U Virginia Launches Global Sustainability Minor
The University of Virginia's Office of the Provost has approved a new interdisciplinary minor in global sustainability, open to undergraduates in any discipline. Requirements include one foundation course, "Global Sustainability," and options within the three categories of environment, equity and economy. The creation of the minor was a student initiative.
Antioch U New England Takes Sustainability MBA Online
Antioch University New England (NH) has announced a new online version of its sustainability MBA program. The first cohort of the fully accredited, two-year program will begin in May 2011. Along with a 24-month weekend program and an accelerated 12-month program, the university now offers three sustainability MBA degree delivery options.
Colorado State U Offers Online Green Building Certificate
Colorado State University has begun offering an online green building certificate program open to the public starting in February. The program was developed by the director of the university's Institute for the Built Environment. The courses may also qualify as prerequisites to LEED accreditation and to LEED credential maintenance.
Cornell U Offers New Minor in Sustainable Energy Systems
Cornell University (NY) will offer a new minor in sustainable energy systems through the College of Engineering starting this academic year. Courses in wide-ranging disciplines will be offered including biological and environmental engineering, earth and atmospheric sciences and mechanical and aerospace engineering. Its broader aspects will encompass environmental, economic and social impacts of energy technologies.
Maharishi U Mgmt MBA Program Launching New Sustainability Courses
Maharishi University of Management's (IA) MBA program has announced plans to roll out a slate of new sustainability courses this spring semester. Including "Measuring & Reporting on Sustainability" and "Sustainable Community Development," the new courses are designed to better prepare students for the business world's current focus on sustainability. Students will now have access to a new software program that lets one create models of sustainable technologies and be able to examine aspects of organizational change for sustainability.
U Colorado Boulder Enviro Center Launches Sustainable Mgmt Cert
The University of Colorado at Boulder's Environmental Center has launched a sustainability management certificate program. "Designing for Sustainable Transportation," "Becoming a Sustainability Coordinator" and "Introduction to Smart Grid" are a few of the courses offered through the Sustainable Practices Program at a 20 percent discount to faculty and staff, and a 50 percent discount to students. The curriculum is tailored to professionals and entrepreneurs interested in developing new skills and sustainability training.
NY Times Profiles Social Entrepreneurship in Higher Education
"Today's business students are far more socially aware than their predecessors," Hult International Business School's London president Stephen Hodges tells The New York Times in a recent article. The school's plan to debut a new master's degree in social entrepreneurship at its London location in September 2011 is the focus of the article that reveals student interest as the motivation behind expanded social enterprise business curriculum. While the article names a number of American universities that offer social entrepreneurship programs, London's School for Social Entrepreneurs' director of policy, Nick Temple, says that he is concerned that social entrepreneurship education in the U.S. seems to be embedded in universities: "...we feel that social justice is also about addressing inequalities. If you're limiting yourself to people who've passed exams or can afford the cost of private university fees you limit yourself to a relatively small pool."
Owens CC Introduces Alternative Energy Degree
Owens Community College (OH) has announced its new Alternative Energy and Sustainable Systems Technology Program, which will offer an associate degree in alternative energy. Students enrolled in the program will use the campus' wind turbine, solar panels and geothermal heating systems to learn the technology behind alternative energy sources.
Renewable Energy Trade School Opens Doors of New Campus
The Ecotech Institute (CO), a trade school focused entirely on renewable energy, sustainable design and green technology recently welcomed about 200 students to its new campus. The 620,000-square-foot campus, which features photovoltaic solar panels, wind turbines and motion-triggered light controls, is offering two-year associate degrees in electrical engineering technology, energy and environmental paralegal, energy efficiency, environmental technology, renewable energy technology, solar energy technology and wind energy technology, as well as a certificate program in sustainable interior design.
Sterling College Launches Farm-to-Table Curriculum
Sterling College (VT) will launch a new academic farm-to-table food studies program in summer 2011. "Vermont's Table: Farming, Cooking and the Rural Experience" will expose students to Vermont's farms, cheesemakers and agricultural businesses including the opportunity to shadow agricultural students on the campus farm. Students will also receive culinary training using locally sourced ingredients during the five-week sessions. Courses include "Whole Farm Thinking" and "Farm-Scale Production of Value-Added Products."
