WHAT is the SUS Attribute? (sustainability defined)
The SUS attribution on courses stands for “sustainability” and formally indicates that a course involves some sustainability components and learning outcomes (as outlined below), which aim to both further students’ understanding of and ability to address real world sustainability challenges. Defined in a pluralistic and inclusive way, sustainability recognizes the interdependence of ecological and social/economic systems. It encompasses human and ecological health, social justice, secure livelihoods, and a better world for all generations. Often depicted as a three-legged stool, this multidimensional concept includes social, economic, and environmental components with each representing one of the stool’s legs. Major sustainability challenges include (but are not limited to) climate change, global poverty and inequality, natural resource depletion, and environmental degradation. To identify additional sustainability challenges, it may be helpful to reference the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The SUS attribute was approved by the WSU Faculty Senate January 17, 2019.
HOW to Apply
The Application Process - three easy steps
To apply for a SUS Attribute for your class or all sections of a course (all sections requires departmental approval) you will need to:
- Review the criteria and prepare your syllabus.
- Complete the simple SUS Attribute Request Form (upon completion of this form, download a PDF of your responses).
- Create and launch a "1.7 Course Attribute Request" in Curriculog (under "New Proposal").
- You will need to attach your syllabus and your SUS Attribute Request Form.
The application will require an explicit explanation (or course description) of how sustainability is tied to the existing course (whether as the focus of the course or a component(s) of the course), the sustainability-related learning outcomes, and a description of how you plan to assess those learning outcomes. Please note that new courses need to go through the regular College and University Curriculum process for approval as courses, prior to or while simultaneously seeking the SUS attribution.
Faculty may apply for the SUS attribute for just their section(s) of a course, or for the whole course, regardless of instructor. The latter requires you confirm that you have permission at the departmental level for a course to carry the SUS attribute.
Application Due Dates:
- October 3, 2023 for SUS to be included on upcoming spring courses
- March 1, 2024 for upcoming summer and fall courses
- (applications may be submitted at other times, but these are the deadlines for review prior to the upcoming semester)
Have questions or need help preparing for the deadline? Drop into a Zoom help session, or email amulder@weber.edu with questions.
Help sessions:
- Tuesday, September 19, 11:00 am-12:00 pm, via Zoom
- Friday, September 22, 1-2 pm, via Zoom
- Monday, September 25, 4-5 pm, via Zoom
- Thursday, September 28, 1-2 pm, via Zoom
Attribute Term
Once a course is approved for the SUS attribution, the attribution will be valid for 5 years, at which point the faculty member will be prompted to apply for renewal, if desired.
Questions
If you have any questions, please contact the SUS Attribute Committee Chair, Alice Mulder, amulder@weber.edu
Criteria and Application Process
Applications will be assessed by the SUS Attribute Rubric.
See the Rubric
The SUS Attribute Committee will review completed applications using the SUS Attribute Rubric.
View the Full Process