Mission

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

Goals

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.
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