Chatfield College Offers Free Environmental Sustainability Course
Chatfield College (OH) has partnered with the Duke Energy Foundation to provide a free environmental sustainability course for students and community members. The course will teach environmental issues and solutions, how to apply and develop this information to everyday living, and help prepare for professions in the field sustainability. The curriculum is funded by the Duke Energy Foundation Community Sustainability Grant Program.
Sacred Heart U Announces Enviro Systems Analysis Grad Program
Sacred Heart University (CT) has announced a new Master of Science in Environmental Systems Analysis and Management to begin in fall 2011. Affiliated with the Professional Science Master's Initiative, the program is designed to equip students for careers as managers, analysts, consultants and scientists in areas including field work and research, as well as work in environmental organizations, conservation groups and government agencies. Courses will include specialized training in hydrology, field methods, environmental sampling, analysis and problem solving. Students will also have the opportunity to choose electives in a variety of subjects including ecosystem ecology, hazardous waste management and environmental policy.
Delta College Purchases Wind Turbine Teaching Model
Delta College (MI) has purchased a 300-kilowatt model wind turbine to teach the disassembly, repair and reassembly of the equipment as part of a lab experience for students. "Having this unit at ground level offers students the opportunity to receive hands-on training in a safe environment, learn the basic diagnostic and repair techniques, and learn more about the vast size and scope of this new industry’s equipment," Delta College's Sustainability and Risk Management Coordinator Linda Petee tells AASHE Bulletin.
Green Mtn College Students Build House from Reclaimed Materials
As part of a semester-long project in the REED (Renewable Energy and EcoDesign) certificate program, students at Green Mountain College (VT) recently unveiled a "tiny house" of their own design. Based on interviews with mock clients, the class collaborated on the 8- by 12-foot design, built almost entirely from reclaimed materials. During the $1,927 design and construction process, students adhered to sustainable building practices whenever possible. Students helped pay for the project with a $100 per student course fee and expect to recoup their investment by selling the house in the spring, when the moveable structure will be equipped with a solar-powered electrical system.
George Washington U to Offer Sustainable Urban Planning Program
George Washington University (DC) has announced plans to offer a Master of Professional Studies in Sustainable Urban Planning in fall 2011. The program will also offer stand-alone graduate certificates in climate change sustainable management and policy, urban sustainability and sustainable landscapes. The curriculum is designed to develop career urban planners skilled in sustainable urban planning and policy, and knowledgeable about green technologies.
Kennebec Valley CC Announces Solar Technology Training Program
Kennebec Valley Community College (ME) has announced a new solar technology training program that will begin in February. The program will train instructors from technical colleges and high schools how to install solar heating and cooling systems. The instructors will then incorporate what they learn into their curriculum. The solar heating and cooling training initiative received a $3.3 million federal grant to cover the costs for the next five years.
College of the Redwoods Offers Green Building Training Program
The College of the Redwoods (CA) has partnered with the County of Humboldt and the California Conservation Corps to provide free training and hands-on experience in the green building profession for disadvantaged youth starting in January. The 13-week program will provide green building classes, paid work experience and job placement assistance upon completion of the program. Classes include "Introduction to Green Building," "Energy Fundamentals, Retrofits and Energy Efficiency," "Water-Efficient Building and Retrofits," "Solar Hot Water Installation and Design Principles" and "Solar Photovoltaic Installation and Design Principles."
Columbia University Launches Sustainability Mgmt Graduate Degree
Columbia University (NY) has announced a new Master of Science in sustainability management. Offered in partnership with the university’s Earth Institute and School of Continuing Education, the program is designed to equip professionals with the leadership skills needed to achieve an organization’s performance goals while working toward a sustainable world. Five areas of required study include sustainability management, economics and quantitative analysis, the physical dimensions of sustainability management, the public policy environment of sustainability management, and general and financial management. Participants can choose between a part-time or full-time degree completion program.
Diablo Valley College Creates Environmental Science Degree
Diablo Valley College (CA) has created a new environmental science associate degree. The curriculum centers on environmental concerns that have an impact on the human race, ecological system and energy diversity. The new program will include courses in engineering, biology, chemistry and math.
