Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 52.53
Liaison Andrew DeMelia
Submission Date June 6, 2019
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

Bryant University
AC-2: Learning Outcomes

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 0.84 / 8.00 Gaytha Langlois
Chair, Science & Technology Department
Science & Technology Department
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Total number of graduates from degree programs (i.e. majors, minors, concentrations, certificates, and other academic designations):
744

Number of students that graduate from programs that have adopted at least one sustainability learning outcome:
78

Percentage of students who graduate from programs that have adopted at least one sustainability learning outcome:
10.48

Do the figures reported above cover one, two, or three academic years?:
One

Institution and Division Level Learning Outcomes

Does the institution specify sustainability learning outcomes at the institution level (e.g. covering all students)?:
Yes

Does the institution specify sustainability learning outcomes at the division level (e.g. covering particular schools or colleges within the institution)?:
No

A list or brief description of the institution level or division level sustainability learning outcomes:
As part of the University's Mission Statement, the following excerpt includes some goals of sustainability: "Bryant University prepares its undergraduate and graduate students to meet the complex demands of an interdependent society and culture. Students develop the qualities of character that are essential to personal and professional fulfillment, including integrity and personal responsibility, a global perspective, an appreciation for the arts and humanities, and entrepreneurial drive." https://catalog.bryant.edu/undergraduate/missionoverview/

Program Level Learning Outcomes

Does the institution specify sustainability learning outcomes at the program level (i.e. majors, minors, concentrations, degrees, diplomas, certificates, and other academic designations)?:
Yes

A list or brief description of the program level sustainability learning outcomes (or a list of sustainability-focused programs):
A list of sustainability-focused or sustainability-related programs is posted below; and the learning outcomes are included on the chart. There are 13 programs listed for the College of Arts and Sciences, 3 programs listed for the College of Business, and 2 interdisciplinary programs.

Course Level Learning Outcomes

Do course level sustainability learning outcomes contribute to the figure reported above (i.e. in the absence of program, division, or institution level learning outcomes)?:
No

A list or brief description of the course level sustainability learning outcomes and the programs for which the courses are required:
Courses offered at Bryant University are required to include learning outcomes. Therefore, all sustainability-related or focused courses would have at least one, if not more learning outcomes. Here is an example of the learning outcomes from one course, SCI-355 Energy Management Strategies: Learning Objectives:To help students (1) better understand basic concepts in energy science; (2)see the links between current environmental problems and our energy production systems; (3)grapple with the importance of diversifying our energy production and distribution systems, including shifts toward distributive models and smart grid development; (4) enhance skills in scientific thinking and analysis; and (5)become acquainted with environmental laws and regulations affecting the energy sector. Learning outcomes include the following: (1) Characterize the principles of systems theory and energy flow through systems; (2) Explain the processes of photosynthesis and respiration as the basis for energy flow through ecosystems; (3)Describe at least three specific renewable energy applications and how they work; (4)Identify at least three environmental challenges associated with the energy sector, noting causes, pathways, effects and one remedial action for each challenge; and (5)Analyze one complex global environmental problem, noting root causes and societal implications. Another example at the course level would be ECO-461 Environmental Economics, where the course encompasses the following: "Attention is given to the efficient use of environmental resources. Various public policies dealing with environmental problems such as acid rain, global warming and air and water pollution are discussed and analyzed. International comparisons regarding environmental policy is incorporated."

Optional Fields 

The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
Bryant offers a Certificate of Graduate Studies in Sustainability Practices, with one graduate in 2018 and two graduates in 2017. Here is the website page that describes this certificate: http://gradschool.bryant.edu/arts-and-sciences/certificates.htm Estimated number of graduates from programs with at least one sustainability goal is based on analysis of the 2018 graduating list. More precise numbers will be tracked going forward.

The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.