Virginia Commonwealth University
ER-5: Sustainability Course Identification

Part 1

Institution has developed a definition of sustainability in the curriculum.  The definition was developed by a committee comprised of at least three faculty members who teach courses in different departments.  The committee may include students, staff, and other stakeholders as well.  The definition does not have to be formally adopted. 

In order to report on other STARS Curriculum credits, the definition of sustainability in the curriculum should distinguish between courses that focus or concentrate on the concept of sustainability throughout the course and courses that relate to an aspect of sustainability or include sustainability as part of the course. 

• Sustainability-focused courses concentrate on the concept of sustainability, including its social, economic, and environmental dimensions, or examine an issue or topic using sustainability as a lens. 
• Sustainability-related courses incorporate sustainability as a distinct course component or module or concentrate on a single sustainability principle or issue.

Part 2

Institution has identified its sustainability-focused and sustainability-related course offerings.  A course is either sustainability-focused or sustainability-related; no course should be identified as both sustainability-focused and sustainability-related. Each institution is free to choose a methodology to identify sustainability courses that is most appropriate given its unique circumstances.  Asking faculty or departments to self-identify sustainability courses using the definition in Part 1 or looking at the stated learning outcomes and course objectives associated with each course may provide a richer view of sustainability course offerings than simply reviewing course descriptions, but it is not required. 

Part 3

Institution makes its sustainability course inventory publicly available online.  The identification can be incorporated into the course catalog or posted as a stand-alone document. 

This credit applies to all institutions.

Each part of the credit is scored independently.  A total of 3 points are available for this credit. 

Part 1

Institutions earn 1 point for meeting the criteria outlined above.  

Part 2

Institutions earn 1 point for meeting the criteria outlined above.  

Part 3

Institutions earn 1 point for meeting the criteria outlined above.

Timeframe

Report on the most recent definition adopted and inventory completed.  The inventory may cover courses offered during the previous one, two, or three years.    

Sampling and Data Standards

Not applicable