Université de Sherbrooke
AC-2: Learning Outcomes

Institution Level At the institutional level, and related to all academic programs of usual designations, the University’s academic regulations refer to six learning outcomes, including the following related to sustainability: The intellectual development learning outcome’s goal relates to "critical thinking", meaning acquire "a critical reflection on issues related to one’s field, including social issues" as well as "reflexivity". An ethical learning outcome by which the “approach" dimension consists to "Lead the reflection as to adopt choices and to justify them, while considering one’s own values, societal values and the resulting impacts on people, society and the environment». An autonomy and responsibilities learning outcome by which the "social responsibility" dimension is to "Use and maintain one’s skills as to contribute to society’s development and evolution." More broadly, and as stated in the 2018-2022 Strategic Plan, the vision of the Université de Sherbrooke, along with its communities, is to be committed to train and prepare responsible citizens that can change the world for the better. Division Level The Environment and Sustainable Development University Training Center (Centre universitaire de formation en environnement et développement durable (CUFE)) is meant to be an interdisciplinary space where training, reflection and actions on environmental issues lead to a more responsible society. All academic programs offered by the CUFE fall within this mission. The Faculty of Engineering’s academic programs meet the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB) requirements, which set out twelve attributes required by graduates. Among these, the following relate more directly to sustainability: Impact of Engineering on Society and the Environment: An ability to analyze social and environmental aspects of engineering activities, including an understanding of the interactions that engineering has with the economic, social, health, safety, legal and cultural aspects of society; the uncertainties in the prediction of such interactions; and the concepts of sustainable design and development and environmental stewardship. Ethics and Equity: An ability to apply professional ethics, accountability, and equity. Design: An ability to design solutions for complex, open-ended engineering problems and to design systems, components or processes that meet specified needs with appropriate attention to health and safety risks, applicable standards, and economic, environmental, cultural and societal considerations. Professionalism: An understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the professional engineer in society, especially the primary role of protection of the public and the public interest.

Several programs offered by the Université de Sherbrooke have or include sustainability learning outcomes. By definition, all sustainability academic programs include sustainability learning outcomes (as an integrated concept having social, economic, and environmental dimensions). Several more programs, that may represent other academic designations and for which adhering to the University’s academic regulations (inclusion of the six specific institution level learning outcomes) is not mandatory, will include sustainability learning outcomes. They are easily identifiable through their program descriptions, or by examining the courses that have to be completed as part of the program curriculum. On the latter, such an evaluation was undertaken, using the same methodology as the one used to identify AC1 “Courses that include sustainability” (i.e. using tools such as proven sustainability documentation as a source, use of keywords, training targets). As an example, here is a list of three programs that are not particularly specified as sustainability programs but do refer to different dimensions of sustainability, and include sustainability learning outcomes: Certificate in Visual Arts: It includes courses that lead students to reflect on the phenomenon of art and its relationship with life, society and culture, both as an individual and as a member of a community. Organizational Health Graduate Level Microprogram: It addresses the strategic issues inherent to organizational health challenges. Students learn to recognize the determinants and levers in organizational health in order to establish an accurate diagnosis in this regard. Advanced Graduate Studies Diploma in Applied Geomatics: The objective of this program is to develop broad skills in geomatics and Earth observation by remote sensing as well as developing an expertise in the fields of application of geomatics linked to sustainable development. To acquire this diploma, it is mandatory that students choose between one to three courses directly related to sustainable development.

University’s Academic Regulations (2575-009): https://www.usherbrooke.ca/registraire/droits-et-responsabilites/reglement-des-etudes/ From this page, left menu, the formalized six learning outcomes are described under item “12. Annexes” (specifically under “ANNEXE 1 : FINALITÉS DE FORMATION”). The sustainability related ones are outlined as “2. Développement intellectuel” (namely 2.3 and 2.4), as “5. Éthique” (namely 5.3) and as “6. Autonomie et responsabilités” (namely 6.3). 2018-2022 Strategic Plan's vision: https://www.usherbrooke.ca/planification-strategique/valeurs-et-vision/vision/