Overview
Michael Boller (Biology), Program Director
Faculty Advisors: Kimberly Chichester (Chemistry), Gregory Cunningham (Biology), Kris Green (Mathematics), Barbara Lowe (Philosophy),* Linda MacCammon (Religious Studies), Timothy Madigan (Philosophy), Clair Smith (Economics)*
*On leave, Spring 2017
Sustainability is the careful stewardship of natural, social, and economic resources so that we meet our present needs without compromising the needs of future generations. Sustainable practice and development requires a commitment to environmental justice; i.e., the idea that environmental costs and risks should not be shouldered by any one geographical region or segment of society.
The sustainability minor offers an integrative, interdisciplinary approach that prepares students to address the challenges and ethical responsibilities of sustainable development. Students will explore the theory and practice of sustainability in a number of different disciplines, including, but not limited to, biology, business, chemistry, ethics, economics, mathematics, and sociology. There is immediate need to understand sustainability because most organizations (for-profit, nonprofit and government) now evaluate themselves along the dimensions of social, environmental, and economic performance (rather than just economic).
The minor is designed to provide students with:
- A foundation of scientific concepts and ethical and economic principles to evaluate and synthesize solutions to sustainability issues
- Knowledge of best practices within different disciplines for protecting environmental quality and fostering environmental justice
- Analytical tools to evaluate the benefits and costs, both direct and indirect, of alternative solutions to environmental problems
- Opportunities to develop and apply effective, interdisciplinary approaches to present and emerging problems in sustainable development
- Opportunities for experiential learning and advanced study in sustainability within their chosen fields