University of Kansas
AC-7: Incentives for Developing Courses

The University of Kansas launched The Oread Project in spring 2013, a new program to help faculty from across campus redesign an existing course – or create a new course – to incorporate sustainability content. As of the second workshop in May 2014, 30 faculty from 8 schools and 21 departments had participated in the program. The workshop has been sponsored by the Office of the Provost, and led by Stacey White, Chair of the Urban Planning Department and Director of Academic Programs for the Center for Sustainability with the help of several guest speakers. The workshop allowed participants to explore sustainability concepts and pedagogical approaches through presentations, activities, and group discussions. Activities included: presentations from campus and community resources on using the Campus Sustainability Plan, Building Sustainable Traditions, as a starting point for course projects; connecting with community sustainability initiatives; and integrating “flipped learning,” a practice that involves putting lecture materials online to allow more time in the classroom for hand-on learning, problem solving and discussion. Participants also spent time exploring outdoor spaces on campus, including a walk to the Prairie Acre led by Professor and Kansas Biological Services Senior Scientist Kelly Kindscher.

Oread Project participants spend the summer after the workshop to revise an existing syllabus or create a syllabus for a new course offering. Upon completion, submission and review of their revised syllabus and course materials, faculty received a $1000 stipend that could be used for academic purposes, including conference travel, books, and other resources that support development of the course.