RU’s Environmental Sustainability Committee Meets on 2/21; All Are Welcome!

RU’s Environmental Sustainability Committee (ESC) will meet via Zoom on Wed 2/21/24 from 9-10am CST to review the strategic planning process to date and prioritize the summary initiatives recommended by the RU community in 2023. This open committee est. in 2010 meets ~4x per year to discuss environmental sustainability initiatives, share information, and make policy recommendations.

All interested RU students, faculty, staff, admin, and alumni are welcome and encouraged to attend! RSVP to mbryson@roosevelt.edu.

Zoom link for meeting: https://roosevelt.zoom.us/j/93318500123

Our main task will be to share feedback on and discuss this Worksheet for Prioritizing Sustainability Initiatives (Word and pdf), which summarizes recommendations made through several surveys and workshops in 2022-23. Please take a few minutes to review and fill out the worksheet prior to meeting, if possible. Regardless of whether or not you can attend on 2/21, written feedback can be emailed to the ESC chair, Prof. Mike Bryson (mbryson@roosevelt.edu).

Additional Resources for the 2/21/24 ESC meeting:

Green Up & Clean UP @RU on 9/15

Hey, RU faculty and staff — Start fresh this fall and join your Roosevelt colleagues for Green Up Clean Up Day! This first-ever event @RooseveltU is an opportunity for you and your co-workers to connect, collaborate and clean out your office spaces to make our campuses the best place to work and best possible learning environment for our students. Wear your Roosevelt green, grab some coffee and a snack and get ready to spruce things up for the academic year!

Save the Date!
Green Up Clean Up
Friday, September 15 | Noon – 3 p.m.

During Green Up Clean Up offices are encouraged to:

  • Grab some snacks in AUD320 (Chicago Campus) and SCH616 (Schaumburg Campus)
  • Donate and reallocate unused office supplies (Notepads, pens, Post-Its, markers, folders, etc.). The Dean of Students Office will gather office supplies for students to use.
  • Purge old documents. Speed packs will be available in Ida B. Wells Lounge to deliver documents to a Pro Shred shredder truck on Wabash Ave. Please review our document retention policies.
  • Donate books (Book donation bins will be provided in the libraries on both campuses)
  • Spruce up their personal spaces
  • Recycle electronics

Accepted items: 

  • Computers & Laptops (wiped clean in the process)
  • iPods and MP3 Players
  • Cameras and DVD’s
  • CD, DVD/VCR Players
  • Keyboards and Mice
  • LCD/LED Monitors
  • Printers and Fax Machines
  • Power Cords/Cables
  • Scanners/Copiers
  • Cable Boxes
  • Cell Phones

Items NOT accepted:

  • CRT or Old Tube TV’s
  • Light Bulbs
  • Hazardous Items (Paint)
  • Dehumidifiers
  • White Goods (Washers/Dryers)

Green Up Clean Up will immediately follow the University Senate meeting and start with snacks and refreshments on each campus. Speed packs will be available to move any larger supplies or equipment. If you need some green apparel, Roosevelt t-shirts will be available at the receptions. These hours can be classified as an in-service day for non-exempt workers. Please work with your supervisors to plan accordingly.

We can’t wait to see you there!

How Arts & Humanities are Tackling the Climate Crisis

Mike Bryson, Professor of Sustainability Studies at Roosevelt University, joins Green Sense WBBM radio host / postcaster Robert Colangelo again to share his thoughts on what role the arts and humanities play in changing hearts and minds about climate change, water conservation, and sustainability. We discuss the current economic conditions and the job market for students working in the field of sustainability.

 

Listen to the full episode on your preferred streaming platform by visiting the Green Sense website

Help RU Plan for a Sustainable Future! (Join the ESC Meeting on Fri 3/17)

The Environmental Sustainability Committee @RooseveltU will have its next strategic sustainability planning meeting of the 2022-23 academic year on Friday, 3/17, from 3pm to 4:30pm on Zoom (see login info below).

