Wood County Tech Students Build Solar Teaching Lab
Students at the Wood County Technical Center (WV) have built a model house to be used as a solar lab for West Virginia University at Parkersburg's solar energy technology programs. Students in the program will receive hands-on experience with the model including the opportunity to install solar panels.
Cambridge College Launches Social Justice Teaching Concentration
Cambridge College (MA) has created a social justice teaching concentration for its Master of Education in interdisciplinary studies. The program will use diverse written and visual texts from around the world to address the systemic structures that lead to domination and oppression. Students will also be introduced to alternative world views with hopes to inspire them to teach and communicate in ways that will promote justice and compassion.
Fleming College Rolls Out Enviro Visual Communication Cert.
Fleming College (ON) has partnered with the Royal Ontario Museum to launch an environmental visual communication graduate certificate program. Taught on-site at the museum, the six-month program will focus on strategic messaging and technical savvy, teaching students to use photography, videography, multimedia and design principles to bridge environmental competencies with thoughtful communication. Students will study ways to identify strategies to inform and educate, garner engagement and support, and build and share campaigns to address conservation issues.
Flint Hills, Emporia State U Partner for Sustainability Programs
Kansas-based Flint Hills Technical College and Emporia State University have partnered to offer a sustainability studies program this fall. The program will allow students to receive an associate degree at the technical college and then pursue a bachelor’s degree at the university. The technical college curriculum will focus on alternative energy, green building practices and local food systems, while the university curriculum will explore specified interests, politics and ethics.
San Diego State U Offers Water Management Certificate
San Diego State University (CA) will begin offering a water management and landscape sustainability online certificate in March. The program is designed to prepare students for occupations in the water conservation industry and will explore new areas of development in the region including desalination and water purification plants.
The George Washington U to Offer Sustainability Minor
The George Washington University (DC) has announced a new minor in sustainability beginning this fall. Developed based on student interest and employers' demand for students with sustainability education, the minor will include tracks in science and engineering; human well-being and society; and policy, governance and leadership.
Huffington Post Covers Growing Field of Sustainability Studies
Students are challenging their faculty to develop creative solutions to the world’s environmental sustainability crisis, reports a recent Huffington Post story. Focusing on the growth of environmental studies programs at U.S. universities, the article says that "more and more students are coming into our colleges with an intuitive and profound understanding of the changing nature of the planet." New academic programs at New York institutions including Columbia University, the New School and Bard College are profiled for their efforts to satisfy students' search for "new approaches to economic life that will permit the material comfort they have grown up with, while keeping the planet intact."
Northern Maine CC Partners for Green Workforce Training
As part of the American Association of Community Colleges' (AACC) Sustainability Education and Economic Development (SEED) initiative, Northern Maine Community College has announced collaborations with local business partners on a new suite of courses to prepare students for the green workforce. The college will work to expand biomass conversion, small and large wind installations, and financing structures to support energy-efficient modifications throughout the region.
U California Berkeley to Debut Energy Engineering Major
The University of California, Berkeley has announced a new energy engineering major beginning in fall 2012. The major will focus on energy generation and policy principles with classes in chemistry, mathematics, physics and engineering. Students will also be able to declare an energy engineering minor.
Iowa State U Creates Sustainability Minor
Iowa State University has launched a new minor in sustainability. The program includes two core classes with elective courses in many different majors including agronomy, food science and English.
U Vermont Launches Sustainable Campus Innovation Certificate
The University of Vermont has launched a new sustainable campus innovation certificate program that can be taken entirely online. The program will equip those working within higher education operations, administration and student leadership with the training to inspire and guide a green transformation across their campus and surrounding community. Participants will learn how to institute sustainable practices, drive environmental innovation to boost enrollment of eco-savvy students, and incorporate sustainability into the curriculum to encourage student participation and retention.
Bristol CC Partners with High School for Green Energy Curriculum
Bristol Community College (MA) has announced a pilot project with a local high school that will expose both high school and higher education students to sustainable and green energy technologies. With a combination of theory, experimentation and field trips to a solar farm and green energy plant, students will learn about wind energy, efficient lighting, brownfield redevelopment, city planning and transportation, urban agriculture, solar thermal design and greenhouse technology.
