College adding to sustainability curriculum

In the next year, the college will introduce multiple sustainability related initiatives. It is becoming increasingly common for employers to look for education in this type of field.

“Practically speaking,” said Deborah Williams, assistant professor, Environmental Science and Biology. “The workforce is demanding that educational institutions train students with what is being termed ‘green collar’ skills. The college has made a strong commitment to providing educational opportunities for students through credit and non- credit course offerings.”

Four credit courses will enable the college to meet current standards in environmental education, Williams said. Introduction to Public Health, which will be offered this upcoming fall, focuses on human health and how the environment affects it.

In spring 2010, students can sign up for Environmental Psychology, which covers the influence of natural and unnatural environments
on various levels of psychology. The college also plans to add two other classes-- Introduction to Sustainability and Introduction to Environmental Ethics. These courses will teach the laws and ethics of the areas studies and engage students with environmental issues on campus.

In addition to sprouting ecological awareness in its credit course listings, the college plans to celebrate its 40th anniversary with Free College Day, offering non-credit classes to the public on April 18. Some of the days classes will focus on core environmental issues. Steve Giambrone, assistant professor, Biology, and member of the Sustainability Curriculum Committee, will teach a class on freshwater ecology.

Williams said professors from the Interior Design department will help promote green awareness and show students how to make environmental-friendly choices. Along with these courses, a couple of certificate
programs are on the rise: the first, a Sustainable Agriculture Certificate Program in conjunction with Kansas State University. Also, Dr. Jay Antle, executive director, Sustainability, said the college is looking to add an Energy Auditor Program.

This course will start in the fall and train students how to use and conserve energy appropriately. Antle believes such courses are imperative for this generation. “It’s going to be increasingly important for people to be able to make their homes as efficient as possible and right now there’s a shortage of qualified people in the area,” Antle said.

The sustainability programs are trying to make students more aware of their environment and how to become involved on an individual basis. “Education of any type begins with personal awareness,” Williams said. “Sustainability in particular is in many respects an ethic… which can then be applied to daily life.”

Contact Corey Thibodeaux, reporter, at cthibode@jccc.edu.