The ESC is an open committee formed in 2010 that welcomes participation and encourages collaboration across colleges and departments from all members of the RU community: students, faculty, staff, administration, alumni, and friends. Our key task this spring is to finish the Strategic Sustainability Planning effort begun in Fall 2022 and produce a revised Plan for 2023-28 by the end of this Spring 2023 semester.

This planning meeting will focus on reviewing and analyzing feedback from the Fall 2022 campus planning workshops, events, and presentations as well as the ongoing surveys of current students and employees/alumni. From this foundation, we will develop consensus on RU’s campus sustainability goals for the next five years and prioritize concrete initiatives to achieve said goals.

  • Please see the 2022-23 Campus Sustainability Planning webpage for notes, slides, zoom recordings, and other resources related to this effort.
  • Updated information will be posted to this Events page on Inside Roosevelt, at the above planning website, and via email prior to the 3/17 meeting for the RU community’s review and input. Everyone’s ideas, perspectives, and constructive criticisms are needed and valued in this process.
  • Also note that Roosevelt’s just-renewed annual membership in the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) provides anyone with an active RU email address full access to AASHE’s online resources. Take advantage and avail yourself!

To RSVP and get a Zoom link for the meeting (and/or for questions), please email Mike Bryson (mbryson@roosevelt.edu), professor & director of Sustainability Studies; chair of the Dept of Sociology & Sustainability, CAS; and chair of the ESC.

Doodle Poll for Next Environmental Sustainability Committee Meeting @RU

The Environmental Sustainability Committee @RooseveltU will have its next meeting (on Zoom) of the 2022-23 academic year the week of March 13th, day/time TBA. If you are interested in attending, please fill out this Doodle Poll by Mon 3/6/23. Pending your feedback, a meeting invite will be sent out by the end of this week as we head into spring break.

The ESC is an open committee formed in 2010 that welcomes participation and encourages collaboration across colleges and departments from all members of the RU community: students, faculty, staff, administration, alumni, and friends. Our key task this spring is to finish the Strategic Sustainability Planning effort begun in Fall 2022 and produce a revised Plan for 2023-28 by the end of this Spring 2023 semester.

This Wk9 meeting will focus on reviewing and analyzing feedback from the Fall 2022 campus planning workshops, events, and presentations as well as the ongoing surveys of current students and employees/alumni. From this foundation, we will develop consensus on RU’s campus sustainability goals for the next five years and prioritize concrete initiatives to achieve said goals.

Please see the Fall 2022 Campus Sustainability Planning webpage for notes, slides, zoom recordings, and other resources related to this effort. Everyone’s input, ideas, and perspectives are needed and valued! Also note that Roosevelt’s just-renewed annual membership in the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) provides anyone with an active RU email address full access to AASHE’s online resources. Take advantage and avail yourself!

Here’s that link to the ESC Doodle poll again: https://doodle.com/meeting/participate/id/er21o46e

Questions? Email Mike Bryson (mbryson@roosevelt.edu), professor & director of Sustainability Studies, chair of the Dept of Sociology & Sustainability, CAS.

Classes and Office Hours for Spring 2023

Good morning, Roosevelt — and welcome to students and colleagues to the Spring 2023 semester! This is my 27th year teaching @RU and I’m very excited to meet my classes this week. Wishing everyone a great spring term!

Spring 2023 Office Hours

  • AUD 829 hours: Tu/Th 10:15am-12:15pm and Th 2-4:30pm
  • Virtual hours: generally M/W/F 9am-5pm (email, phone, or Zoom)
  • Please email me to set up an appointment, whether during the above office hours or at another time; I check email 7 days/week and try to respond to messages within 24 hours Mon-Fri
  • Available via phone, Zoom, or email

Spring 2023 Classes

  • SUST 210 Sustainable Future — T/Th 12:30-1:45pm (WB 616)
  • SUST 220 Water (online)
  • SUST 360 Writing Urban Nature (honors) — T 2-4:30pm (WB 616)
  • SOC 394 Internship (by arrangement)
  • SUST 395 Internship (by arrangement)

The Joseph Loundy 2022 Human Rights Symposium @RU: History, Health, & Sustainability (this Wed 11/30)

When we look to history, there is much to be learned about human rights. We may find that local and global movements were born from particular events — often traumatic, and with great political, health and environmental impacts. Can the past inspire change for the future through activism and advocacy?

