March 24, 2020
As AASHE staff continue to support the higher education sustainability movement virtually as we have done since 2006, we find ourselves struggling amidst the new coronavirus crisis that is unfolding in the world. As we take time to tend to our physical, emotional and financial health, and community needs, our hearts and minds are with each of you as you, like us, undoubtedly navigate new territory in your professional and family life.
At this important global inflection point, AASHE endorsed the 5 Principles for Just COVID-19 Relief and Stimulus, calling for a just transition in the face of the converging crises from the new virus pandemic, economic injustice and the climate emergency. These principles advocate for health and economic equity, short- and long-term rescue measures for workers, and family-sustaining jobs with dignity, all while strengthening our democracy.
News of the Week
Academics
Boston U Student Research to Aid Carbon Reductions From Landscaping
Operations
Mt. San Antonio College Building Receives LEED Gold
Stanford U Launches Zero Waste Campaign
U Southern California Residence Halls Offer Composting
U California Davis Dining Begins Sourcing Food From On-Campus
Seattle U Earns Tree Campus USA Designation
Planning & Administration
Georgia Tech Announces COVID-19 Emergency Fund for Students
Pennsylvania State U Launches Student Emergency Fund
Western Carolina U Makes Emergency Funds Available to Students
Opportunities
Sunrise School: Four-Day Training: Green New Deal & Coronavirus: Sunrise School is an online training program designed to train thousands of young leaders in movement building. Beginning March 24 and with three different time slots to choose from, Sunrise School is offering a four-day training about the Green New Deal, how the coronavirus crisis fits into it and potential next steps.
Sign-On Letter: Green Stimulus Proposal: This open letter and call to action for the members of the U.S. Congress focuses on the longer-term challenges associated with economic recovery and transition to a sustainable economy after COVID-19. Written by climate and social policy experts in academia and civil society, the letter proposes a suite of solutions aimed at creating green jobs, increasing standards of living, transitioning justly away from fossil fuels and more. The proposal is aligned with the “5 Principles for Just COVID-19 Relief and Stimulus” and includes providing funding to higher education for climate risk management and green economy training programs.
Solve Climate by 2030: A Virtual Teach-In: On Tuesday, April 7, the Bard Center for Environmental Policy, along with university and college partners, is convening conversations focused on solving climate change by 2030. The event features 52 simultaneous, university-hosted webinars with varying start times by state. Faculty and teaching instructors are encouraged to make a class about climate by assigning students to watch their state’s webinar, then discuss it in the next class. Solve Climate offers teaching guides for discussion. International universities are welcome to participate.
Students PIRGS: Pledge To Stay Home: Student PIRGs invites students to take the #PledgeToStayHome, which means committing to staying home unless absolutely necessary, hosting video calls with friends and promoting the pledge on social media.
24-Hour Earth Day 2020 Virtual Event: The Sustainable Development Solutions Network has organized a 24-hour webinar event on April 22, the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. It is broken into two 12-hour events. It will explore the Sustainable Development Goals through the lens of well-being and happiness.
Sustainability Across the Curriculum Workshop: Dickinson College invites faculty from other colleges and universities to participate in its Valley & Ridge Faculty Development Workshop, happening May 19 – 21 in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. The workshop will focus on integrating social, economic and/or environmental sustainability into new and existing courses across the curriculum. The deadline to register is April 1. Dickinson College is one of 13 regional AASHE Centers for Sustainability Across the Curriculum.
Call for Student Contributions: Encyclopedia of the UN Sustainable Development Goals: Submissions are encouraged from postgraduates for the Encyclopedia of the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals. The volumes that editors are seeking contributions for include goals 1, 6, 7, 9, 10, 14, 16, and 17. The editorial team will provide guidance and advice to contributors.
New Resources
Meal Exchange Canada: Food Support for Students: Meal Exchange, which supports universities and colleges across Canada, has organized a list of supports available for students that includes community support groups, emergency food services, and local food delivery. Additionally, students that are facing food insecurity now can submit a form to Meal Exchange for food relief.
Events
Virtual Event: My Green Lab Sustainability Summit
March 24, 2020 – Online
AASHE Webinar: The Real Food Database
March 25, 2020 (3:00 p.m. Eastern) – Online
Tips & Strategies for the Environmental Education Community Regarding the COVID-19 Pandemic
March 25, 2020 (4:00 p.m. Eastern) – Online
Open Forum: How the COVID-19 Outbreak Can Prepare Nations for a Sustainability Transition
March 26, 2020 (8:00 a.m. Eastern) – Online
Meal Exchange Virtual Student Meet-Up
March 27, 2020 (3:00 p.m. Eastern) – Online
AASHE Webinar: Creating a Sustainable & Engaging Food Waste Recycling Program
April 8, 2020 (3:00 p.m. Eastern) – Online
Canadian College & University Environmental Network 2020 Conference
May 26, 2020 – May 28, 2020 – University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Digital Earth Day
April 22, 2020 – Online
Jobs & Internships
Sustainability Coordinator
Austin Peay State University
Sustainability & Diversity Educational Programs Manager
University of California, Santa Cruz
Sustainability Education & Outreach Coordinator
University of Southern Maine
Sustainable Engagement Coordinator
City, University of London
The Bulletin is a weekly e-newsletter delivering the latest in campus sustainability news, resources, opportunities, events, and jobs and internships.
Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education
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