KU introducing undergraduate Sustainability Certificate

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas is now offering undergraduate students the opportunity to earn an undergraduate Certificate in Sustainability.

Students from all disciplines, regardless of their subject of study, are invited to pursue the certificate. Completion will be acknowledged on a student’s official transcripts and will allow students in any field to bring a lens of sustainability to their future career.

“Sustainability is about so much more than the environment,” said Kim Criner, certificate coordinator. “It’s about balancing what the environment can provide and how we use those things to meet our needs. Students aspiring to study law, medicine, education, politics and business can all play a role in striving for a more sustainable society.”

Requirements of the Sustainability Certificate include completing a selection of interdisciplinary coursework, an experiential learning component and a final reflection. The experiential learning requirement will involve participation in 60 hours of service, research or fieldwork with a campus department, community organization or business on a project or effort related to sustainability. The certificate joins six other experiential learning certificates at KU.

“We are excited to add the Sustainability Certificate to the list of high-quality undergraduate certificate programs,” said John Augusto, assistant vice provost for experiential learning. “The program catalyzes KU’s strong, interdisciplinary research in sustainability and gives our students a great experiential learning opportunity.”

The KU Center for Sustainability is currently seeking partner sites for certificate student learning experiences. Businesses or not-for-profits who are interested in having student help to complete or pursue a goal related to sustainability — whether focused on social equity, economics or ecology — may contact the certificate coordinator at sustaincert@ku.edu.

The certificate is the latest accomplishment by the KU Center for Sustainability to integrate sustainability into the educational experience of KU students. While commonly associated with the built environment of campus, the Center for Sustainability’s mission is equally focused on engaging and raising awareness among KU students, faculty and staff. 

To learn more about the Sustainability Certificate or to register visit www.sustaincert.ku.edu.