Please join the Roosevelt University community for the Joseph Loundy Human Rights Project’s 2022 Symposium and Luncheon on Wed 11/30 from 11am to 1pm in WB 418 at RU’s Chicago Campus. Distinguished guest panelists will explore the intersection of history, health policy and environmental sustainability, and how each individually and collectively can promote human rights and social justice.

Students will also present work from three related courses in RU’s College of Arts & Sciences: Public Health Issues and Ideas, taught by professor La Vonne Downey; Service and Sustainability, led by professor Mike Bryson; and Transatlantic Perspectives: Representing History and Trauma, co-taught by professors Margaret Rung (RU) and Arnoud-Jan Bijsterveld (Tilburg University, the Netherlands).

Featured Distinguished Panelists:

  • Mike Beard, global health director for the Better World Campaign
  • Diana Sierra Becerra, assistant professor of history at University of Massachusetts Amhurst
  • Gina Ramirez, Midwest outreach leader for the Natural Resources Defense Council, board president of the Southeast Environmental Task Force, and RU alum (MA Sociology ’14)

SUST 350 Service & Sustainability Student Team: “2022 Strategic Sustainability Planning @RooseveltU”

  • Kiera Carpenter, SUST junior
  • Sophia Gallo, SOC senior
  • Kayla Nelson, PSYC senior

This event is free! RSVP here for the symposium and lunch: https://alumni-giving.roosevelt.edu/loundy-project-2022-symposium

Can’t attend in person? Join in the conversation on the livestream via Zoom!

Sustainability Planning Workshop Sessions Today 11/1 & Wed 11/2: Goals & Initiatives for RU

Planning Workshop 2: Sustainability Goals & Initiatives – This second round of RU Strategic Sustainability Planning interactive workshops will review and analyze past goals, projects, and accomplishments; and then strategize and prioritize new campus sustainability goals and initiatives for 2023-28.

All RU community members are invited to participate in either one of these identical sessions, whichever best fits your schedule. Light food refreshments will be provided; just bring your own beverage!

  • Tue 11/1 from 12:00-1:30pm CST in AUD 720 and Zoom
  • Wed 11/2 from 5:00-6:30pm CST in AUD 720 and Zoom

Previous Events

Planning Workshop 1: Sustainability @RU Crash Course – This first round of RU Strategic Sustainability planning workshops was designed to get participants up to speed on what sustainability is, why it’s important, and what we can do to make a change at RU. If you’re wondering what sustainability entails at RU, this is a great place to start!

  • Tue 10/11 from 12:30-1:30pm CST  in AUD 720 and online (Zoom recording)
  • Wed 10/12 from 6:30-7:30pm CST online (Zoom recording)
  • Slide presentation from Workshop 1 (pdf)

RU’s 2022 American Dream Reconsidered Conference — Panelists Yessenia Balcazar (BA ’17 alum), Kiera Carpenter (BA ’24), and Dan Lyvers (BA ’21 alum) of the Sustainability Studies Program @RooseveltU were featured in the Oct. 18 Tuesday online discussion at 7pm CST on the topic, “Is the American Dream Sustainable?” with a special focus on Chicago as a city. The panel was recorded live on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

Useful Resources on Campus Sustainability @RU

Detailed Zoom Info for Workshop 2 Sessions

Topic: Sustainability Planning Workshop 2A (Tue 11/1 session)
Time: Nov 1, 2022 12:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://roosevelt.zoom.us/j/94697760195

Meeting ID: 946 9776 0195

One tap mobile
+13126266799,,94697760195# US (Chicago)
+16468769923,,94697760195# US (New York)

