Educating for sustainable development is a powerful tool that provides a coordinated approach in which UTRGV collaborates and partners with the region’s major stakeholders to support and strengthen our mutually beneficial initiatives. It is essential that UTRGV takes a prominent role in creating a sustainable society across the RGV. Through institutionalizing sustainability, UTRGV’s proposed policies, programs, and initiatives will create global citizens and leaders inculcated with environmental stewardship, social justice, and a forward-looking vision that will accelerate the implementation of sustainable solutions at local and community levels. We will also develop and educate residents of the RGV and Texas about the cutting-edge practices in sustainable higher education, research, and healthcare. These initiatives fit broadly with the UT System Quantum Leaps, particularly Student Success.
Goal
Institutionalize sustainability throughout the university and promote sustainability awareness in the community.
Key Initiatives
Implement sustainability performance measures and continuous improvement on our campuses to align with best practices.
Strengthen faculty capacity to infuse sustainability into the curriculum and scholarly initiatives.
Collaborate with community partners on shared sustainability goals.
Encourage and support sustainable community–based entrepreneurial initiatives.
Increase performance with an annual sustainability assessment program in alignment with The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education – Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (AASHE-STARS).
Sample Metrics
AASHE-STARS Rating.
Number of courses and programs focusing on sustainability or sustainable development.
Number of community-based partnerships incorporating sustainability initiatives.