Western Kentucky University
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

The WKU Strategic Plan includes the development and implementation of the Colonnade Program, a general education model that is now the core academic program at WKU. The sustainability objectives are learning outcomes that include the ability of students to think critically, solve problems, and communicate effectively. Through Colonnade courses, students are encouraged to explore the connections among different areas of study in order to understand their roles as students and citizens.
Specifically,the Strategic Plan Targets:
1. Develop and increase to 2,000 annual enrollment in Colonnade
Program Connections courses
The connections courses are unique to WKU, and Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) are as follows:
Social to Cultural
• Analyze the development of self in relation to others an society.
• Examine diverse values that form civically engaged and informed members of society.
• Evaluate solutions to real-world social and cultural problems.
Local to Global
• Analyze issues on local and global scales.
• Examine the local and global interrelationships of one or more issues.
• Evaluate the consequences of decision-making on local and global scales.
Systems
• Analyze how systems evolve.
• Compare the study of individual components to the analysis of entire systems.
• Evaluate how system-level thinking informs decision-making, public policy, and/or the sustainability of the system itself.
More information can be found at:
https://www.wku.edu/colonnade/goalsandoutcomes.php

Measurable objectives included in the Tree Care Plan, Stormwater Plan, Strategic Plan and DFM Continuous Improvement Plan:
number of, and attendance for, sustainability outreach and engagement activities.
number of research projects, thesis, class projects, and other academic activities that focus on sustainability issues or topics.
number of interdisciplinary collaborations focused on sustainability objectives.

The University Strategic Plan includes metrics regarding energy use.
OBJECTIVE 4.4 ENHANCE EFFICIENCY AND SUSTAINABILITY IN CAMPUS SERVICES AND OPERATIONS
Targets
1. Decrease energy usage per square foot by 12%
Strategies
Fully implement the Campus Energy Policy
Utilize effective conservation measures to control operating costs, preserve physical assets, and promote sustainability
Build and renovate to LEED standards in all construction projects
Implement sustainability best practices in campus operations
Adopt a purchasing policy that ensures new equipment meets efficiency guidelines

Goal 4. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Enact and practice all aspects of WKU’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion plan.
Strategy 1 Institute the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Plan for years 1-5 of the strategic plan; review, assess, reconfigure as needed and re-institute for years 6-10 of the strategic plan.
Strategy 2 Work with the associate provost for global learning and with faculty and staff to continue to expand off-campus and on-campus educational opportunities.

Western Kentucky University includes in its Statement of Purpose:
"The University encourages engaged research and public service in support of economic development, quality of life, and improvement of education at all levels. WKU faculty contribute to the identification and solution of key social, economic, scientific, health, and environmental problems."

Additionally, the strategic plan states a goal within the Policies and Practices section to: "Adopt measures that promote sustainable practices and efficient use of campus resources."

Sustainability is defined by WKU as any action or decision that simultaneously considers social well-being, economic prosperity, and ecological health.

WKU Climbing to Greater Heights 2018-2028 Goals and Strategies
Bruce A. Schulte, PhD
Associate Vice President for Strategy, Performance and Accountability