Mission

Helping the Oglethorpe community become more sustainable through education and best management practices.

The initiative strives to fulfill its mission by:

• Reducing OU’s burden on the environment
• Supporting the campus recycling program
• Positioning OU as a model citizen in the Atlanta community
• Providing a basis for seeking grants and donations in support of needed changes in curriculum, operations, and facilities;
• Reducing the cost of OU operations,
• Encouraging the creation and implementation of curricula that promote awareness of the environment and sustainability, and
• Responding to growing applicant and student interest in the environment and sustainability.

To achieve its goals, the Initiative will draw upon resources including:

• The Board of Trustees, to provide guidance for longterm investments and administration;
• The managers of the physical plant, to identify and implement short run opportunities and long run investment needs;
• The faculty, to develop new courses and pedagogies in existing and new courses using an interdisciplinary approach;
• The Center for Civic Engagement, to help network with regional organizations, offer logistical support for recycling, and provide a meeting place;
• The students, to identify, assess and help to implement sustainability-oriented practices through course work, on campus activities, and civic engagement; and
• Atlanta businesses, non-profits and other universities to provide resources and opportunities for students to gain practical knowledge and experience in sustainable practices.