1. ES 4900 (5900 Graduate Students)
Sustainability Implementation Practicum
Variable Credits, 1-3: Students to make work arrangements based on number of credits
Time:Lecture - Wednesday3:05-5:00 P.M.
Room:Lecture - Baker230
Facilitator: TeachingAssistant:
Annie Laurie Cadmus CheyenneFenstemaker
E-Mail:cadmus@ohio.edu Email:cf572011@ohio.edu
Office:BinghamHouse Office:BinghamHouse
Phone:740-593-0460 Phone:740-593-0460
Course Description
The SustainabilityImplementationPracticum,ES4900/5900, will involve studentsinacritical analysisof the Ohio
UniversitySustainabilityPlanand/orcommunity-basedprojectsthatsupportthe OhioUniversityOfficeof
Sustainability’smission/vision.Studentswill be directlyengagedinthe explorationof contemporaryactivism,
leadership,professionalismandlocal issues. Implementationof effective projectsandfeasibilitystudiestoadvance
institutional sustainabilityeffortswillprovide studentsthe opportunitytomake meaningfulchangeswithintheircampus
community. Thiscourse’sfocuswill allow studentsthe opportunitytobetterdefinesustainabilityandthe role itplays
intheirlives, learnorenhance skillsthatwillencouragesustainable behaviorsandmake positive contributionstotheir
personal health,the natural environmentandthe local community.
Objectives:
1. Understandactivismstrategiesandhow theymanifestinthe professional world.
2. Be able to define andinterpretthe conceptof “sustainability.”
3. Gainan understandingandworkingknowledge of OhioUniversity’spoliciesandprocedures, andthe purpose of both
the Climate ActionPlanandSustainabilityPlan.
4. Enhance professional developmentandcommunicationskillsetsbyfurtheringprogressonaproject.
5. Use networkingopportunitiestoconnectwithpeople whoshare similarinterestsonandaroundcampus.
6. Gainskillsinprojectmanagementanddevelopment.
ReadingMaterials*:
1.) Morrone,Michele."InOrderto Be an Activist,YouDon't Have to Be Obvious."Editorial. Athensnews.com.Athens
News,10 Feb.2011. Web.9 June 2015.
2.) VanDen Berg,Anton."The Basicsof ProjectManagement.”Change Designs.Web.9June 2015.
3.) Barker, Chris,BrianMartin, and Mary Zournazi. EmotionalSelf-managementforActivists.Nov.2008. Web.9 June
2015.
4.) Knowles, Bran;Blair, Lynne;Walker, Stuart;Coulton, Paul;Thomas,Lisa;Mullagh, Louise.Patternsof persuasionfor
sustainability. DIS'14 Proceedingsof the 2014 conference onDesigninginteractivesystems.New York:ACM, 2014. p.
1035-1044.
5.) Lueneburger,Chris,andDaniel Goleman.“The Change LeadershipSustainabilityDemands.” MITSloan Management
Review. 17 May 2010. Web.8 June 2015.
*In an efforttopractice sustainable use of resources,classreadingswill come fromonline articlesthatwill be postedon
Blackboardfor viewing.Studentsare notencouragedtoprintthese articles.
PleaseNote: Facilitatorsof this coursereservethe right to assign readingsthroughoutthesemesterthatarenotlisted in
the syllabus.Readingswilleither be provided electronically or in hard copy form.Thestudentwill notbe asked to purchase
additionalreading materialsforthiscourse.

2. Expectations:
1. Attendance andParticipation:
a. Because bothnational andOhioUniversitystudiesshow adirectrelationshipbetweenclassroom
attendance andgrade performance, andsince muchof the course involvesdiscussionandactive
participation,youare expectedtoattendevery class. Attendance will be takenateachclassmeeting.
Your participationinclassisalsoa partof yourgrade andis therefore critical toyoursuccess.Foreach
unexcusedabsence, five pointswill be deductedfromyourtotal pointsinthe class. Exceptions,of
course, existandcanbe accommodatedasneeded. If astudentisill orfacedwithanotheremergency,
please call oremail the instructorinadvance of the classand alternate arrangementswill be made to
accommodate anexcusedabsence.
b. Course participantsare expectedtoattendall lectures(3:05-3:30pm,Wednesdays), SOULMeetings
(3:30-5pm, Wednesdays)andparticipate atleastonce weeklyonthe online platform,Basecamp.
