Water Governance in a Classroom Simulation

In a recent Environmental Policy and Management course (ENV200CN Environmental Governance) led by Dr. Mark Lubell and Tara Pozzi, students dove deep into the complexities of water resource management though a collaborative simulation exercise. The activity, inspired by real water governance challenges near Lake Michigan, transformed the classroom into a dynamic negotiation space where students addressed intricate municipal water infrastructure decisions.

The simulation was designed to mirror a real-world policy negotiation, complete with stakeholder roles and a structured approach to collaborative decision-making. Students were assigned to represent various local government actors, each of them given information that outlined their municipality's specific needs, challenges, and priorities.

Dewansh Matharoo, a student who served as a facilitator in the simulation reflects on their experience:

Facilitating a governance simulation seemed like an easy proposition at first, but as the simulation progressed, it became clear to me that facilitators are the gel that brings ideas, opinions, and perspectives together. Their unique position allows them to present disparate ideas in language that everyone at the table could potentially agree on, paving the way for understanding and cooperation. In heated or tense negotiations, facilitators can even calm tempers and establish principles of mutual respect that could serve as fertile ground for meaningful discourse and decision-making.

Learning Objectives

The simulation was designed to transform students from passive learners to active problem-solvers.

• Comprehending the complexity of drinking water provisions across multiple jurisdictions with competing local interests.
• Integrating political, financial, environmental, and public needs into collaborative decision-making
• Developing advocacy and negotiation skills in a multi-stakeholder environment
• Crafting solutions that address diverse stakeholder needs
• Cultivating a collaborative mindset by understanding and weighing different perspectives

Why This Matters

Traditional education often keeps students at arm's length from real-world challenges. But the EPM approach is to dive right in! These exercises transform abstract concepts into tangible experiences, preparing students not just with knowledge, but with practical skills in communication, negotiation, and collaborative problem-solving.

Join Our Community

Inspired by the hands-on approach to learning? We are still accepting applications for our next cohort until April 15th. If you're passionate about environmental policy, ready to move beyond traditional learning, and eager to make an impact, this could be your opportunity! Visit our application page to learn more about the process and take the first step towards your graduate education.