Academics

At the heart of UR’s mission is to educate in an academically challenging, intellectually vibrant, and collaborative community dedicated to the holistic development of students and the production of scholarly and creative work. A Richmond education prepares students for lives of purpose, thoughtful inquiry, and responsible leadership in a diverse world, and the integration of sustainability across the curriculum is integral to ensuring that UR students are prepared to meet the grand challenges of our time.

Goal 1 of the Sustainability Plan supports the “integration of sustainability into a University of Richmond education.” Significant progress has been made on the incorporation of sustainability across the curriculum. The initiatives below are opportunities to more thoroughly embed sustainable thought and practice into the fabric of university coursework. 

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  • Academics

    Living Lab (1.2.1)
    There is considerable opportunity to build upon existing place-based and experiential learning programs, beginning with a stakeholder review of a living lab overview document developed by the Office for Sustainability. We have identified transforming the wastewater treatment remnant in the Eco-Corridor into an educational asset as a potential pilot project.

    Learning Outcomes and Competencies (1.1.5)
    Although some signature programs already feature sustainability learning outcomes and competencies, opportunity exists to develop learning outcomes and competencies related to sustainability across all five schools.

    Faculty Fellow (1.3.4)
    Creating a designated Faculty Fellow in sustainability through the Office for Sustainability could provide the opportunity to leverage faculty expertise in all areas related to academic opportunity for the campus.

    University-Wide Outreach
    Significant effort has been taken to integrate sustainability across the curriculum through partnership amongst the five schools through university-wide programs such as the River City Project. Recent initiatives supported by leadership in A&S and the Robins School of Business could be replicated by other schools.

    Literacy Assessment
    Opportunity exists to develop a campus-wide sustainability literacy assessment to assess both environmental and sustainability literacy for the campus.