Many people believe that society must adopt new strategies in the next twenty to forty years to meet the needs of a rapidly expanding population in an environmentally sustainable and equitable manner. A systematic change in thinking, values and action worldwide is necessary to achieve this goal. As Einstein observed, " the significant problem we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them." This is a great challenge and opportunity for higher education which prepares most of the professionals who develop, manage, teach in and influence society's institutions.

Purpose:

This workshop provided the opportunity for ACS staff to work with the ACS Environmental Fellows to develop the knowledge, skills and strategies to become more efficient advocates and practitioners of sustainability on their campuses. Through this workshop, we aimed to accomplish the following results:
 

Understand the ACS System and How it Works (and vision) Understand the Role of ACS Fellows in the ACS System Acknowledge Activities on each of ACS Campuses Highlight other Models, Profiles, and Resources Generate Goals and Objectives for Incoming ACS Fellows Deepen our Understanding of Sustainability and the Role of Higher Education

Location:

The workshop was held in Austin, TX at the:The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Research Center.

Participants:

Second Nature Facilitators
Tony Cortese, President
Nancy Gabriel, Director of Education and Training
John Glyphis, Director of Partnerships
Carey Levitt, Program Leader for Education and Training

ACS Staff
Damon Waitt, Director of ACS Environmental Programs
Cindy Stokes, Environmental Programs Assistant

ACS Environmental Fellows
Birmingham Southern College:  Dr. Douglas Waits ('98-'99), Dr. Andrew Gannon ('99-'00)
Centenary College:  Dr. Mary Barrett ('98-'99), Dr. Ed Leuck ('99-'00)
Centre College:  Dr. Chris Barton ('98-'99), Dr. Endre Nyerges ('99-'00)
Davidson College:  Dr. David Martin ('98-'99), Dr. Pat Peroni ('99-'00)
Furman University:  Dr. Frank Powell ('98-'00)
Hendrix College:  Dr. Karen Gaul ('98-'99), Dr. Stella Capek ('99-'00)
Millsaps College:  Dr. Deborah Mann ('98-'00)
Morehouse College:  Dr. Ebenezer Aka ('98-'99), Dr. Anne Baird ('99-'00)
Rhodes College:  Dr. David Kesler ('98-'99), Dr. Carol Ekstrom ('99-'00)
Rollins College:  Dr. Barry Allen ('98-'99), Dr. Lee Lines ('99-'00)
Southwestern University:  Dr. Stephanie Fabritius ('98-'99), Dr. Laura Hobgood-Hoster ('99-'00)
Trinity University:  Dr. Richard Reed ('99-'00)
University of Richmond:  Lisa Heller ('98-'99), Dr. Elizabeth McNabb ('99-'00)
University of the South:  Dr. Robin Gottfried ('98-'99), Dr. Jim Peters ('99-'00)
Washington and Lee University: Dr. Ken Ruscio ('98-'99)
 

Workshop Outcomes:

I. Campus Actions to create the Vision: "College as a Sustainable Microcosm"

• Initiate Ecoscape Design
• Conduct Campus Environmental Assessments/ Assessment Follow-Up
• Propose that New Buildings be "GREEN".
• Strong Environmental Studies Programs
• Visible Service Learning Projects
• Composting Proposal with other Campuses
• "Sustainability Training" for Staff
• Develop Collaborative Initiatives with Faculty from other Institutions in Research/Teaching/Efficiency Projects
• Encourage Student Environmental Projects
• Environmentally Responsible Purchasing
• Create Opportunities for Students to Connect with the Natural World
• Introduce a Proposal for Long-term Campus Initiatives

II. Initiating Change by:

• Removing the fences between Administration, Faculty, and Students
• Encouraging the President and Administration to Take a Lead Role
• Creating a Central Place to coordinate (physical location) including:

-A Funded Position
-A Gathering Place
-A Resource and Information Center
• Developing an Annual Environmental Report to Show Commitment
• Rewarding  students and faculty that promote sustainability
• Faculty that lead by example via:

-Integrating Environmental Principles into their Curriculum
-All Aspects of Campus Life
-Personal Action
• seeking broader change of department curriculum
• meeting with colleagues on campus to catalyze movement towards campus-wide sustainability
• Educating the Community