Sustainability refers to an ongoing effort to find balance between the goals of our human systems and the capacity of our natural resources to support those goals. In other words, finding the best way to continue having a quality modern life, without abusing and depleting all of the resources that make it possible. There is also a social component to sustainability, in which these goals apply fairly and justly to all members of our society. Economic stability is another important area of focus as we seek to maintain access to goods, services, and investments that are profitable, while also being responsible.
The KU Certificate in Sustainability is an academic program that enables students, regardless of their major discipline, to gain experience and knowledge of sustainability concepts. Completion of the certificate will be acknowledged on student transcripts.
Understanding of sustainability concepts can enhance any career field. Adding the Sustainability Certificate to your degree portfolio will allow you to demonstrate to employers that you can bring sustainable values and knowledge to the workplace.
Let's visit the KU Experiential Learning page to find out!
There is much more to sustainability than environmental issues. While the resources we depend on come from the environment, we also need to examine how we allocate, manage, market and trade these resources. Social workers, business persons, financial analysts, teachers, local government workers, and lawyers - to name a few - are all able to contribute to a goal of sustainability in their professions and their communities.
No. Only one qualifying certificate course can be from both your major(s) and/or minor(s), this includes any cross-listed courses. With the exception of the Global Environment series; in this case both classes in the series count toward your foundational requirement.
The Global Environment series, 140 and 142 combined, can be used as your foundational course. For Environmental Studies students, an additional course from both Physical Systems and Human Systems is required. Neither may be from or cross-list with your major or minor.
There are numerous courses offered at KU that would complement the certificate coursework. To see if a particular course would make an appropriate substitute, check out the criteria for each category of courses, then email sustaincert@ku.edu to discuss your proposed course substitution.
Courses that are recognized as transfer equivalents to KU can count toward the certificate; however, at least one of your certificate courses must be taken at KU. To find out if a course is a transfer equivalent check http://credittransfer.ku.edu/.
Yes. You must earn a "C" or better in any courses you wish to count toward the certificate, as is the requirement for all experiential learning certificates at KU.
Probably not. Experiences may be retroactively considered if they began or were completed within the current or previous semester. An Experience Proposal is still required and is subject to the approval of the Certificate Coordinator. Site satisfaction form will need to be completed retroactively and proof of time demonstrated in some form. It is a good idea to contact the Certificate Coordinator at sustaincert@ku.edu to discuss a previous experience before pursuing paperwork.
Maybe! If your experiential learning for another certificate meets all of the guidelines of the sustainability certificate, it may be eligible to apply toward both. Please contact the Certificate Coordinator to discuss. An Experience Proposal is still required and is subject to the approval.
Great! Simply complete the simply online form and the Certificate Coordinator will follow up with you.
You must register for the Sustainability Certificate in the myKU Portal in order to submit your experience forms and track your progress toward completion. Login to myKU, and select "Undergraduate Certificates" under the "Academics" tab. There you can choose to register for any of the experiential learning certificates offered by KU, including the Sustainability Certificate. Return to this tab to record and submit your experience component and to complete your final reflection.
