University of Wisconsin-River Falls Sustainability Working Group

Type: Policy

Status: Launched in 2007

Source File: http://www.uwrf.edu/sustain/working-group.html

Description:

The Sustainability Working Group (SWG), launched in '07-'08, is the backbone of broad-based campus ownership and success for achieving Goal 2 of our Strategic Plan, that of "Model Sustainability Principles — UWRF will model and champion the principles of sustainable community development" and the nine (9) sub-tasks that define specific outcomes for such. These can be found at Goal 2: Model Sustainability Principles (PDF).

The SWG is an Ad Hoc Committee of the Faculty Senate, consisting of a broad representation of faculty, students, staff, and administrators, and is Chaired by the Director of the SCISCD. SWG Membership (PDF) It quickly re-organized its work around the nine sub-tasks of Goal 2, dividing into four Sub-Groups: Energy, Curriculum, Best Practices for People & Systems, and Outreach. Each sub-group has specific tasks and goals as defined in the University's strategic plan. The SWG as a whole retains responsibility for structure and function of the group, and coordinates and forwards the work of the sub-groups for broader campus consideration through the Shared Governance process between Faculty Senate, Student Senate, and the Administration. SWG Organizational Chart (PDF)

The SWG is responsible for oversight of all nine tasks of Strategic Plan Goal 2: Model Sustainability Principles. Besides oversight of the Sub-Groups and their respective tasks, it is responsible for the following tasks:

2.1 – Develop an organizational structure (PDF - draft), identify resources and collect background data

2.1.1 – Develop an organizational structure within the University that will support, enhance, and encourage broadly defined sustainability initiatives within UW-River Falls academic programs, facilities, community and outreach service areas.

2.1.2 – Determine the fiscal and personnel resources required to support the organizational structure defined in Task #1 and then incorporate the necessary funding into the University’s operational budget.

2.1.3 – Develop a thorough understanding of previous sustainability efforts, current sustainability efforts, and future sustainability opportunities across campus through various methods including, but not limited to audits, benchmarking, surveys, and review of best practices.