Lane CC Creates Watershed Science Technician Program
The Lane Community College (OR) Board of Education has approved a watershed science technician associate degree. The water conservation curriculum will provide career opportunities for students who previously only had the certificate option.
U Nevada Reno Launches Renewable Energy Certificate
The University of Nevada, Reno has announced a new online graduate certificate in renewable energy, beginning in the spring 2012 semester. The online, 12-credit certificate is designed for professionals including business staff and managers, practicing engineers, government regulators and others interested in developing knowledge in the renewable energy fields. The multi-disciplinary curriculum includes elements of engineering disciplines as well as science, business and policy/political science.
Bainbridge Graduate Institute Offers New Sustainable Programs
The Bainbridge Graduate Institute (WA) has announced three new certificate programs for working executives seeking to develop skills in the areas of the sustainable built environment, sustainable food and agriculture, and sustainable energy solutions. The new programs are expected to provide students with a deeper understanding of the sustainability landscape and further prepare them to offer smart and sustainable business solutions.
Illinois Central College Announces New Solar Technology Program
Illinois Central College has announced plans to offer courses in solar photovoltaic and solar thermal technology as part of a new energy-efficiency and renewable energy program. Working closely with local members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers to craft the program, the college aims to train students to become certified to install and maintain solar panels.
Metro State College to Create Water Studies Minor
Metro State College (CO) has received an anonymous gift of $1 million to implement a minor in water studies. The program, which will begin in fall 2012, will enhance water stewardship on and beyond the campus by promoting the effective use of water resources. Classes will explore issues including urban waterway restoration, water law, hydro-philanthropy, conflict resolution, conservation and stream reclamation.
U Maryland Launches Sustainability Studies Minor
The University of Maryland has launched a new sustainability studies minor for students looking to learn about green practices and how to address issues including decreasing energy consumption and water runoff. Students can begin taking classes to complete the 15-credit minor this spring. The first introductory course is designed to familiarize students with the concept of sustainability and encourage them to examine global issues in the field.
U South Dakota Offers New Sustainability Degrees
The University of South Dakota has announced a new Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts in sustainability starting in fall 2012. The programs are designed to train students in wind energy, hydroelectric power, geothermal energy technologies, biofuels and green construction practices.
Southern Methodist U Offers Graduate Sustainability Degree
Southern Methodist University (TX) has announced a new graduate degree in sustainability and development. Debuting in January, the interdisciplinary program’s coursework will focus on sustainability-related topics from policy to design in both developed and developing worlds. The program will advance wise use of sustainable resources in urban development with the goal of creating and rebuilding economically and environmentally healthy cities.
U Utah Trustees Approve Peace Studies Major
The University of Utah’s Board of Trustees has approved a proposal for a new peace and conflicts studies major, which builds on an existing minor. If approved by the state Board of Regents, the major will offer 33 hours of class, ethnicity, race, gender, environment and religion curriculum.
Tennessee Tech Plans Sustainability Studies Degree
Tennessee Technical University has announced plans to offer an undergraduate degree in environmental and sustainability studies in fall 2012. The program will combine disciplines and courses already in existence including economics, engineering, sociology, biology and chemistry. Additional classes in environmental law are in development.
San Diego State U Launches Sustainability Degree Program
San Diego State University's (CA) College of Arts and Letters has announced a new bachelor's degree in sustainability that will launch in fall 2012. The new major will prepare students for careers in sustainable business, public policy, sustainability education and other fields.
SUNY Oswego Creates New Sustainability Minor
The State University of New York, Oswego has approved a new sustainability minor to provide students with greater knowledge and experience in environmental issues and the growing job market related to sustainability. Requirements include core courses in geology, economics and political science.