Oregon State U to Help Iraq Universities Build Green Curriculum
Oregon State University will sign an agreement with Iraq's minister of higher education and scientific research to help Iraq universities develop renewable energy, water conservation and green construction curriculum and laboratories. Iraq professors are tentatively scheduled to arrive in Oregon in February to study the university's sustainable engineering program and become familiar with its lab testing equipment. Along with other sustainable engineering and design programs, the university's School of Forestry, College of Agricultural Science and College of Engineering will help Iraq schools establish engineering programs for using solar energy to light highways. Projects under the five-year agreement will be funded through a combination of university, the state of Oregon, Iraq and possibly federal government funds.
San Francisco State to Require General Ed Sustainability Classes
An environmental sustainability requirement has been added to the general education requirements at San Francisco State University (CA). Passed by the Academic Senate and recently approved by the university president, the measure requires students to take three units of classes that examine an aspect of sustainability. Ninety-four faculty representing 40 different departments approved the change. Classes from across campus will qualify for the requirement, offering students different approaches to sustainability. The university expects the requirement to be in place for students entering in fall 2012 or 2013.
Southern Maine CC Receives Solar Training Program Federal Grant
Southern Maine Community College has received a $70,000 federal grant to become an accredited training site in a national network of solar photovoltaic instructors. Students will learn how to install solar panels as part of the college's electrical engineering technologies program. Students will have the opportunity to install, test and connect a solar photovoltaic system to the larger electrical grid.
Bristol CC Debuts Training Center for Green Jobs
Bristol Community College (MA) has opened a new facility for training Massachusetts’ work force for jobs in weatherization, energy auditing, solar power and other environmentally friendly occupations. The Green Center includes replicas of different parts of a home, including exterior siding, an interior wall and the cross-section of an attic. The goal of the center is to prepare students to take advantage of the green economy.
Furman U Launches Sustainability Science Major
To help students prepare for careers in resource conservation, environmental stewardship and community service, Furman University (SC) has announced that it will offer a B.S. in sustainability science. Students can declare the major as of Nov. 2, 2010, when it was unanimously approved during a faculty meeting. Offered through the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, the program will focus on the relationships among human, social and environmental systems, and how changes in one system, directly or indirectly, affect the others.
U Toledo, Northwest State CC Partner for Energy Degree
The University of Toledo (OH) has partnered with Northwest State Community College (OH) to offer an alternative energy technology associate degree. The degree will offer a systems design track for those interested in developing technology and a systems service track for students interested in careers involving installation and maintenance. Students enrolled in the alternative energy technology program will be admitted to both the university and community college.
Waubonsee CC to Launch Solar Energy Courses
Waubonsee Community College (IL) has announced plans to launch a solar energy curriculum program in the spring of 2011 with the aid of its recently installed 24-panel photovoltaic solar array. The college will use a $120,000 grant from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation to fund an indoor renewable energy laboratory and other program start up costs. The college also has plans for geothermal and wind energy courses.
Grand Rapids CC Plans Renewable Energy Certificate
Grand Rapids Community College (MI) has announced plans to create a renewable energy certificate and associate degree program. The college’s goal is to tie the program with the recently launched wind safety technician and green building deconstruction programs. A new solar photovoltaic installation program will begin in February.
St. Thomas U School of Law Debuts Enviro Master of Laws
St. Thomas University School of Law (FL) has announced a new Master of Laws in environmental sustainability. Featuring a core curriculum that includes natural resource law and policy, environmental law, Earth jurisprudence, ecology and ecosystems management for lawyers, the one-year program is open to those who have earned their Juris Doctor degree or equivalent. Students will have the opportunity for real-world experiences alongside case studies through externships and one-credit short courses led by visiting professionals that will start in March 2011.
National Wildlife Federation Launches The Greenforce Initiative
The National Wildlife Federation and Jobs for the Future have partnered for The Greenforce Initiative, a two-year program to strengthen workforce development and sustainability practices at community colleges. With support from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation and the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, the initiative is creating "Learning and Action Networks" in six regions across the country. The aim is to strengthen the capacity of colleges to develop, expand or refine green pathway programs that lead to postsecondary certificates or degrees and employment in family-sustaining green careers. The initiative is designed for nontraditional students who cannot currently access such programs.
