Overall Rating Gold
Overall Score 69.13
Liaison Olivia Wiebe
Submission Date Dec. 28, 2023

STARS v2.2

University of Idaho
AC-2: Learning Outcomes

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 3.84 / 8.00 Sarah Dawson
University Sustainability Director
Office of the President
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Has the institution adopted one or more sustainability learning outcomes that apply to the entire student body or, at minimum, to the institution's predominant student body?:
Yes

Which of the following best describes the sustainability learning outcomes?:
Sustainability-supportive

A list of the institution level sustainability learning outcomes:

Institution level learning outcomes address social responsibility but fall short of addressing environmental or economic responsibility. They are as follows:

Learn and integrate - Through independent learning and collaborative study, attain, use, and develop knowledge in the arts, humanities, sciences, and social sciences, with disciplinary specialization and the ability to integrate information across disciplines.

Think and create - Use multiple thinking strategies to examine real-world issues, explore creative avenues of expression, solve problems, and make consequential decisions.

Communicate - Acquire, articulate, create and convey intended meaning using verbal and non-verbal methods of communication that demonstrate respect and understanding in a complex society.

Clarify purpose and perspective - Explore one’s life purpose and meaning through transformational experiences that foster an understanding of self, relationships, and diverse global perspectives.

Practice citizenship - Apply principles of ethical leadership, collaborative engagement, socially responsible behavior, respect for diversity in an interdependent world, and a service-oriented commitment to advance and sustain local and global communities.

https://www.uidaho.edu/provost/learning-outcomes


Total number of graduates from degree programs:
2,421

Number of graduates from degree programs that require an understanding of the concept of sustainability:
557

A brief description of how the figure above was determined:

The above figure was calculated after an audit of the Degrees Awarded excel sheet provided by Institutional Research.

Sustainability-focused degree paths were identified based on their posted description and course work. The figure above is the sum of the graduates from the identified programs, outlined in the following section, from the 2022-2023 academic year.


A list of degree programs that require an understanding of the concept of sustainability:

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURAL AND LIFE SCIENCES:
Sustainable Food Systems - B.S.Ag.L.S.
Ability to apply scientific principles to the development and management of sustainable agricultural systems; develop an approach to solving complex food systems related issues. Ability to assess the sustainability of agricultural systems using a systems-based approach applying economic, social and natural-resource related criteria.

Water Resources - M.S. and Ph.D.
In this unique distinctive program, you will learn to collaborate effectively with peers in other fields and with key stakeholders and professionals to define, research, and achieve creative and sustainable solutions to contemporary water problems. Earn an interdisciplinary master's or doctoral degree in any of three emphasis areas: engineering and science; science and management; or law, management and policy.

Environmental Soil Science – B.S.
This program provides the interdisciplinary knowledge required to manage crop, forest, rangeland and urban soils for long-term health and sustainability. Explore the fields of soil chemistry, soil physics, microbial ecology, bioremediation, soil genesis and classification and soil fertility/plant nutrition. Gain hands-on experience by working in laboratories, greenhouses and on research farms. Work towards becoming a professional, certified soil scientist.

COLLEGE OF ART AND ARCHITECTURE:
Bioregional Planning and Community Design - M.S.
Ethics and civic leadership: the program emphasizes community outreach and applied planning with Idaho communities facing rapid changes in the character of economies and land use. Sustainability is the cornerstone of that effort. Studio work translates this approach into practice and allows the student to make the program’s intent available as a community service.

Integrated Architecture and Design - M.S.
Address significant social, environmental, cultural and economic challenges posed by built and natural environments creatively and collaboratively.

Environmental Design – B.S.
Landscape architecture is a challenging field that offers diverse career paths in professional design practice, agencies such as the National Park Service, and many related environmental fields. This pre-professional program provides students with the design, technical, and theoretical foundations needed to pursue the professional Master’s of Landscape Architecture. Courses include design studios and seminars in theory and criticism, urban and community design, sustainable design practices and green infrastructure, plant ecology and planting design, GIS for landscape planning, construction technology, and a range of CAD and other digital design programs. You will gain the foundational knowledge and versatile design skills for opportunities in landscape architecture, regional land planning and management, or related environmental consulting fields.

Landscape Architecture – B.L.A and M.L.A.
Sustainability and resilience are key themes that carry throughout all courses in the Landscape Architecture curriculum. These ideas have been at the center of critical and growing debates about how our world is changing. Urbanization, climate change, environmental degradation, social and environmental justice are all areas of discourse that engage ideas of sustainability and resilience, and are key factors that students address when they take on research, planning and design projects. Landscape architecture students explore the creation of green infrastructure elements in many of the graduate and undergraduate courses. Students develop skills for planning, siting, and design of stormwater green infrastructure facilities as well as various other design facility types including: active transport, community-based design, and habitat. Students within studios and technical courses develop innovative approaches to the ecological planning and design of public space through green infrastructure techniques.

