News & Information
Sustainability Retreat 2006 Breakout Group Reports
| At the 2006 retreat, each breakout group worked to develop a set indicators that could be used to measure our progress toward sustainability in a particular aspect of University operations. These indicator lists were gathered in a spreadsheet file of more than potential indicators in total, and this master list was culled down to twenty-seven indicators that will be used to produce the first annual Willamette University Sustainability Assessment Report in the fall of 2008. The complete indicator lists and the final twenty-seven are available in the Willamette University Assessment Matrix . |
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Over the last year Willamette has made great strides regarding sustainability because it has deep roots on this campus. But as we look ahead, it is critical for us to evaluate and assess our present curriculum, research, and operations in order to effectively plan, budget, and initiate new programs and policies for incorporating the 4 Es into the fabric of Willamette. Building off of the work of last year’s retreat, participants this year will learn about institutional sustainability assessment procedures and goals, and develop a process fitted to Willamette's unique circumstances. |
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Approximately 40 students, staff, faculty, administrators, and Trustees. |
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An opening session will discuss Willamette's sustainability efforts and orient participants with the assessment experiences and outcomes of other institutions. Goals and procedures will be established for the five break out groups organized by critical endeavors of the University: |
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Focusing on the central mission of the University—
Considering the University’s major sectors
of consumption
Evaluating the University's inputs and outputs
Considering the broader effects of the University's
operations
Focusing on the University's long range development and management |
| At the retreat each break-out group will prepare a short, written report reflecting the critical points of its discussion, ideas for projects/goals, and resource needs. These reports will be presented in the closing session of the retreat and made available to the University community. |
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Groups will discuss and develop lists of indicators for various sectors of the University that will serve as a basis for assessment. Participants will also determine the extent to which assessment can be done internally, and areas that may require outside help or additional expertise. Groups will also produce a list of assessment related projects that may be funded through mini-grants or other sources Fun, rejuvenation, and a common vision! |
Readings
1. Introduction
2. Berea
3. CSAP-Assessment
4. Constructing
Indicators
Sample Indicators
5. CSAP-Indicators
6. Good
Company-Indicators
Sample Assessment Reports
7. Vassar
8. Berkeley
9. Vermont
10. Penn
State