IU South Bend is blazing new territory by becoming the first campus in the IU system to offer a minor in sustainability.
For those wondering what sustainability is, according to the US Department of Environmental Protection Agency’s website, “sustainability calls for policies and strategies that meet society’s present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
Most define sustainability as ensuring the well-being of the natural world, the responsible use of natural resources and responsible planning of construction.
The goal of the new minor is to prepare graduates for jobs in a new “green” economy and is designed to complement any major area of study.
Enrollment is underway with classes to begin in the fall. The first class in the minor, SUST S-201 Foundations of Sustainability, is available and those interested should enroll as soon as possible since space is limited.
The program expects to enroll about 20 students per semester.
According to Mike Keen, director of IUSB’s Center for a Sustainable Future, a sustainable studies major and perhaps a master’s degree certificate program are possibilities.
Coursework will highlight sustainability as related to economy, environment and society.
“Our idea is to make sure everything we do is environmentally friendly, economically sound and socially responsible,” Keen said in a recent South Bend Tribune interview.
As stated on IUSB’s Center for a Sustainable Future website,
“The students and faculty of colleges and universities are uniquely positioned to help understand and respond to these complicated issues and to lead the way in the creation of a sustainable future.”
This unique program is available beginning Fall 2010. For more information contact Mike Keen via email at mkeen@iusb.edu or visit www.iusb.edu/~csfuture.
