Colleges and Universities: Virginia Commonwealth University,University of Richmond, J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, VCU Medical Center, Virginia Union University, University of Richmond School of Law, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry, Union Theological Seminary & Presbyterian School of Christian Education, Bon Secours Memorial School of Nursing, Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond, University of Richmond School of Continuing Studies, Fortis College-Richmond, E. Claiborne Robins School of Business, Empire Beauty School-Richmond, VCU School of Allied Health Professions,University of Phoenix-Richmond Campus, Institute of Advanced Medical Esthetics, Richmond Professional Institute, Bon Secours St Mary's Hospital School of Medical Imaging, ECPI Technical College, MedSpa Careers Institute, Bryant and Stratton College-Richmond, Centura College, ITT Technical Institute-Richmond, ECPI College of Technology, Richmond, Center for Judaic Studies at Virginia Commonwealth University
Higher Education Focus - University of Richmond
http://www.richmond.edu/
The efforts to move toward sustainability at universities, and in turn society, begin with education.
A Penn State University survey of 150 graduating seniors to determine their “ecological literacy” revealed that “63% were unable to name one federal or state law that protects the environment … 72% had no idea that they were living within the Susquehanna River Basin; and 40% were unable to name even two tree types on campus” (Penn State Green Destiny Council, 2000)
Facebook Presence:
https://www.facebook.com/universityofrichmond
https://www.facebook.com/SpiderSustainability
This page has has links to different organizations and the plan to keep them sustainable, including Education.
In this they have the
- Next Steps
- Implications
Background
- With the ability to reach thousands of students, faculty, staff, and alumni, the University of Richmond has the opportunity to influence and educate a sizeable population about sustainability
- one of the most direct and important ways to influence and educate is to address sustainability within the curricula taught on campus
- at UR and other universities, education extends beyond the classroom. Outreach to the campus and the surrounding community is an integral part of student education, particularly at UR, and sustainability can be incorporated into these efforts as well
Accomplishments
Curriculum- With the ability to reach thousands of students, faculty, staff, and alumni, the University of Richmond has the opportunity to influence and educate a sizeable population about sustainability
- one of the most direct and important ways to influence and educate is to address sustainability within the curricula taught on campus
- at UR and other universities, education extends beyond the classroom. Outreach to the campus and the surrounding community is an integral part of student education, particularly at UR, and sustainability can be incorporated into these efforts as well
Accomplishments
- Environmental Studies major has been developed, and a similar minor is available as well
- more than 80 courses addressing sustainability issues have been developed
- the Law School offers courses specializing in environmental law and is home to the Robert R. Merhige Jr. Center for Environmental Studies, and the Business School offers research opportunities for MBA students.
Student Groups
- GreenUR is the leading student voice for sustainability at UR
Co-curricular Opportunities and Community Outreach
- the Facilities Department created its first student internship
- The Bonner Center for Civic Engagement (CCE) facilitates student involvement with the local community through various programs.
- The CCE has developed partnerships throughout the region for community-based learning and community service,including programs such as UR Downtown and the “Build It” Initiative
- Through the Civic Fellows program, the CCE has awarded fellowships for students to complete academically grounded summer internships. Over the past three years, two fellows have completed internships at the Chesapeake Climate Action Network in Richmond and at Growing Power in Chicago.
- The broader Richmond community also is afforded many opportunities to learn about sustainability issues at the UR campus.
Faculty Research
- A wide range of research into areas under the umbrella of sustainability is conducted by faculty across the campus, often with the assistance of undergraduate students.
Other Educational Activities
- The Lora Robins Gallery of Design from Nature is the natural sciences and decorative arts museum for UR
Next Steps
All students should attain environmental literacy, learning alternatives to the current, non-sustainable paradigm that permeates society. The academic program envisioned will teach students how their personal choices influence the environment and society, and will introduce them to accessible, viable alternatives. The campus community also will be introduced to these concepts via student programs and academic experiences, which will in turn enhance the educational experiences of the students involved. UR will continue to partner with the people of Richmond, building on the successes of the programs of the CCE and others to bring the concepts of environmental sustainability and social justice to the community.
The goal that all students attain environmental literacy may appear to be unrelated to certain majors (e.g. music, dance, foreign language, etc.). However, because each student affects the planet through his/her personal behavior and each will face the same future environmental and economic challenges, teaching them the potential consequences of their actions is as important as teaching those in disciplines more directly related to sustainability
Strategies to bolster sustainability within the educational experience at UR include the following.
- Curricular Changes
- Student Research & Internships
- Student Groups
- Faculty, Research, Hiring and Training
- Campus Community Education
- Community Outreach
Everything is laid out in a very exact plan and has steps to complete everything.
I think the University of Richmond is doing an excellent job of thinking about their future and planning for it but this plan was written before Social Media was as integral as it is now so there a few adjustments that can be made to better incorporate it.
What Else They Can Do:
- Establish a bigger presence on Social Media to get the word out about everything that is happening on their campus - Twitter, Instagram and Facebook
- Offer e-books through the campus Book Store
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