Report highlights student and faculty support for sustainability in curriculum

A new report from the department of sociology and criminal justice reveals broad support among both students and faculty for greater integration of sustainability themes across the university's curriculum. The study, "Sustainability in the Curriculum at Iowa State University: Comparing Student and Faculty Perspectives," (PDF) was prepared by professor of sociology J. Arbuckle and former Bioeconomy Institute researcher Suraj Upadhaya.

Drawing on survey data from more than 1,200 students and 270 faculty members, the report finds that majorities in both groups believe public universities should lead in sustainability and that sustainability-related knowledge and skills are essential for students’ future careers. Students and faculty alike support incorporating more sustainability content into required courses, electives and extracurricular activities. Some key findings are:

• High concern for sustainability: 82% of students and 87% of faculty agreed that society is not on a sustainable path.
• Support for universities as leaders: 78% of students and 84% of faculty believed that public universities should be leaders in sustainability, but just 19% of faculty and 24% of students viewed ISU as a leader in sustainability.
• Career relevance: 68% of students and 83% of faculty agreed that sustainability knowledge will benefit students’ career prospects.
• Curricular integration: Solid majorities supported integrating sustainability themes into courses for majors (55.3% of faculty, 58.8% of students), minors (41.3% of faculty, 45% of students), and electives (52.6% of faculty, 70% of students). But only 16% of faculty and 21% of students agreed that ISU prioritizes sustainability education for its students.
• Need for greater emphasis: Both groups expressed a desire for Iowa State University to place more importance on sustainability education.

Considered as a whole, the results show strong support across both students and faculty for greater focus on sustainability in the curriculum and to advance other sustainability initiatives.

"Our findings show clear demand from both students and faculty for Iowa State to strengthen its commitment to sustainability," Arbuckle said. "The faculty, who are responsible for curriculum development, have a unique opportunity to respond to this call and help better prepare students to address sustainability challenges when they graduate and enter the workforce."

The 10-page report may be downloaded. For more information or access to the full report, contact Arbuckle.