Kiley Monroe Completes Experiential Learning Project at SUNY Oneonta

Kiley Monroe, of Syracuse, NY, has completed an experiential learning project titled "Recycling Ambassadors" at SUNY Oneonta.

Throughout the calendar year, SUNY Oneonta students put their classroom knowledge into action as they complete a wide range of experiential learning projects across every academic discipline. Whether studying fashion trends, conducting biological research, analyzing historical archives, working in professional accounting settings or participating in community-based fieldwork, students are gaining real-world experience that prepares them for career success.

These opportunities are supported through the university's Experiential Learning Center, located on the main floor of the Hunt Union. The center connects students with internships, research opportunities, global education experiences, volunteer programs and sustainability initiatives. By emphasizing hands-on engagement and practical skill development, the center ensures that experiential learning is woven into every major at SUNY Oneonta.

"We collected styrofoam, plastic wrap and cardboard from freshman move-in to work on eliminating landfill waste. We worked to make sure everything was collected and recycled properly instead of just putting it in the trash," said Monroe, who is studying Environmental Sustainability and Geography.

"I was involved with this program for multiple days. We had three large cardboard boxes to distribute between cardboard, styrofoam and plastic wrap. We went around the building in shifts to collect recyclables from dorms in the hallways, and we took turns helping each other bring cardboard out to the huge recycling crates outside each building. I worked in one building in the morning and a different one in the afternoon, resulting in a multi-hour shift of eliminating trash waste.

"My biggest takeaway is how much waste can be produced in just a few days in college move-in. We collected multiple huge crates of cardboard, a whole room full of styrofoam and multiple bags of plastic wrap. I also learned that there are many rules about recycling. You can't recycle plastic unless it is a certain type and it stretches; you can't recycle styrofoam the same way you recycle cardboard. A big issue that happens is that even if one piece of trash goes in the recyclables, it all has to be thrown away.

"I have done a lot of community service through sustainability, such as trash cleanups and donation days for the thrift store. I plan to be a recycling ambassador again this upcoming fall because I very much enjoyed it and felt like I made a difference. I want to do more cleanups and properly recycle for more programs for the future, and I hope to become an eco ambassador intern for the next year to continue leading students to make a better earth through our college community."

Students benefit from a robust network of campus offices housed within the Experiential Learning Center. The Career Planning and Networking Center helps students secure internships in locations such as New York City, Washington, D.C., Albany and Los Angeles, as well as with local businesses and nonprofits. The Office of Global Education offers programs ranging from 10-day faculty-led trips to full-year study abroad experiences, while the Office of Student Research and Creative Activity supports student research through grants and opportunities to present at the annual Student Research and Creative Activity Showcase.

SUNY Oneonta invests heavily in helping students access these opportunities. Each year, the university awards more than $120,000 in grants to support student research, internships and travel to professional conferences. In addition, 23 study abroad and experiential scholarships help students participate in faculty-led programs, national competitions and industry events. Since the beginning of the 2025-26 academic year, the Career Planning and Networking Center has distributed over $319,500 in internship stipends to more than 400 students.

To view these students click here: https://oneonta.meritpages.com/achievements/Kiley-Monroe-Completes-Experiential-Learning-Project-at-SUNY-Oneonta/200469