Franklin University Switzerland
AC-4: Applied Learning
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Reporter |
4.1 Applied learning for sustainability program
List or sample of currently active/available applied learning or living laboratory experiences for students that address sustainability challenges:
GO Living Labs. The FUS campus functions as a living laboratory where students, faculty and staff work together to solve sustainability challenges. Operational staff benefit from the energy of students and the expertise of faculty, while students gain an opportunity to apply their knowledge to real problems. The GO Living Lab leverages existing resources across the university to improve operational effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability.
Local community members may also submit requests for projects seeking high-quality research and innovative recommendations to solve sustainability challenges.
Living Lab projects can focus on the following areas: waste reduction, water management, renewable energy, food and dining, or building and land matters.
An on-going list of campus and community living lab projects is available at the Green Office. Students can drop into the Taylor Institute Conference Room on Wednesdays from 9 - 10 am or contact the Green Office by email for an appointment.
GO Internships Program. The Green Office coordinates both external and on-campus internships that center on developing skills and deepening understanding of sustainability topics. Internships provide campus and community partners with motivated students who bring enthusiasm, new perspectives, and disciplinary knowledge to their work. Students gain valuable professional development and applied learning.
Current and past internships have ranged from sustainability reporting to analysis of sustainability communications to working with NGOs. Projects are aimed at addressing pressing sustainability challenges while providing students with an opportunity to apply their academic learning and develop valuable skills. If your organization would like to work with the Green Office on an internship program, please contact us for guidelines and participation requirements.
A4S Case Competition Program. The Green Office collaborates with A4S, an organization that is a part of the King Charles III Charitable Fund Group of Charities, whose goal is to inspire action by finance leaders to drive a fundamental shift towards resilient business models and a sustainable economy. As a designated Anchor Business School, the Green Office prepares students to take part in the annual A4S Case Competition. Preparation includes course modules on Greenhouse Gas Accounting, Transition Planning and Just Transitions.
Are three or more institutional departments or units currently supporting solutions-focused applied learning or living laboratory experiences for students?:
Are there processes or tools in place to assess the success of the applied learning projects?:
Description of the processes or tools used to assess the success of the applied learning projects:
Is there an online portal or equivalent vehicle that documents completed, current, and/or prospective applied learning projects?:
Description of and/or website URL for the online portal or equivalent vehicle that documents completed, current, and/or prospective applied learning projects:
The Reporting Tool will automatically calculate the following figure:
Optional documentation
Our Living Lab was launched in February 2025. Its goal is to provide a collaborative space for students across all disciplines to engage in sustainability internships and research projects. Although this program at FUS is new, we are still working to foster transformative projects and partnerships that will make changes on campus, in Lugano, and around the world.
As we establish more meaningful partnerships within the Franklin Community and with external organizations, we will add opportunities that are available on our living lab page.
Additional documentation for this credit:
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.