State University of New York at Oneonta
IN-38: Sustainability Course Designation

The college designates courses as Sustainability-Focused (SUSF) or Sustainability-Related (SUSR) based on the definitions below. The two-tiered designation system was instituted to track the number and type of courses with sustainability themes taught at the College, and to give students the opportunity to choose courses and course sections that integrate sustainability concepts within and throughout the curriculum.

Designation Definitions:
• Sustainability-Focused (SUSF) designations are permanent and assigned at the course level.
o Course title and/or description must indicate a primary and explicit focus on sustainability. This includes:
 Foundational courses with a primary and explicit focus on sustainability (ex: Introduction to Sustainability)
 Courses with a primary and explicit focus on the application of sustainability within a field (ex: Green Chemistry, Sustainable Business)
 Courses with a primary and explicit focus on a sustainability challenge* (ex: Climate Change Science, Environmental Justice)

• Sustainability-Related (SUSR) designations are temporary and assigned at the section level.
o Course must incorporate a unit or module on sustainability or a sustainability challenge, include one or more sustainability-focused activities, or integrate sustainability challenges*, issues and concepts throughout the course.

• *Sustainability and Sustainability Challenges - The SUNY Oneonta Sustainability Sub-Committee of the Curriculum Committee accepts AASHE’s definition of Sustainability Challenges as follows “AASHE defines sustainability in a pluralistic and inclusive way, encompassing human and ecological health, social justice, secure livelihoods, and a better world for all generations. Major sustainability challenges include (but are not limited to) climate change, global poverty and inequality, natural resource depletion, and environmental degradation. To identify additional sustainability challenges, it may be helpful to reference the principles outlined in the Earth Charter and/or the targets embedded in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”