for a potential practicum there are a few main points to consider. First, the majority of internships are unpaid positions. This will be specified under the description that the company, organization, or group provides. Second, some internships are more time consuming or flexible than others. You should choose a practicum that realistically fits into your schedule. If an organization is looking for a candidate to work 20 hours a week and you can only manage to work 8, this is not the internship for you. Third, location is another major factor to consider when choosing a practicum. It is great to gain experience working in all types of locations, such as urban, suburban, and rural areas, as well as far away locations or even other countries. The more diverse the experience is, the better. Fourth, the type and size of organization or company with which you will work should also be considered. Whether the position is with a non-profit organization, public company, private firm, governmental organization, educational and politically funded group tells you about the type of experience you should expect to have. The size of the company or organization matters too in that some companies can employ a few thousand people, while other groups may only be able to support a handful. These are all aspects to consider when looking for the best practicum experience for you.
How to Find a Practicum
Throughout the program we will work with you on career-building skills like resume writing, finding job search resources, and interviewing. That being said, there are countless ways to find a practicum relevant to your interests. Networking is an important skill in the internship and job hunt process; students should always be looking for opportunities to network. Professors often have great connections that can be helpful to students. Company and organization web pages always list job and internship opportunities at the bottom of the page. Check out the Practicum Resources page for great on-campus resources, and the Practicum Postings page for specific time-sensitive opportunities that come across the desks of the ETE Faculty & Staff!
Getting Credit for Your Practicum
Before you can use your practicum for credit with the ETE program, you must complete the proper paperwork. Please note to ensure that your experience will count for credit, there are forms that must be completed before your practicum begins. There are also reports and evaluations that take place during and after your practicum experience. You will receive additional details about your assignments and expectations after you have secured an acceptable experience. When you register for the practicum course CPSP2X9E in the spring of your sophomore year, you can register for up to 3 credits based on the hours you have worked. For more details on the in-class requirements, please contact the ETE Faculty & Staff.
Practicum and Your Resume
In order to get a good practicum, you will need to have a resume. If you don’t already have one, make your first draft of your resume now. Visit the Career Center for some advise on improving it…we will work on it more, but if you start it now it will be stronger then! As a first step to writing one, see the UM Career Center website - it has great information, including how to write a resume, what to include, errors to avoid, and several samples. You can also download the Terp Career and Job Search Guide - it's free and includes even more great resources. After you finish your practicum, adding it to your resume is an important step to getting you on your way to a satisfying career. You will work on the most effective ways to do this during the ETE capstone practicum course in the spring semester of your sophomore year.
Requesting a Letter of Recommendation
You may also need letters of recommendation. Whether you choose to request a letter of recommendation from your professor or a TA depends on your relationship with them. The ideal recommender is one who is knowledgeable about you and the position/honor for which you are applying. Whether or not this is the case, you should provide all relevant information about the position/honor and the specifics about why you fit the requirements. You should not feel like you are imposing when you ask for a letter BUT you should do everything that you can to maximize the ease with which the letter is written. Please remember these important tips when requesting a recommendation...
First & foremost, plan ahead. Give your reference a MINIMUM of two weeks notice to write a letter. This demonstrates your professionalism and will ensure that your reference has plenty of time to complete a well-composed letter.
Emailing your request to your professor or TA is likely the most appropriate approach so that you may provide her/him with all of the essential information. You may also wish to make the request in person and then follow up with an email to provide necessary information. Provide all of the necessary information in your email:
- Info about the position/honor -You may need to write a brief description or you can provide a URL or attachment if available. This enables your reference to become familiar with the position/honor and subsequently include the most relevant information in the letter.
- Provide your personal statement and/or cover letter if required for the application;
- Include an up-to-date resume or c.v.
- Complete and include any necessary forms for the position/honor.
- If applying to more than one position, tell your reference so that he/she may organize the letters accordingly. Try to request multiple letters in one email (with appropriate information) rather than repeatedly contacting a reference over a brief period.
- Remind your reference of specific details that might prove helpful/appropriate when writing your letter (e.g. that she/he nominated you for an award).
- Provide clear and complete information about where and to whom the letter should be sent and the deadline.