TO:     University of Pennsylvania Faculty

FROM:     Daniel Garofalo, Environmental Sustainability Director

Penn’s Climate Action Plan, our roadmap for institutional sustainability, was produced in 2009 and updated in October 2014. Among the academic recommendations of Climate Action Plan 2.0 is a focus on support for Penn faculty interested in teaching or researching topics of environmental sustainability.

Now in its 7th year, the Integrating Sustainability Across the Curriculum (ISAC) program provides paid interns to assist faculty in integrating sustainability into new or existing courses. Faculty work with an undergraduate research assistant, chosen through a competitive selection process, over eight weeks in the summer to update course content, adjust syllabi, presentations and reading lists, and modify exams to include environmental sustainability issues.

Over the past six summers, the ISAC program has supported faculty in a diverse array of disciplines, including architecture, law, biology, engineering, urban planning and German language. Faculty participants have unanimously reported extremely high quality work and have been delighted by their students’ productivity and enthusiasm for the work.

What’s Involved?

To participate in this transformational academic experience, please review the Call for Faculty Proposals posted on the Green Campus Partnership website. Madeline Schuh in Penn’s Sustainability Office, mschuh@upenn.edu can answer questions about ISAC or connect you with a faculty member who has participated in the past.

How to Apply

If you decide to apply, submit a one-page proposal by Wednesday, February 14 that:

• describes the existing or proposed course;
• indicates the reason for integrating or enhancing sustainability in the course; and
• includes a brief work plan for a student research assistant.

Program Requirements

If accepted into ISAC 2018, requirements for participation include:

• participation in a one-day workshop for faculty in early May; and
• co-supervise a student research assistant for eight weeks over the summer of 2018.