ASU’s School of Sustainability was the first of its kind in the nation when it was established in 2006.
Arizona State University now mandates all students to complete a sustainability course before graduating.
The updated general studies curriculum, effective this fall for new students, includes this requirement. Current students will follow the old curriculum.
“We’re quite excited about the new governance and civic engagement requirement because it’s emphasizing the importance of how informed citizens can engage in society and solve problems; how to be part of a group and participate in collective decision-making; and how to develop the skills to engage in civic society constructively,” Anne Jones, vice provost for undergraduate education, said in a press release.
Jones led the three-year project to revise the curriculum, the first overhaul since the 1980s, with over 500 faculty members participating.
Jones mentioned ASU is one of the first major research institutions to include a sustainability course requirement.
José Lobo, a School of Sustainability professor, stated the new requirement addresses society’s need to tackle human-caused climate change.
“ASU is saying, in effect, ‘An undergraduate education in the 21st century in the United States must include an appreciation of the challenges and opportunities of sustainable development.’ It’s pretty substantial,” he said.
Examples of classes fulfilling the requirement include:
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- The Sustainable Plate, in the College of Global Futures
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- Wilderness and Parks in America, in the Watts College of Public Service and Community
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- Society, Supply Chains and You, in the WP Carey School of Business
ASU welcomed 17,000 first-year students this fall, with over 9,000 being Arizona residents.
