“Dialogue on integrating sustainability into higher educaton” with Dr. Estefania Amer
Action steps from the TE Squad Meetup
- Identify key stakeholders, such as deans, professors, and student council members, who can influence educational policies and curriculum.
- Approach conversations with a collaborative mindset, seeking ways to support and work together with faculty and administrators.
- Collect relevant resources, materials, and examples from your university or other institutions that highlight the importance of sustainability in education
- Take course evaluations seriously and encourage fellow students to provide feedback that highlights the importance of sustainability
Understanding the University System
By familiarizing ourselves with how universities operate, we can identify the right channels and stakeholders to engage with.
Gathering Relevant Material
We discussed the importance of gathering materials and examples from other universities. Sharing resources and best practices can inspire and guide curriculum design.
Collaborative Mindset
Instead of approaching deans or professors with demands, we should ask how we can support them in making sustainability a priority.
Tailoring the Conversation
When engaging with deans or professors, it’s essential to understand their interests and motivations.
Making Allies, Not Enemies
We emphasized the importance of building alliances rather than creating adversaries. Recognizing that everyone involved is intelligent and motivated, we can work together towards common goals
Hosting Sustainability Info Events
We explored the idea of organizing sustainability-focused events specifically targeting student council members. By raising awareness and fostering dialogue, we can inspire student representatives to prioritize sustainability in their decision-making processes.
Collaboration between Students
When students who are knowledgeable about sustainability and students who are familiar with curriculum development combine their expertise, we can advocate for the inclusion of sustainability in our education.
Course Evaluations
We recognized the significance of taking course evaluations seriously and encouraging fellow students to provide feedback can have a meaningful impact on curriculum development and faculty recognition of sustainability’s significance.
What if you were your school or university rector? What would you change? What impact you would like to see? Share your thoughs with our community by participating in the TE Squad Summer Campaign!