Yale U Students Perform 'Energy Blitz'
As part of an environmental studies course assignment, a group of students at Yale University (CT) recently performed an "Energy Blitz," monitoring outdoor light sources across campus over a 24-hour period. In addition to increasing student awareness and involvement in energy-related issues, the assignment aims to determine what changes can be made to the current outdoor lighting system to use less energy. Once the data is collected and analyzed, the students will present their findings to the Office of Facilities to implement energy saving measures.
Fanshawe College to Create Renewable Energy Technician Program
Fanshawe College (ON) has received a $405,000 donation to help kick-start a renewable energies technician program. Students will have an opportunity to receive hands-on training in the renewable energy industry. The program is set to launch in September 2012.
Rider U Creates New Sustainability Studies Minor
Rider University (NJ) has created a new sustainability studies minor that is designed to make sustainability approachable to students from all majors. The program includes a focus on experiential learning through field trips to the Rutgers EcoComplex and Fernwood Farm, a farm that practices community supported agriculture.
U Hawaii to Expand Sustainability Curriculum Offerings
The University of Hawaii has announced plans to expand its focus on sustainability and native Hawaiian studies. Eight new professors will be hired for the fall 2012 semester to focus on coastal civil engineering, coastal policy and community development, environmental economics, and native Hawaiian health and knowledge. The university aims to foster a campus-wide sustainability dialogue beyond its Natural Resources and Environmental Management departments.
U Notre Dame Creates Required Sustainability Seminar
The University of Notre Dame has created a mandatory seminar for first-year students titled "Contemporary Topics." The material, in comic strip and video format, is designed to engage students in sustainable energy and resource use topics through humor.
Arizona State U Creates Social Justice Graduate Degree
Arizona State University has created a new master's degree in social justice and human rights. The program will offer a non-governmental organization management track and a research track to prepare students for agency careers and doctoral programs in social sciences and law.
U California Davis Extension Launches Sustainability Curriculum
The University of California, Davis Extension has launched a new sustainability studies certificate program. The multidisciplinary collaboration combines aspects of green building, sustainable design and energy. Students will have the ability to take just one course, pursue a whole certificate or choose from a number of courses within a variety of programs.
Dickinson College Receives Grant for Environmental Asian Studies
Dickinson College (PA) has received a $50,000 grant from the Henry Luce Foundation’s Luce Initiative on Asian Studies and the Environment program. The program encourages innovative approaches to Asian studies through the lens of the environment and sustainable development. The college will use sustainability as a unifying theme to incorporate Asian content into academic courses and research.
Rochester Inst. of Tech Starts Global Sustainability Ed Exchange
The Rochester Institute of Technology (NY) has announced plans to share its model of sustainability education with institutions in five developing countries. By sharing curricula and supporting faculty exchanges and mentorships, the university aims to educate a global generation of scientists, engineers and businesspeople who can help find solutions to climate change, pollution and growing energy consumption.
Wellesley College Spearheads Inter-Campus Sustainability Cert.
Wellesley College has received a $55,000 grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to lead a collaboration among fellow Massachusetts institutions Babson College and Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering to launch an inter-campus certificate program in sustainability. The new program will include courses relating to human impact on the environment across the liberal arts and sciences, business and engineering curricula that will be offered on all three campuses.
San Diego State U Launches Sustainable Surf Tourism Program
San Diego State University (CA) has debuted a new nonprofit Center for Surf Research and sustainable surf tourism curriculum. The center will engage with the surf industry to create a research agenda, disseminate specialist knowledge and shape responsible global citizens.
Marylhurst U Debuts New Sustainable Business Programs
Marylhurst University (OR) has launched a new online undergraduate degree in sustainable business and online post-baccalaureate and post-graduate certificates in sustainable business. Students will gain relevant knowledge that is transferable to careers that implement sustainability across all business practices.
U New Hampshire Launches Corporate Sustainability Certificate
In partnership with New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility, the University of New Hampshire has launched a professional certificate in corporate sustainability. The program will make its debut in October and is directed toward mid-level and senior professionals seeking to increase knowledge and functional skills in the practices and principles of corporate sustainability.