Dial by your location
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
Meeting ID: 946 9776 0195
Find your local number: https://roosevelt.zoom.us/u/adJBXkM143

Topic: Sustainability Planning Workshop 2B (Wed 11/2 session)
Time: Nov 2, 2022 05:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://roosevelt.zoom.us/j/93253117596

Meeting ID: 932 5311 7596

One tap mobile
+13126266799,,93253117596# US (Chicago)
+13017158592,,93253117596# US (Washington DC)

Dial by your location
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
Meeting ID: 932 5311 7596
Find your local number: https://roosevelt.zoom.us/u/ahx56GVaA

Please RSVP for events and/or submit any questions, ideas, or suggestions to Dr. Mike Bryson (mbryson@roosevelt.edu), SUST 350 Instructor and Professor of Sustainability Studies, College of Arts & Sciences, Roosevelt University. Additional contact info here. Be sure to check the RU Strategic Sustainability Planning webpage for updates!

Campus Sustainability Planning Workshop Next Week on Tue 11/1 & Wed 11/2: Goals & Initiatives for RU

Planning Workshop 2: Sustainability Goals & Initiatives – This second round of RU Strategic Sustainability Planning interactive workshops will review and analyze past goals, projects, and accomplishments; and then strategize and prioritize new campus sustainability goals and initiatives for 2023-28.

All RU community members are invited to participate in either one of these identical sessions, whichever best fits your schedule. Light food refreshments will be provided; just bring your own beverage!

  • Tue 11/1 from 12:00-1:30pm CST in AUD 720 and Zoom
  • Wed 11/2 from 5:00-6:30pm CST in AUD 720 and Zoom

Previous Events

Planning Workshop 1: Sustainability @RU Crash Course – This first round of RU Strategic Sustainability planning workshops was designed to get participants up to speed on what sustainability is, why it’s important, and what we can do to make a change at RU. If you’re wondering what sustainability entails at RU, this is a great place to start!

  • Tue 10/11 from 12:30-1:30pm CST  in AUD 720 and online (Zoom recording)
  • Wed 10/12 from 6:30-7:30pm CST online (Zoom recording)
  • Slide presentation from Workshop 1 (pdf)

RU’s 2022 American Dream Reconsidered Conference — Panelists Yessenia Balcazar (BA ’17 alum), Kiera Carpenter (BA ’24), and Dan Lyvers (BA ’21 alum) of the Sustainability Studies Program @RooseveltU were featured in the Oct. 18 Tuesday online discussion at 7pm CST on the topic, “Is the American Dream Sustainable?” with a special focus on Chicago as a city. The panel was recorded live on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

Useful Resources on Campus Sustainability @RU

Detailed Zoom Info for Workshop 2 Sessions

Topic: Sustainability Planning Workshop 2A (Tue 11/1 session)
Time: Nov 1, 2022 12:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://roosevelt.zoom.us/j/94697760195

Meeting ID: 946 9776 0195

One tap mobile
+13126266799,,94697760195# US (Chicago)
+16468769923,,94697760195# US (New York)

Dial by your location
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
Meeting ID: 946 9776 0195
Find your local number: https://roosevelt.zoom.us/u/adJBXkM143

Topic: Sustainability Planning Workshop 2B (Wed 11/2 session)
Time: Nov 2, 2022 05:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://roosevelt.zoom.us/j/93253117596

Meeting ID: 932 5311 7596

One tap mobile
+13126266799,,93253117596# US (Chicago)
+13017158592,,93253117596# US (Washington DC)

Dial by your location
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
Meeting ID: 932 5311 7596
Find your local number: https://roosevelt.zoom.us/u/ahx56GVaA

Please RSVP for events and/or submit any questions, ideas, or suggestions to Dr. Mike Bryson (mbryson@roosevelt.edu), SUST 350 Instructor and Professor of Sustainability Studies, College of Arts & Sciences, Roosevelt University. Additional contact info here. Be sure to check the RU Strategic Sustainability Planning webpage for updates!