Faculty and administration leaders at the University of Colorado are considering adding faculty representation to the university’s systemwide Sustainability Steering Committee. This committee is responsible for identifying and pursuing opportunities for sustainability collaboration across the CU system.
Earlier in the year, Faculty Council discussed creating an ad hoc committee focused on sustainability. During its August 28 meeting, which was held remotely, Chair Jorge Chavez indicated that campus faculty assemblies might instead serve as representatives on the existing administration committee.
“I think that this makes a lot of sense, at least for a trial period,” said council member David Paradis, who previously co-chaired the CU Boulder Faculty Assembly’s Climate Science and Education Committee. “Then we’ll see if there’s a need for a separate Faculty Council committee.”
The August 28 meeting marked both the first session of the academic year and Chavez’s debut as Faculty Council chair. Among other topics discussed was faculty interest in expressing support for academic freedom in teaching and research roles.
“Given the current climate, it’s understandable that there are concerns about academic freedom across our campuses,” said Chavez, who noted he’d recently discussed the topic with President Todd Saliman. “I will continue to advocate on our behalf. As you see things happen on your campuses, please raise them to me so I can raise them to the president.”
The next Faculty Council meeting is scheduled for September 25. Chavez mentioned it may be held in person with a hybrid option rather than solely remote. Meetings were previously held at 1800 Grant St. until 2020 when they shifted to Zoom due to the pandemic.
