Purpose
The Sustainability Council oversees the development, monitoring, and ongoing reassessment of UNC Asheville’s institutional sustainability plan as well as any further documents that may emerge as part of the planning process.
The sustainability plan will include recommendations for prioritized goals and strategies for each of the following targeted areas: academics, engagement, operations, and planning & administration. The establishment of the Council responds to calls for the integration of institutional sustainability referenced in UNC system sustainability policy 600.6.1, Faculty Senate Resolution on Environmental Sustainability 0803F, and Student Senate Resolution on Sustainability 06-0029.
Responsibilities of the Council
Responsibilities of the Council, some of which may be delegated to selected Sub-Councils, include:
- Development of recommendations for a comprehensive sustainability plan, including campus-wide sustainability goals and objectives, as well as other related documents as needed
- Creation and launch of sub-Councils addressing targeted areas
- Identification of mechanisms and responsible parties for implementation
- Receiving plan updates and measuring progress.
Membership
The members of the Council are appointed by the Co-Chairs. The Faculty Development and Welfare Council (FWDC) provides final approval for faculty members. Members of the Council are appointed to two-year staggered terms, renewable in one- or two-year increments for up to six consecutive years of service. Student members will serve for one-year terms, renewable in one-year increments for up to three consecutive years of service. The Director of Sustainability and Director of Facilities Management positions are appointed ex-officio and not subject to the three-term limit. Unexpected openings will be filled by consultation of the Co-Chairs.
The Council has membership as follows:
The Co-Chairs of the Council
One Co-Chair of the Council shall be the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. The other Co-Chair shall be the Vice Chancellor for Finance & Operations. The Co-Chairs shall preside at all meetings of the Council. The Co-Chairs also are charged with periodic reporting on the progress of the Council. The Co-Chairs may appoint membership of all Sub-Councils and shall designate the Sub-Council chairs. They may assign such additional duties to other members of the Council as deemed necessary for the conduct of the work of the Council and which are not inconsistent or conflicting with the duties otherwise prescribed.
Faculty Members
There shall be a minimum of three UNC Asheville faculty members representing the campus. All faculty members shall bring a demonstrated interest and engagement in campus sustainability efforts and the Council shall be formulated so as to be collectively knowledgeable about the total scope of sustainability at the University.
Staff Members
There shall be a minimum of three UNC Asheville staff members (not including the Co-Chairs) representing the campus. Staff members shall be current SPA or EPA non-faculty employees. All staff members shall bring a demonstrated interest and engagement in campus sustainability efforts and the Council shall be formulated so as to be collectively knowledgeable about the total scope of sustainability at the University.
Student Members
There shall be a minimum of three UNC Asheville students representing the campus. One student member shall be a current co-director of the Student Environmental Center. One student member shall be selected by the President of the Student Government Association. The third student member will be selected the Director of Sustainability based on their significant engagement with sustainability and environmental activities on campus.
Recommendations and report to: Chancellor and the University Planning Council, as well as other governing bodies including Faculty Senate and Student Senate as appropriate depending on the nature of the recommendation. Sub-Councils may be staffed and launched by the Council on a limited term or standing basis. These groups will be responsible for reviewing, analyzing, prioritizing and recommending such strategies that are necessary and appropriate to addressing overall sustainability goals. All Sub-Councils will report progress and recommendations back to the Council.
Meetings
The Council shall meet at least once per semester upon due notice by the Co-Chairs, or more often, if necessary, to conduct the business of the Council. The Co-Chairs shall advise the members of the time and place of the meeting.