Each quarter, matriculated students of the University of Washington pay a Student Technology Fee (STF), which amounts to almost $5 million a year. The STF pays for additional technological needs of students, both in and out of their regular classes. The fund is student-run and operated, and funds must be distributed to benefit students.

This year, Environmental Studies instructor Tim Billo put forth a 20K proposal, prompted by requests for “a “library” of state of the art equipment to equitably satisfy the learning and research needs of all of our students.”

The STF committee heard the request and awarded the funds to our program, thanks to student input and Tim’s proposal! We are delighted students will now have more access to high quality field equipment to enhance their hands-on learning experiences.

Details

The Environmental Studies program offers quarterly field courses, including environmental science, natural history, environmental education and urban farm courses. Students can now enrich their learning experience with the provision of high-tech equipment ranging from binoculars and spotting scopes to GPS units and water quality meters.

For more information, read the full proposal and impassioned quotes by students and the teaching team.

“The University is dedicated to becoming a leader in sustainability and environmental change- this equipment is a necessary extension of the University’s dedication to environmentally minded graduates.” – Jennifer Power, Environmental Studies