As part of the process of establishing a university-wide program in sustainability, Lee Kump, John Leone Dean in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, and Lara Fowler, chief sustainability officer and director of Penn State Sustainability, will be hosting two virtual discussions for interested faculty to learn more about the opportunity.
The events will provide an opportunity for faculty to discuss the new initiative and will encourage those who are passionate about sustainability to consider volunteering to serve on an initial program development committee. The first event will be held from 2 to 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 18. and the second will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Jan. 5. Both will be held via Zoom. Additional sessions focused on students, alumni, and other interested parties will also be held early in 2024.
Interested faculty and others can register in advance for either session:
Dec. 18, 2023
2−3:30 p.m.: Register here
Jan. 5, 2024
10−11:30 a.m.: Register here
The sustainability program’s initial focus will be on establishing a University-wide undergraduate sustainability program, including a new major. This program will build on the more than 400 classes related to sustainability currently offered at Penn State and existing programs such as the sustainability leadership minor.
“Our students are asking for more educational opportunities in the sustainability realm, as are potential employers of our students,” Fowler said. “While ‘sustainability’ as a field didn’t exist 20 years ago, the need to think about systems, a more circular economy, life cycle assessment and so on are pressing needs now.”
Kump said the establishment of a program in sustainability is something for which both employers and faculty have been calling.
“Company executives are telling us that the hottest employment opportunity is for candidates with sustainability knowledge and the quantitative skills to assess carbon emissions and compliance with sustainability accounting standards,” Kump said. Meanwhile, the faculty have been asking for mechanisms to support their interdisciplinary work in sustainability spanning the disciplines and where impact involves a fusion of research, education and outreach.”
Topics to be discussed include:
- Opportunity for blended learning to facilitate adoption at multiple Penn State campuses.
- Additional learning opportunities, including joint degrees, certifications, and continuing education.
- Potential to expand into graduate education, research and outreach in collaboration with the interdisciplinary research institutes.
- Stakeholder engagement in program development.
After registering, participants will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.