The University of Tulsa aims to measure the sustainability literacy of its students through a variety of assessment tools and educational initiatives. These strategies ensure that students gain an understanding of sustainability concepts, which align with the university’s commitment to promoting environmental responsibility and social equity. Below are key methods TU employs to assess and enhance sustainability literacy:
Sustainability Literacy Assessments and Surveys
- Annual Sustainability Literacy Survey: regular surveys to measure the sustainability knowledge and awareness of its students. These surveys typically cover a range of topics, including climate change, resource management, renewable energy, and social equity. The survey is administered to students at different stages of their education (freshmen, upperclassmen, etc.) to track their growth in sustainability literacy over time.
- Pre- and Post-Course Assessments: In sustainability-related courses, professors may use pre- and post-course surveys to evaluate students’ understanding of key concepts before and after completing the class. This method helps assess whether the coursework effectively improves students’ knowledge and awareness of sustainability issues.
Integration of Sustainability in the Curriculum
- Coursework and Assignments: Many courses across disciplines at TU include sustainability-focused modules or topics, especially in environmental science, engineering, business, and law programs. These courses assess students’ understanding of sustainability through exams, research papers, group projects, and presentations. By incorporating sustainability concepts into assignments, professors gauge how well students can apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems.
- Interdisciplinary Sustainability Programs: TU offers interdisciplinary programs that combine sustainability topics with other fields, such as business and engineering. These programs include capstone projects where students develop practical solutions to sustainability challenges, allowing faculty to measure their applied knowledge and problem-solving abilities.
Sustainability Literacy in Co-Curricular Activities
- Sustainability Workshops and Seminars: TU organizes workshops, seminars, and guest lectures focused on sustainability topics. These events often include interactive elements, such as discussions or case studies, where students’ engagement and understanding of sustainability issues are observed. Faculty may use these sessions to gather informal feedback on students’ sustainability literacy.
- Green Campus Initiatives: Students participating in TU’s campus sustainability programs, like the Sustainable Tulsa initiative, engage in activities that raise their awareness and understanding of sustainability. Students involved in projects such as waste reduction, energy conservation, or community garden management are often asked to reflect on their experiences, either through reports or group discussions, providing a way to assess their practical understanding of sustainability concepts.
Experiential Learning and Student Projects
- Service Learning and Volunteering: Students involved in service-learning projects related to sustainability work with local organizations to tackle real-world challenges, such as environmental conservation, public health, or sustainable development. Reflection papers, project evaluations, and presentations are used to assess their ability to apply sustainability concepts in practical settings.
- Internships and Research Projects: TU offers internships and research opportunities with organizations focused on sustainability. Students working on these projects are evaluated based on their ability to conduct research, analyze sustainability-related problems, and propose solutions. Faculty advisors and internship supervisors provide feedback that helps measure the students’ proficiency in sustainability topics.
Campus-Wide Sustainability Competencies
- Sustainability Competency Framework: TU may use a Sustainability Competency Framework to establish specific learning outcomes related to sustainability literacy. This framework outlines the knowledge, skills, and attitudes students should acquire by the time they graduate. These competencies include understanding systems thinking, environmental ethics, and sustainable resource management, which are then assessed through various academic and co-curricular activities.
- Sustainability Leadership Programs: TU offers leadership programs where students are trained to lead sustainability efforts on campus or in the community. Students in these programs are assessed on their ability to develop and implement sustainability initiatives, demonstrating their applied knowledge of sustainability concepts.
Through these methods—surveys, coursework, experiential learning, and sustainability-focused programs—the University of Tulsa can measure and promote the sustainability literacy of its students. By integrating sustainability into both the curriculum and co-curricular activities, TU ensures that students are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to address environmental and social challenges.