Collegiate FAQ

Question: How would the relationship between CURC and KAB / NRC be structured under the merger?

Answer: CURC would continue to function under the NRC umbrella, but with greater autonomy than currently exists. Recognizing the CURC Steering Committee’s established leadership role and the cohesive nature of the council membership, CURC would be treated similar to an independent affiliate. CURC would be allocated staff and financial resources in conjunction with an annual work plan agreed to by both parties. The Steering Committee would continue to be elected by members according to the current protocol.

Question: What level of administrative support would CURC receive from KAB?

Answer: CURC would receive the same or greater level of staff support as it has had in recent years with NRC. Dedicated staff time would be allocated to support the steering committee, recruit new members, maintain the website, respond to a CURC phone and email hotline, and assist in the planning of workshops and conference sessions. As agreed to in the annual work plan, additional administrative support would be provided for specific CURC projects.

Question: What level of program support would CURC receive from KAB?

Answer: In addition to administrative support, CURC would receive a greater level of staff support in developing programs such as the webinar series, technical guides, etc. Based on an agreed annual work plan, KAB would provide a basic level of staff support, as well as assist CURC in soliciting sponsorship funding to expand program staffing for specific projects.

Question: How would CURC membership be organized under the merger?

Answer: CURC membership would be structured the same as it currently is under NRC. Individuals in states with affiliated RO’s would become members of NRC through that RO, or in the case of non-affiliated states, directly through NRC. Members would opt to join CURC when paying dues. There would be no additional cost to join CURC.

Question: Would CURC have latitude to partner or work with outside organizations such as AASHE, NACUBO and APPA, on projects or events?

Answer: Absolutely. CURC would be encouraged to develop strategic partnerships on projects originating from CURC or outside organizations. CURC would also be free to work with other organizations to sponsor workshops and conference sessions as part of the NRC Congress or third party events.

Question: Would CURC have the freedom to make its own public policy positions?

Answer: Yes. Unlike under the current NRC relationship, CURC would be free to take positions independent of NRC / KAB, including those that contradicted NRC / KAB positions.

Question: What guarantee does CURC have that KAB would provide a long term, stable home?

Answer: KAB recognizes the strategic importance colleges and universities play in developing the recycling and resource conservation habits that students will carry with them the rest of their lives. Collegiate institutions are also recognized as the laboratories where many recycling and waste minimization best practices are developed before being adopted by society as a whole. As the preeminent college recycling organization, KAB sees CURC as a long term partner in developing the technical and professional resources that can support programs at schools across the country. KAB is dedicated to providing a stable administrative home from which CURC can grow and expand its programs.

Question: Would CURC, its website or other communications be used to promote KAB sponsors?

Answer: CURC would only be associated with those sponsors specifically supporting CURC programs. The CURC Steering Committee would have ultimate authority to approve such sponsorships. Guidelines governing how sponsors would be identified on the council’s website and other mediums would be developed with the Steering Committee.

Question: How would CURC be represented within the NRC / KAB organizational structure?

Answer: Under the proposed merger, CURC would be invited to participate in the NRC Executive Board, which would have a formal role advising KAB and NRC staff on NRC operations. CURC would be guaranteed at least one permanent seat on the Executive Board.

Question: What would happen to RecycleMania under the merger?

Answer: RecycleMania and its trademark are owned by the competition’s creators, Ed Newman and Stacy Wheeler, and are governed by a six-person steering committee. Under the merger, the steering committee would have the option to continue contracting with NRC / KAB to provide administrative and managerial support as they have with NRC in the past. KAB has previously agreed to become a top-level sponsor of the 2010 competition independent of any administrative relationship.