Program Overview

Introduction to the Sustainable Energy Undergraduate Distinction

The Sustainable Energy@Mines (SE@M) Undergraduate Distinction is a program designed to honor and support students from any major who are focused on learning about and shifting the landscape on sustainable energy. This includes areas such as sustainable and affordable buildings/communities, renewable energy, energy storage, policy/business solutions, and energy equity.

Program Overview

SE@M encourages, recruits, and trains the next generation of energy professionals who will find innovative and holistic solutions to challenges such as climate change, clean energy transition, and energy equity. The program consists of a graduation distinction that includes a green regalia honor cord, a certificate, and a footnote in the graduation bulletin.

Graduate Requirements

To earn a SE@M distinction, students must meet a minimum number of points based on the merits, impact, and relevance from three categories:

• LEARN (e.g., courses)
• PRACTICE (e.g., internships)
• BUILD COMMUNITY (e.g., leadership in student organizations)

SE@M Categories

• Learn: This category involves coursework related to sustainable energy.
• Practice: This includes practical experiences such as internships that focus on sustainable energy.
• Build Community: This involves leadership and participation in student organizations related to sustainable energy.

Program Goals and Topics

SE@M aims to create and support a community of people focused on learning about and shifting the landscape of renewable and sustainable energy. The program recognizes the need for a diverse range of professionals, including engineers, geologists, economists, computer scientists, and policymakers, to be involved in sustainable energy. Examples of SE@M-related topics include:

• Energy efficiency
• Energy conservation
• Sustainable buildings and communities
• Renewable energies
• Energy storage
• Energy policy
• Energy equity
• Sustainable transportation

Conclusion

The Sustainable Energy Undergraduate Distinction at Colorado School of Mines is a unique program that supports and recognizes students' efforts and achievements in the field of sustainable energy. By providing a structured path for students to engage with sustainable energy topics through learning, practice, and community building, SE@M prepares the next generation of leaders to address the complex challenges of the energy transition.