UAB’s Red Mountain Project is accepting applications for its inaugural workshop April 28-29 to bring together faculty from many disciplines to incorporate sustainability principles into new and existing curricula.
“Through this program, we hope faculty participants will help UAB students understand how sustainability relates to their respective degree programs and connects to the wider world,” said Julie Price, coordinator of Sustainability at UAB.
Although no experience in sustainability is required, Price said the project is looking for applicants from all fields with ideas for integrating education about sustainability-related environmental, social or economic issues into a new or existing course. The two-day workshop will explore ways to do that and promote experiential learning through presentations, group exercises and field activities.
Ten faculty will be selected to receive a grant of $1,000 upon completion and presentation of a new or altered course syllabus.
“This educational foundation will benefit the students as new members of the workforce and as citizens. Employers are looking for applicants who have broad skill sets and understand how their field relates to the big picture,” Price said. “As citizens, we all want our children and grandchildren to have the same quality of life that we enjoy.”
The project is modeled after the nationally acclaimed Piedmont Project at Emory University, which has had success incorporating sustainability into the classroom.
Information on the project requirements and application guidelines can be found at uab.edu/sustainability. The application deadline is March 20.