Bioregional Planning and Community Design – B.S. and Academic Certificate
Learn about sustainable development and its promises and pitfalls as a leading concept for the planning and design of communities. Learn about the different interpretations of sustainability and the usefulness of these interpretations for planning in the context of the communities in which we live.

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING:
Biological Engineering - B.S. and M.S.
Graduates will design for advancement and sustainability of their local, national, and global communities protecting human health and safety and practicing environmental stewardship. Upon graduation, students will be able to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors. For Master’s and Ph.D. programs: The student will understand the impact of a project or research specifically, and of the responsibility to enhance the quality of life of the global community through the practice of engineering.

Chemical Engineering – B.S.
The student will apply aspects of engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.

Electrical Engineering - B.S.E.E.
Graduate will apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors. They will recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.

Civil Engineering – B.S.C.E.
By graduation, students will demonstrate an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.

Mechanical Engineering – B.S.M.E
Students will develop an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.

COLLEGE OF LETTERS, ARTS, AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
Sociology – B.A and B.S.
Graduating seniors will demonstrate a working knowledge of the dominant forms of social inequality.

Equity and Justice - Academic Certificate
Upon completion of the program, the certificate acknowledges competency in understanding a broad range of diversity issues and an ability to apply that understanding to the workplace and in social life. SOC/ANTH 201: Introduction to Inequities and Inclusion is a required course.

American Indian Studies – Minor
The American Indian Studies Program at the University of Idaho was established to provide and advance quality education for and about American Indians of Idaho, the region and the nation. In fulfilling this mission, the program is committed to meet the changing needs of Idaho's Indian tribes and all Idaho citizens through excellence in teaching, research and service.

COLLEGE OF NATURAL RESOURCES:
Environmental Science - B.S.Env.S.
Integrate technical expertise with a sound understanding of the cultural, social, political, and economic ramifications of environmental problem-solving. M.S. and PhD programs: Demonstrate a high level of skills in carrying out interdisciplinary work integrating technical expertise with a sound understanding of the cultural, social, political, and economic ramifications of environmental problem-solving.

Conservation Biology – B.S.
Students will accurately articulate key principles concerning the ecology of species, populations, communities, ecosystems, and landscapes. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the interconnection between ecological systems and basic aspects of human ecology (as defined by economics, social sciences, and other related fields).

Fishery Resources - B.S.
Professionals in this field work to support healthy fish resources for the benefit of the food supply, environment, recreation and more. Learn about the conservation and sustainable management of fish in fisheries, hatcheries and other aquatic ecosystems and gain the tools you need to address important environmental and political issues affecting fish populations.

Wildlife Resources - B.S.
This degree focuses on the ecology, conservation, and management of wildlife species and their natural habitats. A science-based program, this degree offered through the Department of Fish and Wildlife Sciences examines the relationships wildlife populations have with each other, the threats the growing human population poses, and the areas where this field intersects with other natural resources management disciplines.

Fire Ecology and Management - B.S.
This program will provide students with an understanding of fire’s holistic role in the environment and help develop the understanding and skills to solve complex problems involved in the management of natural resources. Select courses in this degree path include Fire Ecology and Management, Meteorology, and Global Climate Change.

Rangeland Conservation - B.S.
This program prepares students to manage, conserve, and restore these diverse environments, which include grasslands, shrublands, woodlands, and deserts. Our graduates are leaders in the field, and our program prepares students for a career with government agencies, conservation groups and private land owners. Additionally, our program provides a solid understanding of ecological restoration and the many issues facing natural resource management.

Forest and Sustainable Products- B.S
This degree trains students to create and design new products from bio-based materials, from wood to recycled materials. Through hands-on courses, our students apply what they learn in the classroom in our state-of-the-art laboratories in a variety of areas such as biofuel creation from wood waste, development of plastic-enhanced wood for construction, and innovative use of small-diameter trees. Courses Forest and Sustainable Products students can plan on taking include Introduction to Forest and Sustainable Products, Properties of Forest and Sustainable Products Physiology, and Biocomposites.

Natural Resources - B.S., M.S., and Ph.D.
Examine the human dimensions of natural resource management and conservation and apply this knowledge while working with diverse stakeholders across disciplines and private and public sectors. Explore social-ecological systems and shape the relationship with the landscape that sustains us all. This nationally recognized program offers two options, Conservation Planning and Management and Conservation Science. M.S, Ph.D: Work alongside internationally recognized faculty leading natural resources research in pursuit of your degree and make an impact on the problems facing our natural world. Our research encompasses a wide range of natural resource disciplines, and this degree focuses primarily on students interested in pursuing research opportunities under the guidance of a major professor and a graduate advisory committee. Students have ready access to thousands of acres of working forests, rangelands and waterways, will conduct research on 2.3 million pristine acres at the Taylor Wilderness Research Station, and create professional networks across multiple disciplines, faculty, and agency scientists.

