Eastern Connecticut State University
AC-2: Learning Outcomes

To graduate, all students at the university must complete courses in the "Liberal Arts Core" (LAC). The LAC in turn, incorporates five liberal arts learning outcomes: 1) Critical Thinking; 2) Ethical Reasoning; 3) Communication; 4) Creativity; and 5) Quantitative Literacy. Learning Outcome #2 is particularly appropriate with respect to sustainability as viewed from the vantage point of social justice and equity. According to the spring 2020 Senate Bill that proposes adoption of these learning outcomes: ‘These five learning outcomes focus on a range of skills that are central to the ways that thoughtful, liberally educated people approach the world. They cut across disciplines—creativity is not only for artists, but for scientists and social workers as well; quantitative literacy is for poets as well as statisticians. Developing these skills prepares all Eastern students, regardless of major, to face complexity and ambiguity in the many domains they will confront after graduation.’ Refer to page 10 of the following linked PDF: https://www.easternct.edu/career/_documents/employability-council-report-and-plan-11-23-20.pdf

Matt Hancock, Assistant Director of Planning and Institutional Research, provided the total number of graduates from degree programs (which includes both graduate and undergraduate students) and the number of graduates from degree programs that require an understanding of the concept of sustainability, which include Environmental Earth Science majors, Sustainable Energy Science concentration within the EES major, Sustainable Energy Studies minor, Biology majors, and Biology minors.

The Environmental Earth Science Department offers students a Sustainable Energy Science concentration within the EES major and a separate Sustainable Energy Studies minor.

The Sustainable Energy Science concentration and related minor prepares students for careers in the new clean energy economy as climate change, sustainability and clean energy initiatives return to the public forefront. EES students are thus trained to be leaders in energy policy, energy science and the energy economy.

The EES major (including Sustainable Energy) provides a broad earth science education, with a firm grounding in geology. The curriculum emphasizes a thorough understanding of earth materials, processes, and features, and the means by which environmental earth scientists address environmental problems. EES students are also required to take a year of chemistry, physics, and a semester of advanced mathematics.

EES students are thus provided the diverse academic training necessary for analyzing and resolving environmental challenges such as geologic hazards and groundwater contamination.

The EES Dept. also offers independent studies, practicums and internships to students. These opportunities can integrate field, laboratory, technical writing, and/or computer skills in the investigation of environmental issues.

The Biology program also incorporates sustainability into its learning outcomes. Biology students will - Complete comprehensive course curriculum in ecology/population biology. Develop competence in techniques used in field and laboratory work. Demonstrate ability to use scientific instruments and equipment via relevant hands-on lab and field experiences. Become engaged in a meaningful liberal arts experience. a. Students can explain how biology and its method of study are integrated into a multidisciplinary context. b. Students attend and present at professional conferences and workshops. c. Students act in an informed and ethical manner within the University and society at-large.

Information for this credit was provided by Steve Nathan, Associate Professor and Department Chair of the Environmental Earth Science Department. Data on the number of graduates from degree programs provided by Matt Hancock, Assistant Director of Planning and Institutional Research.