Pilot Programme Embeds Sustainability Across Teaching and Learning at The University of the West Indies

About the Programme

The University of the West Indies (The UWI) is among six universities selected for the pilot run of an international programme to embed sustainability across teaching and learning in higher education institutions. The initiative, ‘Responsible Futures’, is led by the International Association of Universities (IAU) in partnership with Students Organising for Sustainability (SOS-UK), which has been working with higher education institutions in the UK for almost ten years.

Programme Overview

Responsible Futures is a change programme and accreditation mark that works to put sustainability at the heart of student learning by creating an institutional approach across both curricular and non-curricular activities throughout the entire institution. Over the past decade, the programme has positively impacted over 600,000 students, in the UK. As a member of the IAU, The UWI was invited to participate based on its expertise and focus on sustainable development in the Caribbean region and its leadership in the Global University Consortium on the UN Sustainable Development Goal 13 (Climate Action).

University Involvement

Director of Education at Students Organising for Sustainability, Quinn Runkle remarked, “We’re delighted to be working with The University of the West Indies to pilot the Responsible Futures international programme, partnering students and staff to work together to embed sustainability in student learning. The UWI has been selected to take a lead role in representing the Caribbean region in this ground-breaking initiative and we look forward to progressing this important work with the university and their students.”

Student-Led Initiative

Commenting on The UWI’s involvement, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Global Affairs, Sandrea Maynard, whose office is the institutional lead for the Global University Consortium on SDG 13, noted that at The UWI, Responsible Futures will be student-led through the UWI STAT (Students Today, Alumni Tomorrow) Ambassadorial Corps. The Corps is a leading regional student group with a reputation for climate action and advocacy. UWI STAT students will incorporate activities and initiatives integrating students across the University’s eight faculties and five campuses.

Corps Oversight

Founder and Regional Coordinator of the Corps, Celia Davidson Francis, will oversee the process of working together with The UWI’s Sustainability Network, as well as with its administrative, student and academic frameworks.

Programme Importance

Davidson Francis has emphasized that it is vital that “the next generation of leaders: our students, are involved leaders and participants in this programme because they will be living ‘the futures’ decided by behaviours practiced, as well as actions taken today.”

University Expectations

PVC Maynard also underscored that this latest initiative deepens the regional university’s collaboration with the IAU and further affirms The UWI’s efforts as an SDG-engaged University. She anticipates that the programme will complement the university’s research agenda on climate change and sustainable development and equip future Caribbean leaders and technical managers.

Monitoring and Reporting

The UWI’s Office for Global Affairs also works closely with the IAU, and will be responsible for monitoring and reporting on this initiative.

Conclusion

The University of the West Indies is proud to be part of this international programme, which aims to make sustainability a core part of student learning. By engaging students in this initiative, we are empowering them to become leaders in sustainability and equipping them with the knowledge and skills to drive positive change in their communities.

FAQs

* What is the Responsible Futures programme?
– Responsible Futures is a change programme and accreditation mark that works to put sustainability at the heart of student learning by creating an institutional approach across both curricular and non-curricular activities throughout the entire institution.
* Who is leading the programme?
– The programme is led by the International Association of Universities (IAU) in partnership with Students Organising for Sustainability (SOS-UK).
* What is the goal of the programme?
– The goal of the programme is to embed sustainability across teaching and learning in higher education institutions, with a focus on the Caribbean region.
* Who will be involved in the programme?
– UWI STAT (Students Today, Alumni Tomorrow) Ambassadorial Corps, a leading regional student group with a reputation for climate action and advocacy, will be involved in the programme, alongside administrative, student and academic frameworks.