Restoration Ecology Certificate
Many of the issues facing our natural resources and environment can be resolved by restoring health, sustainability, and services of ecosystems that have been degraded by human activities. Restoration Ecology is the science that supports the practice of restoration, and is the foundation of any successful ecosystem restoration project. Enrolling in the Restoration Ecology certificate provides you a background in basic ecological principles within the context of restoration. Specifically, the certificate provides a strong understanding of plant and soil ecology and an overview of the tools to manage and restore disturbed and degraded rangeland and forest ecosystems.

Tribal Natural Resources Stewardship Undergraduate Academic Certificate
Wildlife Resources Minor

Ecology Minor

Fire Ecology and Management Minor
Our minor in Fire Ecology and Management emphasizes “hands-on” learning to provide you an understanding of fire’s holistic role in the environment and develop the understanding and skills to help manage complex problems associated with fire-dependent forests and rangelands, including the wildland-urban interface.

Rangeland Ecology and Management Minor
A minor in Rangeland Ecology and Management prepares you to manage, conserve, and restore these diverse environments, which include grasslands, shrublands, woodlands and deserts. This minor provides a solid understanding of important ecosystem processes that shape rangelands, as well as tools to help manage and restore these critical working landscapes across the West. This minor is highly customizable to allow students to focus their course work in specific fields, such as land and livestock management, wildlife habitat, or restoration ecology.

Renewable Materials Minor
A minor in Renewable Materials combines engineering, architecture, chemistry, business, biology and more to help prepare you for a career in the fast-growing field of renewable materials and bioenergy systems. Influence future building techniques by developing new products, methods, and practices by taking advantage of hands-on courses in a variety of areas such as biofuel creation from wood waste, development of plastic-enhanced wood for construction, and innovative uses of small-diameter trees.

Forest Resources Minor
A minor in Forest Resources provides additional training focused on the variety of sustainable products provided by forest ecosystems. This minor emphasizes coursework in forest ecology, management, restoration, watersheds, and natural resource policy, and provides students with opportunities to gain practical, hands-on experience by studying at the U of I Experimental Forest and Pitkin Forest Nursery. Students enrolling in the minor prepare to work with both private and public organizations in working forests around the world to solve problems, manage land and restore ecosystems.
Renewable Materials – B.S.

COLLEGE OF SCIENCE:
Geography - B.S.
Ability to write clearly and verbally explain problems and issues in geographic science and related human and environmental topics in an effective manner and with supportive visual and statistical materials. Graduates of this program are prepared to apply their geographic knowledge and technical skills to address problems related to global climate change, regional planning and development, natural resources and much more.

Climate Change Solutions – B.S.
Explain the physical, chemical, and biological processes that govern the Earth’s climate system and how people influence the climate system. Understand and explain climate change impacts on both human and natural systems, and be able to identify regions, ecosystems, and groups most vulnerable to climate change. Demonstrate knowledge about the strategies for mitigating climate change and options for adapting to its impact. Communicate climate science and solutions in an effective manner to a variety of audiences, including stakeholders and the general public.
Environmental Hydrogeology Undergraduate Certificate
Comprehension of the hydrologic cycle and the ability to measure and interpret basic physical and biochemical aspects of water associated with hydrologic processes. Ability to explain the physical nature of global climate change and the role of society in influencing and mitigating effects of climate change.

Climate Change Certificate
The U.S. Global Change Research Program has outlined specific educational goals for training the next generation of scientists and decision makers in climate literacy across disciplines. The curriculum required for the climate change certificate builds in the flexibility for students across colleges while adhering to the following "climate literacy" goals:
--to understand the essential principles of Earth’s climate system,
--to know how to assess scientifically credible information about climate,
--to communicate about climate and climate change in a meaningful way, and
can make informed and responsible decisions with regard to actions that may affect climate.
Thus, the certificate is intended to prepare students in many fields to understand the scientific drivers and impacts of climate change, as well as the necessary knowledge base to become active participants in planning mitigation strategies and necessary community/societal adaptations.


Documentation supporting the figure reported above (upload):
Do the figures reported above cover one, two, or three academic years?:
One

Percentage of students who graduate from programs that require an understanding of the concept of sustainability:
23.01

Website URL where information about the sustainability learning outcomes is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
---

Data source(s) and notes about the submission:

Part 1: Sarah Mahuron, Accreditation & Assessment Analyst, Institutional Effectiveness and Accreditation

Part 2: https://www.uidaho.edu/provost/ir/institutional-data/degrees-awarded

Minors were excluded from the data.


Part 1: Sarah Mahuron, Accreditation & Assessment Analyst, Institutional Effectiveness and Accreditation

Part 2: https://www.uidaho.edu/provost/ir/institutional-data/degrees-awarded

Minors were excluded from the data.

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.