DiscussionGroupSessionswillalsobe available forstudentswhoselected2-3credithours(60 minutes
weekly,timeTBD).
2. Promptness& Preparedness:
a. Because itis unfairanddisrespectfultoyourclassmatesforyoutoarrive late to class, youare expected
to arrive ontime. Youmay be countedabsentif youdonot arrive ontime.
b. You are expectedtohave readanyreadingassignmentsforthe followingclassandtobringyour
textbook(if applicable) toeachclass session.If youhaven’treadthe material,neitheryounorthe class
will benefitasmuchfromthe discussion. Please notethatbeingpreparedfordiscussionsispartof your
grade.
c. You are expectedtobe courteousandrespectfulof yourinstructorsandfellowstudents.Youwill be
exposedtoavarietyof viewpoints, valuesandopinionsincollege andthroughoutlife thatwill differ
fromyour own. We want everyoneinthe ES4900 classto feel comfortable expressingtheirviewpoints
and concerns;youare an importantpart of creatingan atmosphere thatwillmake thatpossible.
d. Thiscourse offersa rare opportunityforstudentstoprofessionallyinteractwithcampusadministrators,
facultyandpeers. Assuch, all participantsare expectedtocommunicateprofessionallyandrespectfully
inboth writtenandverbal situations.
3. AcademicIntegrity
a. “As an academiccommunity,Ohio University holdstheintellectualand personalgrowth of theindividual
to be a central purpose.Itsprogramsaredesigned to broadenperspectives,enrich awareness,deepen
understanding,establish disciplined habitof thought, prepareformeaningfulcareers, and thusto help
develop individualswho areinformed, responsible,and productivecitizens”(OhioUniversityMission
Statement). Partof thisprocessincludesthe expectationthatstudentswillbe honestandforthrightin
theiracademicendeavors.All formsof academicmisconductare prohibitedby the StudentCode of
Conduct,andwill be dealtwithaccordinglyandwiththe utmostseriousness.
b. AcademicMisconductisa Code A violationof the OhioUniversityStudentCodeof Conduct.Academic
Misconductreferstodishonestyinexaminations(cheating), presentingthe ideasorthe writingof
someone elseasyourown(plagiarism), orknowinglyfurnishingfalse informationtothe university.
c. If you are foundtobe involvedinacademicmisconduct, youwill receive an“F”grade onthe projector
for the classand a referral tothe Directorof Judiciarieswiththe possible sanctionsof suspensionor
expulsion.If youwouldlike additional informationaboutAcademicMisconductorthe OhioUniversity
StudentCode of Conduct, consulthttp://www.ohio.edu/judiciaries/academic-misconduct.cfm#students
Accommodations:
In compliance withthe AmericanswithDisabilitiesAct(ADA), all qualifiedstudentsenrolledinthiscourse are entitledto
“reasonable accommodations.”If youare a studentwithspecificneeds,itisyourresponsibilitytoinformyour
instructorsbefore the endof the secondweekof class.

3. Grading and Evaluation:
You will receive alettergrade forthiscourse.Be aware that you will not be allowedtoretake this course for
a bettergrade at a later time.Youare stronglyencouragedtomonitoryourownprogressinthis(andother)
course(s). All projectsubmissionsshould be typed, double-spaced, savedinWORDformatandpostedto
Basecamp. Hard copiesof assignmentswill not be acceptedunlessyouhave made prior arrangementswith
the instructor.
GradingRubric: Assignmentsand courseschedulearesubjectto change
Assignment/Item Notes/Description % of grade Points
Attendance Studentsare expectedtoprepare forclassandengage inthe
session. Readingsmustbe completedsostudentscanengage ina
discussionthe followingweek. Attendance isexpectedforboththe
lecture anddiscussiongroup(if applicable). 5 pointsperweek@
14 weeks=70points.
12% 70
Participationon
Basecamp
Studentsmustactively participate inatleastone discussionon
Basecampeachweek. 5 pointsperweek@13 weeks=65 points+
5 pointsforattachingfinal presentationtoapost inWeek13.
