The primary objective of the University Sustainability Committee is to lead, support, and advocate for efforts that enhance environmental sustainability, significantly reduce resource consumption, promote biodiversity conservation and restoration, and work toward environmental justice goals within the campus environment.
Committee Members
- Megan Styles, Associate Professor (Chair)
- Chuck Coderko, Associate Vice Chancellor
- Karmyn A. Flesch, Student
- Matthew Geras, Assistant Professor
- Karac R. Henderson, Student
- Patty Meyer, Director of Facilities Operations
- Michele Miller, Associate Professor
- Caila M. Riggs, Student
- Minh Tam T. Schlosky, Associate Professor
- Junu Shrestha, Assistant Professor
- Joshua L. Smith, Instructor
- Jorge Villegas, Associate Dean
Charge Statement for the UIS University Sustainability Committee
As stewards of our institution's environmental impact, the Sustainability Committee will be pivotal in driving initiatives that promote sustainable practices and contribute to the effective use of resources, biodiversity conservation and restoration, and the four E's of sustainable development: environment, economy, equity, and education.
Charge Statement: The primary objective of the University Sustainability Committee is to lead, support, and advocate for efforts that enhance environmental sustainability, significantly reduce resource consumption, promote biodiversity conversation and restoration, and work toward environmental justice goals within the campus environment. In alignment with our institution's commitment to responsible resource management and environmental stewardship, the Sustainability Committee is charged with the following responsibilities:
- Create and update a 5-year Sustainability Plan for UIS in cooperation with all university units; help facilitate implementation and track progress toward concrete goals identified in the plan and provide a yearly report to the UIS community.
- Create and update a 5-year Climate Action Plan for UIS in cooperation with all university units; help facilitate implementation and track progress toward concrete goals identified in the plan and provide a yearly report to the UIS community.
- Organize two weeks of programming each semester, Sustainability Week (in the fall) and Earth Week (in the spring). This will ideally involve a keynote speaker and one or more events that promote sustainability on campus and/or in our community.
- Facilitate the success of the student-led Green Fee Committee (GFC) by nominating faculty to serve as GFC members and providing direct supervision and support for the two GFC-funded Student Sustainability Project Coordinators.
- Provide expertise and guidance to university units and community-based groups interested in launching or supporting sustainability initiatives.
- Help publicize UIS sustainability initiatives and achievements (e.g., through a website, annual reports, and/or press releases and social media posts).
By actively promoting environmental and social sustainability, the Univesity Sustainability Committee will contribute to a greener, more efficient, more equitable, inclusive, and environmentally responsible campus community that sets a positive example for students, staff, and the broader community.