The Story of Sustainability through KSC Academics
Sustainability College Wide Learning Outcome
As one of six identified Collegewide Learning Outcomes, sustainability is thoughtfully woven into the educational experience at Keene State College. While studying at KSC “students will explore their place in interconnected natural and human systems; evaluate the personal, social, and environmental impacts of their choices; and apply their knowledge and skills for building a just, resilient, and thriving world.”
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Orientation
From the moment KSC students start their first year they begin to learn about sustainability. Orientation is a time for incoming students to learn valuable skills and participate in activities that will help them succeed at Keene State College. The Office of sustainability makes sure that sustainability education is part of new student orientation. All new students participating in orientation will watch a video created by our Eco-Reps, that explains sustainability at KSC. After the video, students are asked to complete our Sustainability Pledge. The Pledge allows students to commit to sustainable actions on an off campus. Each student determines what actions they will pledge to do as students at Keene State. Additionally, as part of their welcome to KSC, all new students are given a Green Living Guide, a document with a myriad of information about living sustainably at KSC. This guide includes information on correct recycling and composting practices, tips for saving electricity, information about the KSC Green Bikes program, and more. The Office of Sustainability also participates in other orientation events like craft night! We choose a craft with a sustainability twist such as recycled t-shirt bags or bottle planters. Stay tuned for the Office of Sustainability’s 2021 orientation schedule!
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First Year Experience:
The First-Year Experience class is an innovative new program that was implemented in Fall 2020. This seminar class is a required course for all entering first-year students, and it is focused on all of the changes and transitions that new students experience. The goal of this course is to support new students, build community, and to weave KSC’s College-Wide Learning Outcomes into the fabric of the new student experience. Sustainability is one of KSC’s guiding College-Wide Learning Outcomes, and that is reflected in the First-Year Experience course.
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Sustainability and the Integrative Studies Program
The Integrative Studies Program at Keene State College aims to provide students with a well-rounded, liberal arts education. All students are required to complete a total of 40 ISP credits. ISP classes range in subject and level but the program as a whole aims to “inspire students to conduct research, think critically, reason quantitatively, write effectively, and imagine innovative connections across disciplinary boundaries.” Many of the classes in the Integrative Studies Program are sustainability courses or include sustainability content. Check out the sustainability related courses in the Integrative Studies Program here.
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A Deeper Look into Sustainability Majors and Minors
If you are interested in sustainability education their are several majors to consider. While most major have some connection to sustainability there are several that sustainability focused. Here are some majors to consider if you're thinking about an education that emphasizes sustainability.
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Sustainable Product Design and Innovation
Other majors with a strong connection to sustainability include Geography, Geology, Architecture, Biology, and more. These majors pair well with a sustainability focused minor like Sustainable Studies or Environmental studies.
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Society, Economy and Environment are the three pillars of sustainability; a clear representation of how sustainability is not only related to most majors, but also serves as a link between areas of study. The interdisciplinary aspects of sustainability are increasingly important as the challenges facing humanity call for innovative, creative, and collaboration solutions. Learn more about how sustainability connects to your field of interest through the Sustainability Course Catalog.
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On and Off Campus Sustainability internship and work opportunities
There are many opportunities to get involved in sustainability-related work, both on and off campus. Students are invited to apply to the three employment opportunities provided by the Office of Sustainability; Eco-Reps, ROCKS, and Green Bikes. There are also additional employment and internship opportunities provided by the Department of Environmental Studies. One of the favorite sustainability-related internships available to students is made possible by the long-standing partnership between KSC and the Harris Center for Conservation Education, in Hancock, NH. Each year, four undergraduate KSC students are provided with training and field experience in many facets of the Harris Center’s work, including conservation, education, and stewardship. Student interns work under a joint supervision structure and are supported by both a KSC faculty member and a Harris Center staff member. These are just some of the many sustainability-focused internship and employment opportunities available to students at KSC.