At the start of this semester, the Serve-Learn-Sustain program introduced its first set of courses available for general students. This program is actually Tech’s third Quality Enhancement Plan, the other two being the International Plan and the Undergraduate Research Plan, as part of a broader initiative to respond to concerns by past graduates as well as to forward Tech’s strategic plan for the future.
Starting with this term, students will be able to register for a slew of interdisciplinary “special topics courses” that are meant to combine students’ academic and career interests into a program designed to improve the human condition. The two courses being taught this semester are “Sustainable Community and Systems” and “Sustainable Community Principles.”
Additionally, the program will include a host of diverse and interesting events. In fact, this past semester, the Center for Serve-Learn-Sustain hosted the Liam’s Legacy Symposium — an interdisciplinary discussion focused on achieving sustainability and the concept of “community.” Additionally, the program featured a slew of guest speakers including Jenita McGowan, the chief sustainability officer for the City of Cleveland, as well as Stephanie Stuckey-Benfield, the sustainability director for the City of Atlanta. The event showcased the kind of work the Center hopes to accomplish in the coming years.
“We are engaging community partners at and around Georgia Tech as we continue to develop programs for the students’ academic experience” said Kristina Chatfield, a Center staff member.
In addition to courses, the Center offers a few affiliated projects and courses such as Sustainable Aquaponics. Students can find the Center for Serve-Learn-Sustain in Clough Commons.