University of Kansas
PA-1: Sustainability Coordination

The Center for Sustainability, Campus Sustainability Council, Sustainability Ambassador network, and other committees of the Center focus efforts on implementation of the Campus Sustainability Plan, "Building Sustainable Traditions." Key accomplishments in the past 3 years include: 1) Establishing an annual "Sustainable Scholarship" research symposium, now a partnership with a monthly "Red Hot Research" event hosted by an interdisciplinary campus division, The Commons. 2) Establishing a Campus Tree Advisory Board and implementing programs to achieve the standards for Tree Campus USA, including an annual tree planting event know as "Replant Mount Oread" 3) Establishing a Bicycle Advisory Board to promote alternative transportation to and on campus 4) Hosting the first "Oread Project" workshop, and program designed to assist faculty with integration of sustainability into the curriculum 5) Launching "Rock Chalk Recycle", a waste reduction program in partnership with KU Athletics 6) Establishing a first-year sustainability leadership program that educates students about campus sustainability and engages them in a campus-focused project 7) Prioritizing sustainability initiatives from the KU Sustainability Plan.

The Campus Sustainability Council was was established in 2013 with the following charges: 1. Prioritize Action Steps to best meet the goals of Changing for Excellence and Bold Aspirations 2. Develop an implementation component for the plan based on these priority action steps 3. Integrate implementation strategies within respective unit-level planning and operations where applicable 4. Make recommendations for improvements to the plan 5. Review and update the plan on an annual basis to ensure it remains current and effective 6. Contribute to an annual progress report to be shared with the campus and general public To date, the council has focused on prioritizing sustainability initiatives from the KU Sustainability Plan based upon resources necessary for implementation and the time it will take to implement.

1. Barry Swanson (Chair), Associate Vice Provost for Operations/Chief Procurement Officer (Staff) 2. Rotating Position, Student Body President (Student) 3. Nicole Corcoran, Director of Operations, KU Athletics (Staff) 4. Chris Depcik, Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering (Faculty) 5. Joe Heppert, Associate Vice Chancellor, Research & Graduate Studies (Faculty/Administrator) 6. Bonnie Johnson, Associate Professor, Urban Planning (Faculty) 7. Jeff Severin, Director, Center for Sustainability (Staff) 8. Jane Tuttle, Assistant Vice Provost, Student Affairs (Staff)

The University of Kansas established the Center for Sustainability in 2007; the department is currently staffed with a full-time director, a full-time education & outreach coordinator, and part-time students. The program also oversees recycling and surplus programs, which employ 4 full-time and multiple student positions. The Center promotes a culture of sustainability at the University by encouraging the campus community to strive to protect natural ecosystems, create economic prosperity and treat all people with equality and respect. The center works with student organizations and departments to promote sustainable initiatives and practices. In addition, the center encourages sustainable service-learning opportunities and research. Through raising awareness about important social, economic and environmental issues and fostering relationships, the Center for Sustainability is creating a more sustainable future for KU.

The Director of the KU Center for Sustainability is a full time position with the responsibility of developing, coordinating, and administering programs and activities related to sustainability at the University of Kansas. More specifically this involves providing overall management and leadership for the Center, initiating and coordinating sustainability efforts by faculty, staff, and students, representing KU's sustainability programs to the University and the public, developing and coordinating the website and educational materials, managing the Center's budget and personnel, and working with staff to identify and pursue appropriate activities.