U Washington Introduces Green IT Certificate
The University of Washington's Professional & Continuing Education program has launched a new green IT certificate. The first course covers the basics of green computing and overall sustainability, the second focuses on managing the transition to green IT and the final course requires students to develop a compelling green IT roadmap for an enterprise.
Truman State U Offers Online Certificate Course in Sustainability
Truman State University (MO) has launched an online graduate certificate in sustainability and environmental studies. Designed in an interdisciplinary fashion, the coursework includes biology, political science, economics, geography and business perspectives.
Winona State U Creates Sustainability Minor
Winona State University (MN) has launched a minor in sustainability with the intention of connecting the study of sustainability with other academic areas. The new minor is the university’s first academic commitment to sustainability.
Washington State U Faculty Project Promotes Sustainability
Washington State University has created the Palouse Project, an initiative that brings together faculty from across campus to raise interest in sustainability education. The project will encourage faculty to apply locally inspired lessons to their classes and hold a monthly series, open to the community, that will feature interdisciplinary conversations about sustainability related to research and teaching.
Jefferson CC Offers Renewable Energy Management Certificate
Jefferson Community College (KY) has launched a renewable energy management certificate. The program is designed to serve students who want to enter into the alternative energy field and begin searching for employment options through the use of wind turbines and solar panels. The courses will also be offered to professionals who would like to further their growth in the renewable energy field. Five wind turbines and a solar panel have been installed on campus for the program.
New River CC Offers Solar Power Certification
New River Community College (VA) has been approved to offer the North American Board of Energy Practitioners Photovoltaic Entry Level Exam and will be able to offer solar power certification. The exam certifies basic knowledge for the application, design, installation and operation of grid-tied and stand-alone solar power systems. The exam will be an advantage for students participating in the college’s alternative energy career studies certificate. Within the certificate program, students study subjects such as electricity, industrial safety, wind turbine technology and photovoltaic energy systems. These subjects address many of the primary learning objectives for the exam.
Oakland U Creates Energy Management Program
Oakland University’s (CA) School of Business Management and School of Engineering and Computer Sciences have partnered to create an energy management certificate program that focuses on innovative means of reducing energy costs. Students in the six-week course will learn to better understand energy usage, implement cost- and energy-saving strategies, apply sustainable principles and practices, and acquire practical skills to evaluate efficient energy choices. The program is geared toward engineers and technicians; facility, maintenance and energy managers; design professionals; green sales representatives; architects, contractors and subcontractors; and any business professional or individual interested or involved in the green energy field.
U Alaska Fairbanks to Create Living Laboratory
The University of Alaska Fairbanks has announced plans for a Sustainable Village, a dormitory that will serve as a living laboratory for students to study renewable energy, graywater recycling and elements of hyper-efficient design. In partnership with the Cold Climate Housing Research Center, the first phase of the project will house 16 students who will also serve as researchers. The 60-acre village will emphasize local building materials and environmentally sound land use. A community garden, shared open space and network of footpaths will be integrated among the buildings. Village rental fees are expected to pay off the university's initial $1 million investment.
AP Reports on Growth of Sustainable Agriculture Curriculum
Graduate students studying sustainable and organic agriculture shouldn't have trouble finding jobs as the agriculture industry replaces aging farmers and farmers increasingly look to diversify their operations, according to a recent article by the Associated Press. A growing number of universities are offering courses, certificates or degree programs focused on organic and sustainable agriculture including Washington State University's online organic agriculture certificate and the University of California, Davis' new agriculture and food systems program debuting this fall. The article also mentions that some schools have shifted their focus from organic to sustainable agriculture, which takes into account global issues that are becoming increasingly important as food and agriculture is central to issues revolving around the environment, hunger and treatment of workers.
Southern Maine CC Debuts Sustainability Center, Curriculum
Southern Maine Community College is preparing to open the doors of its new Sustainability and Energy Alternatives Center. The center will be home to a new one-year building science and sustainability curriculum program for students and community members that includes energy auditing, building science, residential weatherization, renewable energy and introductory sustainability courses. The center, which received a $375,000 grant from Efficiency Maine and $100,000 from MaineHousing, will begin offering classes this fall.
