| Overall Rating | Silver |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 53.24 |
| Liaison | Alicia Gowan |
| Submission Date | June 18, 2024 |
Kwantlen Polytechnic University
AC-3: Undergraduate Program
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
3.00 / 3.00 |
Alicia
Gowan Sustainability Specialist Campus and Community Planning |
Does the institution offer at least one sustainability-focused major, degree, or certificate program for undergraduate students?:
Name of the sustainability-focused undergraduate degree program:
A brief description of the undergraduate degree program:
The Bachelor of Applied Science in Sustainable Agriculture degree is unique to North America and is distinguished from other agriculture degree programs by providing a broad scope of study related to sustainable food production as an integral and fundamentally critical element of sustainable human existence. Through a distinctive and exceptional combination of classroom and farm-based learning, the program offers a comprehensive perspective on:
- The science of agro-ecosystem design and stewardship
- Innovative and ecologically sound crop production methods
- Sustainable farm business management
- The economic, social, and environmental challenges facing our food system
Website URL for the undergraduate degree program:
Name of the sustainability-focused, undergraduate degree program (2nd program):
A brief description of the undergraduate degree program (2nd program):
The Bachelor of Arts, Major in Policy Studies (“POST”) is an interdisciplinary applied degree that integrates concepts from economics, geography, environmental protection, philosophy, political science, law, Indigenous studies, and psychology. Students will learn how public policy can be used to achieve sustainability goals and apply their skills to projects with community partners within and beyond Surrey. The Major includes core courses that present key elements of public policy and critical sustainability theory and issues. Additionally, students take applied seminars where they can use their research and analytical skills to develop solutions to contemporary challenges such as climate justice, inclusive and affordable housing, and biodiversity. Supplementary multidisciplinary courses strengthen the foundation and increase the depth of student knowledge by introducing diverse skills, methodologies, and practices. Over the course of a Policy Studies degree, students will develop strong analytical, writing, and critical thinking skills, a deep understanding of the complex sustainability issues facing society today, and knowledge of how to advance societal change. Students are encouraged to complete a complementary minor such as philosophy, economics, geography, Indigenous studies, or political science in addition to the major in Policy Studies.
Website URL for the undergraduate degree program (2nd program):
Name of the sustainability-focused, undergraduate degree program (3rd program):
A brief description of the undergraduate degree program (3rd program):
The Bachelor of Horticulture Science Urban Ecosystems Major is the only undergraduate degree in North America dedicated to the study of urban ecosystems. At KPU, the Urban Ecosystems Major is an interdisciplinary program that combines horticulture, ecology, design, biology, chemistry, mathematics, business, and student-selected electives from the breadth of courses offered throughout KPU. Students synthesize the science and practice of horticulture to resolve community, industry, and research-related problems in urban environments. Innovation and creative critical thinking are important essential skills that students gain through applied research projects. The Urban Ecosystems program puts theory into practice through student-led projects. They are testing and adapting ideas about urban ecosystems in real time, on the KPU Langley Campus through protection, design, and management of a living landscape. They have a 550 m2 dedicated Roof Ecosystem Research Lab where we test plants, grow food, and manage a permanent grassland habitat. On the ground, they have a 65-metre rain garden and a vertical living wall rain garden. They are actively repairing, re-Indigenizing and managing 1.5 hectares of floodplain habitat alongside Logan Creek, which flows through the campus.
The Bachelor of Horticulture Science program has the following strengths:
- Customized education through the selection of electives that support learner educational goals
- Emphasis on the economic, environmental, and social components of sustainability
- Strong connections with horticulture industry and community groups
- Development of essential skills such as teamwork, creative thinking, problem solving, and communication
- Capstone research courses which include business planning and the application of new skills to a community based issue
- Required work experience in horticulture
Website URL for the undergraduate degree program (3rd program):
The name and website URLs of all other sustainability-focused, undergraduate degree program(s):
Certificate in non-governmental organizations and non-profit studies: https://calendar.kpu.ca/programs-az/arts/non-governmental-organizations-nonprofit-studies/non-governmental-organizations-nonprofit-studies-certificate/
Does the institution offer one or more sustainability-focused minors or concentrations for undergraduate students?:
Name of the sustainability-focused undergraduate minor or concentration:
A brief description of the undergraduate minor or concentration:
Website URL for the undergraduate minor or concentration:
Name of the sustainability-focused undergraduate minor or concentration (2nd program):
A brief description of the undergraduate minor or concentration (2nd program):
Website URL for the undergraduate minor, concentration or certificate (2nd program):
Name of the sustainability-focused undergraduate minor or concentration (3rd program):
A brief description of the undergraduate minor or concentration (3rd program):
Website URL for the undergraduate minor or concentration (3rd program):
The name and website URLs of all other sustainability-focused undergraduate minors and concentrations:
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.