12% 70
Participationin
Discussionsinclass
Studentsare expectedtoparticipate fullyinweeklydiscussions. 5
pointsperweek@14 weeks= 70 points.
12% 70
ClassProjectCheck-ins Withsupportfromthe instructor& teachingassistant, eachstudent
isresponsibleforresearchingnecessarystepsand contacting
appropriate entitieswhenneeded.Studentsare expectedtoshow
reasonable progressatvariouscheck-inpointsthroughoutthe
semester. 2check-inmeetingsat25 pointseach=50 points.
8.5% 50
Mid-Term
Presentation
Each memberof the course will be askedtogive anin-classwith
updatesontheirprojectprogressto-date. Thispresentationmust
include the scope of the project, effortsthusfarandanticipated
progressforthe remainderof the semester. 100 points.
17% 100
ProjectPresentation
and ProjectSubmission
Each memberof the course will be askedtogive a10 minute
presentationontheirprojectstatus. Theywill be gradedonboth
presentationskills(50points) andthe final submissionof materials
to Basecamp(100 points).If the presentationisdeemedsuitable
for furtherimplementation,the studentwill be giventhe
opportunitytopresenttheirproposal toadministration.
25% 150
PeerSupport Studentsare expectedtoreadBasecampupdatesfromtheirpeers
Throughoutthe semesterandofferconstructivefeedback.
“Constructive”meansthatthe studentmustaskinsightful
questions, offersupplementalresources/websites, suggestothers
on campusthat maywant to partneror provide otherideasto
consider. 5 postsat 10 pointseach= 50 points
8.5% 50
ProjectSelection and
SustainabilityExpo
Studentswill be askedtoattendtheSustainabilityExpowherethey
will networkwithfacultyandstaff membersandselecttheirclass
project.
5% 30
Extra Credit Dependingonthe classsize eachsemester, studentswillbe
expectedtotake onadditional SOULprojectsasthey arise
throughoutthe semester. Studentswhovolunteertodoso may be
awardedextracreditshouldthe workbe worthyof suchcredit.
Extra Creditwill notexceed10% of the overall grade.
-- --

4. Grading Scale (by %)
A = 93-100% A- = 90-92% B+ = 87-89% B = 83-86%
B - = 80-82% C+ = 77-79 C = 73-76% C- = 70-72%
D+ = 67-69% D = 63-66% D- = 60-62 F = 59%-0%
Course Schedule
Week 1, August 26: Introduction to Sustainability
An overview of the course and the definitionof sustainabilitywill be offered. During this session, students
will complete and submit a pre-course survey which will help inform project assignments. Students will be
made aware of the differentsustainability programs on campus and how sustainabilityimplementation is
occurring. (OoS: general sustainability stewardship and can tell you who to talk with for your projects,
Athletics, Culinary, Recycling). We will discuss Association for the Advancement of Sustainabilityin Higher
Education (www.aashe.org) & other professional organizations. We will discuss how we will explore Activism
for the 21st
Century. We will also brainstorm ideas for professionalism in how to reach out to officeson
campus when enacting change.
Assignments:
Complete the followingreadings:
- SustainabilityPlan (FY13 Update and OU SustainabilityPlan)
- Be prepared to discuss benchmarks throughout the semester and offer a critique of the plan.
Week 2, September 2: Sustainability Expo
Students will attend the SustainabilityExpo in lieuof class, where they will chose a semester-longproject that
positivelybenefitsthe Ohio UniversitySustainabilityPlan. A listof projects and departments representedat the
Expo to be announced.
Assignments:
Complete the followingreadings:
- “The Change LeadershipSustainabilityDemands.” Lueneburger,Chris,and Daniel Goleman.
Brainstormideasfornextweek’selevatorspeech.
Week 3, September 9: Elevator Speeches
Students will be asked to think critically about an upcoming semester-long project and give a short speech
outlining the project title, pertinence to the Ohio University Sustainability Plan, the scope of the project, and
a list of mini goals for the semester. More information TBD.
Assignments:
Complete the following readings:
-"The Basicsof ProjectManagement.” VanDenBerg,Anton.
