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I. IntroductionDuring this time of significant environmental degradation it is especially important for students entering into the workforce, in any field, to be aware of the implications of their actions and to have at least some knowledge on how to repair the damage that has already been done. II. Responsible PartiesDavid Barnhill is the Director of the Environmental Studies Program at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. III. Environmental Education at the University of Wisconsin OshkoshThe University of Wisconsin Oshkosh offers both a major and a minor in Environmental Studies. The Environmental Studies program was inaugurated in 1996 with the establishment of an academic minor. As of June 6, 2002 the Environmental Studies Program began offering an academic major. The major and the minor are available to students from all colleges at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. College of Education students specializing in the Natural Sciences can be certified by the Department of Public Instruction to teach Elementary or Middle School, or High School. The program consists of a curriculum that incorporates the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. As such, it is the only program of its kind in the University of Wisconsin System. Students earn credits from many departments at the UW Oshkosh in addition to taking core Environmental Studies courses that provide a solid background in key environmental issues and the various analytic tools required to address them. The Program offers opportunities for interactive classroom learning as well as for field study, internships, and student-organized events and projects. As a small, but growing program, Environmental Studies at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh provides an intimate learning environment. Currently there are twenty-six majors and twenty-three minors. The total annual budget provided to the program is $8,686. The following are the objectives of the Environmental Studies Program at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh:
The following environmentally related courses are offered or have been offered in the recent past at the University:
Environmental education outside of classes has largely been the result of student and faculty initiatives. One initiative that has brought the University international attention is its participation in the Earth Charter Community Summits and its endorsement of the Earth Charter. The mission of the Earth charter Initiative is to establish a sound ethical foundation for the emerging global society and to help build a sustainable world based on respect for nature, universal human rights, economic justice, and a culture of peace. The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a founding member of the international summits and is the largest, dedicating an entire week to discuss and celebrate the principals of the Earth Charter. The Faculty Senate, Senate of Academic Staff, Classified Staff Advisory Council, and the Oshkosh Student Association have all endorsed the Earth Charter, thus gaining the University’s endorsement. This initiative has included a wide-ranging collection of events. The University has also demonstrated its commitment to conservation by purchasing a 12.30-acre marsh located on the shores of Lake Butte des Morts which will permanently remain marshland. Student groups on campus have played a hand in raising environmental awareness through a number of events. The major environmental groups on campus are the Student Environmental Action Coalition, the Campus Greens, the Animal Liberation Action Group, the Campus Vegetarians, and the Environmental Task Force in the residence halls. The Oshkosh Student Association also has an executive position for an Environmental Affairs Director. Recently, a resolution passed by the student assembly was fulfilled through student initiative. The resolution called for two trees to be planted for every one tree that was cut down during the renovation of Reeve Memorial Union. You can download a copy of the resolution. The replacement trees were planted as part of the 2003 Earth Day events. For more information on this particular event read the following Advance Titan articles: SEAC
making a positive difference IV. Recommendations:For Administration
For Faculty
For Students
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University
of Wisconsin Oshkosh Last update: October 10, 2003 |
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