Northern Arizona University
AC-10: Support for Sustainability Research
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
3.00 / 4.00 |
Dayna
McKay Data Analyst Office of Sustainability |
Does the institution have an ongoing program to encourage students in multiple disciplines or academic programs to conduct sustainability research?:
A brief description of the student sustainability research program:
Both the Hooper Sustainability Award and the Green Fund offer funding opportunities for students to do sustainability research.
Hooper -
Applicants are encouraged to propose projects in the following areas:
• NAU campus sustainability
• Local community-based sustainability projects
• Environmentally sustainable business practices
• Natural resources and ecosystem science/management
• Environmental health in tribal and rural communities
Green Fund -
This funding can be applied towards any number of projects, ranging from reducing our carbon footprint to using more renewable energy to increasing recycling efforts on campus. As long as the project aims to improve the environment, the Green Fund can support it. (https://in.nau.edu/green-nau/nau-green-fund/)
Does the institution have a program to encourage academic staff from multiple disciplines or academic programs to conduct sustainability research?:
A brief description of the faculty sustainability research program:
The Arizona Board of Regents gave formal approval for the fourth set of TRIF business plans. This current plan spans three years, 2021-2024. Northern Arizona University was approved for two initiatives that encourage faculty research in sustainability.
The TRIF 3-Year Plan includes investments in sustainability research, specifically in the Water, Environment, and Energy Solutions strategic research area. The Adaptable Desert Communities, Culture, and Ecosystems program proposal focuses on understanding how humans can be resilient to impacts associated with climate change and other stresses affecting the linked human and natural systems of the desert. The program aims to guide actions, policies, and decisions that preserve and enhance these linked cultural and ecological systems. The program also includes the production of science-based information products, increased education of communities about the impacts of climate change, and the establishment of new university-community partnerships working together to develop new approaches to resiliency.
Has the institution published written policies and procedures that give positive recognition to interdisciplinary, transdisciplinary, and multidisciplinary research during faculty promotion and/or tenure decisions?:
A copy of the promotion or tenure guidelines or policies:
The promotion or tenure guidelines or policies:
Approved by Vote of the CEFNS Faculty January 28, 2009: 110 yes, 34 no, 14 abstain
I. Principles and Values
This document describes the process of annual faculty review and promotion and tenure consideration within the College of Engineering, Forestry & Natural Sciences (CEFNS);
acknowledging the diversity of our strengths and reflecting our individual, collegial, and institutional values. In this context, the process of faculty reviews and evaluations within all CEFNS units shall include:
• clarity of expectations
• constructive, proactive evaluation and formative feedback
• objective appraisal by peers
• consistent and high standards.
The CEFNS values diversity in the ways an individual faculty member develops excellence in his or her academic career and contributes to the collective success of the department and college. In particular, the CEFNS encourages:
• an emphasis on students
• cross-disciplinary activities
• commitment to scholarship and professional involvement
• assessment for continuous improvement
• collegiality and professionalism
• service to the university and community.
Does the institution have ongoing library support for sustainability research and learning?:
A brief description of the institution’s library support for sustainability research:
The library has been very responsive to requests for publications and electronic journals on sustainability and the environment. For example, it now subscribes to the GreenFile database. It has also established sustainability initiatives to reduce paper and energy usage and has 7 Energy Mentors on staff. John Doherty is the primary contact point for assistance.
Website URL where information about the institution’s support for sustainability research is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
Data and information provided by Nick Bilyk
Business Intelligence Analyst
Office of the Vice President for Research
(928) 523-5093 Office
Data and information provided by Nick Bilyk
Business Intelligence Analyst
Office of the Vice President for Research
(928) 523-5093 Office
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.