Smith College: Strategic Planning


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SUPPORT & PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

Environmental sustainability and its scientific, economic, and social components have become increasingly urgent concerns, affecting us on all levels -- local, regional, national, and global. Smith has already developed considerable strength in this area, including programs in landscape studies, environmental science and policy, and engineering. These programs emphasize sustainability and its critical relationship to the natural world and to human societies and provide an exceptional opportunity for further program development. Moreover, sustainability as an operational principle ensures responsible stewardship of the college’s physical resources. The college continues to improve its energy and waste management practices.

Areas for Exploration


	How can we best develop environmental literacy in our students?

	How can we best structure and focus our research and curricular efforts with connections to sustainability?

	What should be the college’s commitment to sustainability as it relates to the curriculum and co-curriculum? What academic initiatives in this area will serve us best?

	What is the most effective way of building sustainability goals into our campus operations, such as the physical plant and dining services?

Potential Strategies Emerging from Campus and Alumnae Discussions


	Coordinate and enhance curricular offerings related to environmental stewardship, policy, and impact.

	Coordinate existing policies and programs that focus on the natural and built environment and on the sustainable use of resources.

	Sustain and enhance energy conservation through equipment changeovers, community awareness, energy policies, etc.

	Integrate environmental awareness into planning for facilities construction and renovation.

	Involve students in these issues to provide educational and community service opportunities.


	Next: Open Doors to Women of Promise >

The Planning Process

Re-imagining the
Liberal Arts at Smith

Strategic Directions

Strengthen essential student capacities

Promote a culture of research, inquiry,
& discovery

Encourage purposeful engagement with society’s challenges

Deepen students’ awareness &
appreciation of
other cultures &
global issues

Prepare women for rewarding lives in a rapidly changing world

Support & promote environmental sustainability

Open doors to
women of promise

Extend Smith’s
impact on the world

Committee on
Mission & Priorities