Florida Tech Advances Sustainability Programs with New Bachelor’s Degree and Web Resources
MELBOURNE, FLA.—Florida Institute of Technology’s sustainability efforts are advancing to new levels with a new bachelor of science degree program, a new Florida Tech sustainability website, and campus-wide membership with the leading global provider of university sustainability information.
Florida Tech’s new bachelor of science in sustainability studies http://www.fit.edu/programs/7039/bs-sustainability-studies emphasizes fundamental and advanced training with student-customized courses in science, engineering, business, and social concentrations. All students share a final capstone project based on applied research. Many projects involve student teams working with university staff or diverse off-campus partners. Current project teams include: Sustainable Buildings, Recycling, Land & Water, Dining Services and Sustainable Transportation.
The new bachelor’s program is based on national trends in degree offerings and the success of the undergraduate minor in sustainability, with over 40 graduates from 15 major programs in all five Florida Tech colleges since 2011.
To access Florida Tech’s new campus sustainability website go to www.fit.edu/sustainability. With content built and maintained by students and faculty, the site provides information on three realms of university sustainability: academic programs, campus projects and research. Another web resource advance is new campus-wide membership in the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), the leading portal for university sustainability. AASHE’s resource-rich website is now fully accessible to the Florida Tech community. The link for full access is open to any Florida Tech student, staff or faculty member at AASHE Member Benefits. Extensive information on developing and implementing university sustainability projects is available within the AASHE website.
“Sustainability practices are fundamental to advancing society and Florida Tech’s new programs train students for exciting careers in this expanding field,” said Ken Lindeman professor, Department of Education and Interdisciplinary Studies. “These programs combine Florida Tech’s strengths in science, engineering and business with on- and off-campus sustainability partners, so students get practical training in real-world problem-solving.”
These recent advances have been possible with the help of diverse Florida Tech partners including: Facilities Operations and other campus offices, several student implementing university sustainability projects is available within the AASHE sustainability organizations, the College of Science Dean’s Office and the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.
