State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry
AC-7: Incentives for Developing Courses

SUNY-ESF was established over 100 years ago on the principles of sustainable management and conservation of natural resources and the protection of the environment for future generations. All courses and programs at ESF, existing and under-development, are influenced by general principles of sustainability. Over time, the College has adapted and adjusted its courses and programs with the changing needs of society and with the advancements of science. Periodic reviews of courses and programs are made by the department chairs and assessed by the Office of the Provost and Academic Affairs. Example of recent positive outcome: development was the creation of a new program (B.Sc.) in Sustainable Energy Management. (http://www.esf.edu/fnrm/sem/ and http://www.esf.edu/catalog/fnrm.asp#sem).

(From ESF's Middle States Re-accreditation self-study report: http://www.esf.edu/middlestates/documents/selfstudy.pdf, p.73) SUNY-ESF was established on the principles of sustainability and protection of the environment, regardless of the terms to describe this concept over the past 100 years. Therefore, sustainability is a theme that runs through many courses even when not explicitly indicated in the course title or description: It is part of the basic structure of the College. In addition, the faculty are hired on the basis of their expertise, which provides the foundation to effectively teach sustainability as part of all the educational programs on campus. A faculty survey conducted at ESF indicates that approximately 88% of 88 responding faculty members have been involved in teaching, research, or service related to at least one of ESF’s three Principles of Sustainability since June, 2009. SUNY ESF’s policies regarding promotion and tenure also require a demonstration of “continued growth” for all faculty during reviews and promotion consideration.