Post on Basecamp (at minimum, post to the correct Benchmark by outliningthe scope of the project you
will accomplish this semester).
Week 4, September 16: Bureaucracy, Policies, and Paperwork
Discussion about policiesand procedures at the institutional level.What alternatives exist to protest when it
comes to enacting change? A focus on project management and communication skills. Discussion surrounding
"The Basics of ProjectManagement.”

5. Assignments:
Complete the following readings:
"In Orderto Be an Activist, YouDon'tHave to Be Obvious." Michelle Morrone
“Emotional Self-managementforActivists.”Barker,Chris,BrianMartin,andMary Zournazi.
Post on Basecamp (at minimum, post a listof micro-goals for the semester)
Week 5, September 23: Activism Strategies and Linking Strategies to Practice
Discussion surrounding differentstrategies for Activism. Be prepared to discuss articles by Morrone and
Barker, Martin, and Zournazi.
Assignments:
Continue to work on class project
Post on Basecamp (project progress, roadblocks, changes in project scope)
Week 6, September 30: Compost Tour
Sustainability SpecialistSam Crowl will lead a tour of the Ohio University Compost Facility,the largest in-
vessel composting system at any universityin the nation. Details to be announced.
Assignments:
Dream Job Search :
-Do a “dream job” search and finda postingfor your dreamjob.
Next,answerthe followingquestions:
1. List the titlesandorganizationsof eachjobchosen.
2. Expoundonwhythe jobinterestsyou.
3. What skills/experiencesof importancewere repeatedlymentioned?
4. Were there anyskills/experiencesthatsurprisedyou?
5. Of the skillsnotes,whichdoyoufeel youhave alreadymasteredandwhichdoyouneedto improve upon
before applyingforjobs?
6. If attaininga jobsimilartoany of these isa long-termgoal,whatpathsdoyouneedto take the get there?
Week 7, October 7: Creating a Professional Development Plan
We will use class time to help each student create an individualized Professional Development Plan. The
purpose of a professional developmentplan is to help students conceptualize action steps needed to further
their career goals.
Tentative Plan:
Provide a bulletedlist of the actions you will take to further developthe skills and experiencesyou identified
as necessary for your preferred career interests. This response can take any form you wish as long as it is clear
that you have thought through the skillsyou need to develop the actions you can take to develop them.
To help guide this process, here are some questions to consider:
 What type of degree is neededfor these positions?
 What activities can you take part in to enhance your experience?Will you joina professional organization?
Will you volunteer?
 What types of additional certifications or accreditations could you benefitfrom?  How will you establish a
professional network of peers?
 How will you get ahead in these fields?Will you do personal research or study scholarly journals?  Are
there any professional conferences you could attend?
Assignments:
Post on Basecamp.

6. Week 8, October 14: Networking 101
Assignments:
Week 9, October 21: Mid-Term Presentations
Students will present on their project progress thus far. Students will be given a maximum presentation time
of 8 minutes with up to 5 minutes of helpful conversation and feedback from the class.
Assignments:
Continue work on class project.
Post on Basecamp.
Week 10, October 28: Design Play Card Game Activity
Assignments:
Complete the followingreadings:
“Patterns for Persuasion for Sustainability” Knowles, Bran;Blair, Lynne;Walker, Stuart;Coulton, Paul;Thomas,
Lisa; Mullagh, Louise
Continue to work on class project.
Week 11, November 4: Arguing for Sustainability
You were just hired for a job that you are passionate about and your boss informs you that sustainability is
not a priority in this area. How can you be an effective champion for sustainability? Discussion surrounding
assigned reading. Brainstorming effective communication and persuasion tactics in sustainability.
Week 12, November 11: Veteran’s Day, NO CLASS
Week 13, November 18: Project Work Day
The instructor and the Teaching Assistant will be available in the classroom on this day to assist students with
wrapping up projects to be prepare for the final presentation. Details to be announced.
Assignments:
Work on Final Presentation.
Week 14, November 25: Thanksgiving Break, NO CLASS
Assignments:
Work on Final Presentation.
Week 15, December 2: FINAL PRESENTATIONS