Antioch U Los Angeles Launches Urban Sustainability Grad Program
Antioch University Los Angeles (CA) has announced the launch of its M.A. in urban sustainability. The program, which emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of urban sustainability and focuses on the social implications of environmental and economic change, features two residency periods each semester, online learning and community engagement through fieldwork.
Temple U to Initiate Nanotechnology Solutions to Sustainability
Temple University (PA) has received nearly $200,000 from the National Science Foundation to implement nanotechnology, the study of the controlling of matter on an atomic and molecular scale, into its undergraduate engineering curriculum. The goal is to provide students with hands-on experience through internships, design projects and lab work with the use of nanotechnologies in advancing a sustainable urban environment. Nanotechnology modules will be added to a minimum of eight courses in the College of Engineering.
Boston Architectural College Debuts Sustainable Design Master's
Boston Architectural College has announced the creation of an online Master of Design Studies in sustainable design. Debuting August 2011, the coursework includes both online study and week-long learning intensives at the college's Newbury Street campus. The curriculum will feature more than 30 graduate courses including green building design, green policy and advocacy, sustainable community planning and sustainable construction.
Elon U Introduces Environmental Studies Program
Elon University’s (NC) Department of Environmental Studies has created a B.S. in environmental and ecological science, and a minor in environmental and sustainability studies. The department hopes to better serve students interested in careers in environmental science, wildlife biology, conservation biology, ecosystem management and restoration. The major has less core course and more elective choices. The minor will educate students about the principles of sustainability.
Rend Lake College Develops Biofuel Education Program
Rend Lake College (IL) has received a $60,835 federal grant to support a three-part biofuels education program, which will include training on farm-based biodiesel production. The first component of the program will include the development of a hybrid course with online lectures and lab sessions with lab-scale production of biodiesel, ethanol and methane. A community education course designed for local community members who want to learn more about small-scale biofuel production and use will be part of the second component. The third portion of the program involves an internship program for the college’s students. Interns will produce small batches of biodiesel, ethanol and methane using feedstock sourced from the campus farm.
U Mass Amherst Launches Online Sustainability Studies Program
The University Without Walls adult degree completion program at the University of Massachusetts Amherst has launched an online sustainability studies undergraduate degree program. Courses include green building, renewable energy, sustainable food and farming, sustainable entrepreneurship and permaculture design.
U Oklahoma Geography Dept to Offer Enviro Sustainability Degrees
The department of geography at the University of Oklahoma has announced that it will offer B.A. and B.S. degrees in environmental sustainability. Involving instructors from 14 departments across the university, the curriculum will explore how human societies can meet the needs of the present without compromising future generations. Coursework will examine short- and long-term needs related to jobs and economic growth, societal well-being and environmental health. Beginning spring 2011, students will have the option to specialize in sustainability science and natural resources; sustainability planning and management; and sustainability, culture and society.
Frostburg State U Offers Minor in Sustainability Studies
Frostburg State University (MD) has debuted a new minor in sustainability studies. The interdisciplinary minor is designed to encourage students to explore environmental, economic and social equity issues relating to sustainability in modern societies. The curriculum will focus on real-world answers and solutions with an emphasis on interaction among individuals, government agencies and businesses that are impacted by or depend on sustainability trends.
Ramapo College Announces Sustainability Studies Graduate Program
Ramapo College of New Jersey has announced a new Master of Arts in Sustainability Studies degree. Students will learn how to apply sustainability in a variety of institutional, organizational, cultural, commercial, professional and geographical contexts. The interdisciplinary, two-year program is based exclusively on evening classes and prospective students include those from fields of social science, business, science, engineering and liberal and fine arts.
Clinton CC Reveals Wind Turbine Trainer
Clinton Community College (NY) has revealed a wind simulator training unit. The Turbine Nacelle Troubleshooting Learning System is designed to train wind turbine technicians working with utility scale wind, replicating the functions of full-size utility scale wind turbines. Students can manipulate a wide variety of turbine features including gear assembly, yaw brakes, parking brakes, rotor lock, wind simulator, fault insertion and cable twist box. The college has also installed training system units for students studying electrical, environmental, clean room and industrial technology programs.
