Environmental Literacy
Pursuing environmental literacy offers the opportunity to gain insight into the complex relationship between ourselves as humans and the natural world we depend on for our sustenance. This understanding touches on everything from ecology to economics, social justice to sustainable design, allowing individuals to make informed, responsible choices in their daily lives. This literacy is also increasingly necessary across professional disciplines, as a wide range of fields employ the language of sustainability, green development, and resource conservation.
Environmental Literacy Certificate of Achievement
Beginning Spring 2013, students, staff, and faculty can earn an Environmental Literacy Certificate of Achievement* by attending a variety of programs offered by the Office of Sustainability. In order to earn the certificate, participants must attend 4 lectures, 4 films, 4 small group dinner discussions, 4 volunteer events, and 4 other events in any of the categories, for a total of 20 events. Once a participant has attended 20 events, s/he will be asked to submit a short essay reflecting upon the experience. In return, participants will receive a certificate signed by President Ono and will be listed on this website. An online registration portal will be created soon.
Spring 2013 Qualifying Events
| Date | Event Title | Event Type | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/16 | Green Roofs in Cincinnati | Lecture | 4pm | MainStreet Cinema |
| 1/28 | Colony | Film | 7pm | MainStreet Cinema |
| 1/31 | Sustainability Supper** | Group Discussion | 6:30pm | TBA |
| 2/4 | Objectified | Film | 7pm | MainStreet Cinema |
| 2/11 | Split Estate | Film | 7pm | MainStreet Cinema |
| 2/13 | Hydraulic Fracturing | Lecture | 4pm | MainStreet Cinema |
| 2/16 | Guide to Sustainability at UC*** | Summit | TBA | TBA |
| 2/18 | A Small Act | Film | 7pm | MainStreet Cinema |
| 2/21 | Sustainability Supper** | Group Discussion | 6:30pm | TBA |
| 2/25 | Burning in the Sun | Film | 7pm | MainStreet Cinema |
| 3/4 | City Dark | Film | 7pm | MainStreet Cinema |
| 3/11 | Fresh | Film | 7pm | MainStreet Cinema |
| 3/13 | Sustainable Food Practices | Lecture | 4pm | MainStreet Cinema |
| 3/14 | Sustainability Supper** | Group Discussion | 6:30pm | TBA |
| 3/25 | Deep Down | Film | 7pm | MainStreet Cinema |
| 4/1 | Design e2 | Film | 7pm | MainStreet Cinema |
| 4/8 | Liquid Assets | Film | 7pm | MainStreet Cinema |
| 4/10 | UC Stormwater Plan | Lecture | 4pm | MainStreet Cinema |
| 4/15 | If a Tree Falls | Film | 7pm | MainStreet Cinema |
| 4/18 | Sustainability Supper** | Group Discussion | 6:30pm | TBA |
*This is a non-credit certificate and will not be displayed on transcripts.
**RSVPs to claire.sweigart@uc.edu are required for attendance at Sustainability Suppers. These events are limited to 20 participants.
***This event will fulfill 2 requirements in the "other events" category. Students who attended the full Sustainability Summit weekend in Fall 2012 will receive credit for all 4 requirements in the "other events" category.
Environmental Literacy Staff Trainings
In addition to this new certificate program for students, we have started small group trainings with staff members. These training sessions meet once a month, and after 12 sessions, participating staff members will also earn an Environmental Literacy Certificate of Achievement. A group of supervisors and managers from the Housekeeping Department is the first to participate. Sessions started in September 2012 and will continue with this group through August 2013. The list of topics covered in these sessions will be provided soon.