A Greener College of Social Work

By Joanna Bettmann, PhD and Rob Butters, LCSW

The College of Social Work, under the initiative of the newly-formed Green Committee, has begun a series of “green” projects.

One is the paperless classroom. Several professors at the College are now teaching without using paper. For example, Rob Butters taught his spring semester “Advanced Practice II in Criminal Justice” course completely paper-free. The paperless component of the course had three goals: reduce paper waste in the classroom, improve student skills and knowledge in utilizing technology, and model environmentally-responsible practice. These goals were accomplished through the use of WebCT/Blackboard, electronic submission and grading of assignments, and the use of PowerPoint and web-enabled class lectures. Professor Butters assigned students to participate in weekly discussions on WebCT/Blackboard in order to help keep students engaged in the course content in-between class periods and improve the exchange of information between students and instructor. The WebCT program enables students and instructors to easily post articles, lecture notes, web links, and other resources. Students can choose to view the material online, save it to their computer for future reference, or even print it if they must. Professor Butters conducted an evaluation of the paperless course and received overwhelmingly positive feedback from students about this format.

The Green Committee also sponsored the first annual College of Social Work Earth Day Celebration in the new Goodwill Community Meeting Room. Well-attended, the event included music performed by College faculty, donated food from Great Harvest Bread Company, screenings of environmental documentaries, and booths set up by local groups promoting sustainability such as the Campus Sustainability Office, NASW, Commuter Services, UTA Ride Share, and Green Tree Yoga. A good time was had by all! The Green Committee expresses its deep appreciation to the Great Harvest Bread Company of Salt Lake City and Jason’s Deli of Salt Lake City for their generous food donations to our event!