Living Lab Resources for Campus & Community Partners

LIVING LAB RESOURCES FOR CAMPUS/COMMUNITY PARTNERS

What is an ideal Living Lab project? 

Projects should demonstrate a clear connection to environmental, economic, and/or social sustainability and engage students in real-world challenges.

• Environment: Environmental sustainability projects enhance our ability to live within the means of our natural resources. Ex: A small group of students worked with their university’s Facilities Management department to assess water usage in campus buildings. They conducted inspections, placed work orders, and researched awareness campaigns. 
• Economy: Economic sustainability projects support growth that positively impacts the social, environmental, and cultural aspects of a community. Ex: A small group of students worked with their university’s Housing department to draft sustainable purchasing guides to encourage the campus community and its suppliers to lower their environmental impact.
• Society: Social sustainability projects promote systems, structures, and relationships that support the creation of healthy and livable communities for all. Ex: A Mechanical Engineering class worked with an Adaptive Sports & Recreation Club and their university’s Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities to upgrade wheelchairs for student athletes with disabilities.

Who can submit a project proposal? 

All campus departments and community organizations are invited to participate in the program by submitting project proposals. Community organizations can include government departments, local businesses, non-profit organizations, and other groups in the Tallahassee area.

Campus and community partners should (at minimum) be committed to:

1. Developing a project proposal
2. Establishing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the faculty/staff partner (using the Living Lab MoU template)
3. Attending two in-class sessions (beginning-of-semester project introduction and end-of-semester student presentations)
4. Providing guidance to students throughout the project in the form of in-person meetings, phone conversations, email communications, and/or site visits (as agreed upon in the MoU)

How do I submit a project proposal?