Clarion University is taking another step to making sustainability, the ability to provide for the needs of the current generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs, a part of its education plan.
Dr. Valentine James, provost and academic vice president, has announced the formation of a Sustainability Institute of Clarion University. This decision places Clarion University in a leadership role in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), by making it the first member institution with a Sustainability Institute.
"I want Clarion University to be known for its work on sustainability and sustainable development," said James, who conceived an institute idea 12 years ago and set it as a top priority for the office of the provost after arriving at Clarion in 2008. "Clarion is the place for this institute. I am very excited that President Joseph Grunenwald has approved."
According to James, the Sustainability Institute of Clarion University will be a self-sufficient institute, have faculty support, supply information to the university and local, area interest groups; bring in resident scholars to focus their research on sustainability; promote faculty, graduate, and undergraduate research; provide opportunities for internships; offer CEU credits for attendance at conferences; and provide certification on sustainable development and sustainability.
"There are a number of environmental, economic, and social issues that faculty, students, and staff can engage in with the community locally, statewide, nationally or internationally," said James, who is currently in the process of identifying an advisory board to help determine how the Institute can be effective.
"I have contacted eight or so department heads and they are excited to be a part of this," said James. "I hope the faculty will be able to take time off to engage in sustainability research and then pass it along to the students."
Once the advisory board is in place, the search will begin for grants to help meet the objectives, and for internships for both graduate and undergraduate students and for release time for faculty to conduct research and participate in the projects within the institution.
The Clarion University Sustainability Institute objectives include:
•To advance knowledge of sustainable development and sustainability theories and methods through research.
•To provide interdisciplinary perspectives to sustainable development and sustainability from economic, social, ecological and political dimensions.
•To conduct studies and workshops that enhance the positive links between economic development and the environment.
•To provide training to undergraduate and graduate students in the various dimensions of sustainable development and sustainability.
•To disseminate sustainable development information by publishing a newsletter and a "Journal of Sustainable Development in Africa" (JSDA).
•To establish and to enhance partnerships between Clarion University and local, regional, national, and international agencies in the areas of business, technology transfer, and adoption.
•To build the human capital capacity for sustainable development and to enhance the effectiveness of Clarion University in that role.
•To facilitate and enhance study abroad and internships opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to selected countries.
•To support in faculty research and exchanges with foreign universities.
Clarion University is already involved in sustainability activities at the institutional level.
Four newly opened buildings on campus, Eagle Commons dining facility, Valley View and Campus View Suites, and Science and Technology Center, and the Gregory Barnes Center for Biotechnology Business Development at Clarion University located at Trinity Point, are all designed to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. The commitment to pursuing LEED certification for all building projects is part of Clarion University's five-year strategic plan.
Last spring, Clarion University hosted the Third International Congress on Critical Perspectives on Energy, Environment, Technology and Water Development, and Protection Worldwide, a conference developed by James. The fourth annual congress is scheduled April 1-2, 2010, at Clarion University.
James would like to see the Institute eventually hold a sustainability week, which focuses on community engagement, similar to one organized by Virginia Tech University.
"It would promote student education by making them work force ready," he said. "The participants at the sustainability week would work with Clarion University to identify needs and the institution would provide the education.
"This is an institutional change, a new way of looking at the future and creating intergenerational equity. It will stimulate new ways of thinking about the capacity of buildings and empowerment of citizens through better scholarship and practices."
Clarion University is the high-achieving, nationally recognized, comprehensive university that delivers a personal and challenging academic experience.