West Virginia U Institute of Tech Students Study 'Micro-Grid'
West Virginia University Institute of Technology students are using a miniature power grid to study sustainable and renewable energy. The grid is located on the roof of the engineering building, alongside a small wind turbine and two solar panels. Generators pump power through extension cords into the renewable energy lab. Students are working to design controllers to manage power from those energy sources. Once the technology is perfected, the university believes schools, hospitals and businesses could install “micro-grids” to generate their own power through wind, solar or fuel cell technology.
Central Carolina CC Launches Sustainability Technologies Degree
Central Carolina Community College (NC) is preparing students for positions like sustainability consultant, green building supervisor and renewable energy technician with the launch of its applied science associate degree in sustainability technologies. The college will offer two areas of study: energy and green building. The alternative energy track emphasizes education in energy analysis, renewable energy modeling and system design. The green building track will train students in sustainable design materials, methods for constructing energy-efficient homes, weatherization and water management.
State U of New York Canton Students Install Solar Heat Collectors
Alternative and renewable energy systems students at the State University of New York at Canton have installed two rooftop heat collectors at a college alumni house as part the university's solar thermal systems curriculum. The roof-mounted collectors utilize solar energy to warm antifreeze, which in turn warms water for showers, cooking and laundry. Students will continue to maintain the system and use it as a learning tool.
U Massachusetts Dartmouth Offers Sustainability Studies
The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth has launched a sustainability studies program that features a sustainability minor and a sustainability studies certificate. The interdisciplinary program focuses on the impact of humanity on environmental, economic and social systems, and how best to recognize the current state of the world for a more sustainable future. The university is also planning to develop an undergraduate sustainability degree, a master's in sustainable development and a graduate-level sustainable development certificate.
Virginia Tech Offers Executive Natural Resources Graduate Program
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University has launched an executive natural resources graduate program to help develop sustainability leaders. The accelerated, non-residential program is geared toward working professionals with at least five years of management experience. Students will gain an understanding of the opportunities to address a broad range of sustainability challenges in local communities and throughout global society.
Arizona State U Launches New Sustainability Minor
Arizona State University has launched a new minor in sustainability. The 18-credit program enables undergraduate students to explore the challenges of sustainability and learn what determines the sustainability of human institutions, organizations, cultures and technologies in different environments at the local, national and international levels. The series of courses will introduce sustainability principles and explain how sustainability relates to various academic disciplines and professional fields.
Portland State U Receives Grant for Sustainability Studies
Portland State University (OR) has received a $3 million grant for sustainability studies. The grant will be used for as many as 30 fellowships over the next five years for doctoral students to research urban studies. Students will work out of the university’s Center for Sustainable Processes and Practices, now known as the Institute for Sustainable Solutions, and examine issues such as the long-term effects of urban growth on the environment, ecosystem management, greenhouse gases, population density and the quality of city life.
Santa Clara U Launches Clean Energy Certificate
Santa Clara University (CA) has launched a new Renewable Energy Certificate. The one-year program will help refresh the skill sets of engineers in the semiconductor field to prepare for the expanding wind, solar and geothermal sectors. The certificate program includes courses in alternative energy, power systems, biofuels engineering and an introduction to smart grids and energy management. The university also plans to debut a sustainable energy master's degree in the 2011-2012 academic year within its School of Engineering.
Central Carolina CC Offers Green Building Courses
Central Carolina Community College (NC) has begun offering green building and renewable energy classes. The courses will focus on the LEED rating system and building environmentally friendly structures. An introduction to photovoltaic system design, sustainable design and communities, building analyst training, solar water heating principles and water management courses will also be offered.
Grand Rapids CC Launches Green Job Training
Grand Rapids Community College (MI) is set to launch its green technician training course. The 80-hour, four-week class will prepare students for entry-level sustainable manufacturing jobs. Three area manufacturers will draw on graduates from the program.
Lincoln Land CC Set to Expand Renewable Energy Program
Lincoln Land Community College (IL) has received a $2 million grant to expand opportunities for students in alternative energy and green construction trades. The college will offer wind, solar and geothermal energy training with new equipment and teaching spaces.
