Monday, March 1, 2010

DAYTON DEANERY — A new minor at the University of Dayton will help students of all majors gain perspective on how sustainability, energy and environmental issues can impact their chosen career paths.

 
The minor in sustainability, energy and environment (SEE), which began accepting students into an introductory course this semester, is the latest development in the university’s overall initiative to be a responsible steward of the environment and educate students to think about their impact on the planet.
 
“Both Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI proclaimed the stewardship of earth’s resources as a moral issue, and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has called for education, action and advocacy for public policy that reduces the impacts of climate change on the disadvantaged and vulnerable,” said Paul Benson, dean of the university’s College of Arts and Sciences. “The SEE minor responds to these imperatives.”
 
The SEE minor was initiated from interest in ecological issues and among students and faculty.

“There has been interest all across campus for the SEE minor,” Benson said.

The goal of the minor is to work in tandem with students’ own major to have the ability to think more creatively and intelligently about environmental issues, Benson said.

Junior Sarah Peterson saw a perfect opportunity in the SEE minor to prepare her for a career as an advocate for environmental justice. Currently majoring in sociology with minors in both anthropology and SEE, Peterson plans to pursue a master’s degree in sustainability.
 
The 18-credit hour minor will fulfill general education requirements and include a choice of core courses as well as flexibility in research that can be tailored to individual interests, which is expected to attract students from a variety of majors.