Clark University
AC-10: Support for Sustainability Research
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
Reporter |
Jenny
Isler Director of Sustainability Physical Plant / Facilities |
Does the institution have an ongoing program to encourage students in multiple disciplines or academic programs to conduct sustainability research?:
A brief description of the student sustainability research program:
There are several:
1. The Human-Environment Regional Observatory (HERO) program is a unique undergraduate-graduate-faculty experience that engages in research on human-environment relationships in Massachusetts. HERO Fellows conduct hands-on research under the mentorship of Clark University faculty. The research conducted by HERO Fellows often leads to scholarly publications, presentations at academic conferences across the USA, and awards and honors.
2. Albert, Norma and Howard Geller '77 Endowed Research Awards These awards support student-initiated research projects that advance our understanding of resource and environmental sustainability and practical improvements that can move society towards more sustainable outcomes.
3. Through 2019: NOAA Fellowships. Through this program, scientists and managers with NOAA are partnering with Clark University to offer qualified undergraduate students paid summer field internships. Opportunities occurred in fields such as applied ocean and atmospheric science, policy, and science communication. Each student's summer activities will be overseen by a NOAA scientist or manager and advised by a Clark faculty mentor.
Does the institution have a program to encourage academic staff from multiple disciplines or academic programs to conduct sustainability research?:
A brief description of the faculty sustainability research program:
George Perkins Marsh Institute provides research support for faculty and staff conducting research on sustainability, in forms of 1) a dedicated research support through Kasperson Library, 2) grant proposal preparation support for faculty and staff, 3) course release support for faculty writing grants, and 4) research collaboration groups.
Has the institution published written policies and procedures that give positive recognition to interdisciplinary, transdisciplinary, and multidisciplinary research during faculty promotion and/or tenure decisions?:
A copy of the promotion or tenure guidelines or policies:
The promotion or tenure guidelines or policies:
The tenure and promotion guideline clearly states that interdisciplinary research is valued and should be taken into account. The candidates and the departments are asked to report any interdisciplinary research activities and their outcomes.
Does the institution have ongoing library support for sustainability research and learning?:
A brief description of the institution’s library support for sustainability research:
The Jeanne X. Kasperson Research Library is dedicated to higher learning and to supporting those who seek to expand their knowledge. The primary mission of the Library is to support Clark University's extensive environmental research programs. The Kasperson Research Library offers one of the most extensive collections in North America on environmental risk and hazards, environment and development and the human dimensions of global environmental change. In addition, the library's collection includes holdings in international development, water resources, technology, energy policy and sustainability. Over 35,000 books, technical reports and government documents make up the current collection. The library also receives journals and newsletters related to its areas of specialization as well as a number of other resources to aid in your research. Research conducted under the aegis of the George Perkins Marsh Research Institute, the School of Geography, and the Department of International Development, Community Planning and the Environment and many other departments make use of the Library. The Library is committed to serving the educational functions of the University and the broader community in order to further research related to sustainability and global environmental change, international development, and risk and hazards to society and the environment.
Website URL where information about the institution’s support for sustainability research is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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.