Michigan State University
IN-27: Online Sustainability Course

Pollinator Champions Course: This is a free online course offered by Michigan State University through D2L that addresses the sustainability challenge of biodiversity and life on land (SDG 15). It has four modules: Why do we care about pollinators, who are our pollinators, what is happening to pollinators, and how can you help pollinators. Learning outcomes of the course include:
Define pollination and describe the pollination process.
Identify food crops that require pollination.
Explain the role of pollination in ecosystems.
Describe plant pollinator interactions - identify what pollinators are attracted to specific plants.
Explain the role of managed pollinators.
Explain characteristics and life cycles of native bees and other pollinators in Michigan.
Give examples of factors that are affecting pollinators.
Illustrate the interconnected relationship between the factors affecting pollinator health.
Describe how honey bees and other pollinators are affected differently by risk factors.
Summarize best management practices for homeowner pesticide use to minimize risk to pollinators.
Describe steps that can be taken to establish pollinator supportive habitat.
List actions to promote pollinator supportive policy and research.

The course includes knowledge assessments on the following: role of pollination in natural ecosystems, factors affecting pollinators, ranking the pest management practices, interconnected factors that affect pollination, and tunnel-nesting bee lifecycle. The instructor is Dr. Meghan Milbrath in the Entomology Department at Michigan State University.

In addition, MSU is a key partner in developing and delivering the Sustainable Living & Leadership Series. This multi-topic series is designed and hosted by Extension services at Michigan State University, Purdue University and the University of Florida. Together, experts from all three institutions provide national attendees with a plethora of knowledge, including real-world examples, to help strengthen critical thinking skills related to future actions and decision making with sustainability in mind. Series topics include sustainability 101, energy, water and food, and will explore how these interconnected systems function together and independently. Participants: Explore issues of energy, water, food and more; Learn about sustainability through a “systems lens”; Share with and learn from other community sustainability leaders; Delve into our economy, consumer choices and global impacts; and Discover sustainable living actions you can take in your home and community. Each topic is delivered in module form and explores trends, statistics, actions and how leaders in sustainability are making a difference in our world and addressing the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals. As an overarching theme -- leadership -- is be woven throughout each module, allowing attendees to gain a deeper understanding of global-to-local movements by leaders responsible for moving sustainability forward. Through the leadership aspect of this series, participants discover ways to take action to make a positive impact in their personal and professional life. The course was first piloted in February 2021. There is a modest registration fee to participate. MSU Extension and the Office of Sustainability have been working to develop a condensed, free version of the course to make available for the MSU community.