Sustainable Environment RAP – Fall 2008

This great RAP offers wonderful opportunities for 60 first-year students who are passionate about the environment and want to incorporate their environmental interests with their academic studies.

You hear a lot about sustainability these days, but maybe you're not really sure what it means or how it affects you—or what you can do about it…

You're concerned about global warming and the relationship between the earth and its people—including your own place in the global landscape…

If this sounds like you, and you want to learn more about these important issues, then you definitely need to check out this RAP!

A key component of the program is to introduce you to a broad range of environmental topics from varying perspectives. A background in the sciences is acceptable, though not necessary for participation in this program!

The Sustainable Environment RAP is an interdisciplinary program led by distinguished faculty from five academic areas: Environmental Sciences; Biology; Building Materials & Wood Technology; Natural Resources Conservation; Plant, Soil & Insect Sciences.

Please read these Welcome Letters from two of the five faculty members participating in the RAP:

Be sure to visit the How to Join page on this website to learn about the process and important timelines you must follow to become a member of this fantastic program!

When you join this RAP you will…

  • Enroll in a unique a 1-credit seminar taught by dynamic UMass faculty with a true passion for the subject . The seminar will explore sustainability issues from multiple perspectives, include guest speakers, provide opportunities for group projects, and encourage lively discussions.
  • Learn about crucial environmental challenges facing the world today and explore ways to address these challenges in your life.
  • Share your living-and-learning experience with other students committed to environmental change.
  • Engage with faculty leaders to discuss and identify ways to pursue your academic and/or career goals.


Classes

For the Fall '08 semester you will enroll in the following classes:
  • RAP Seminar 1-credit, in the residential area
  • Philosophy 160 – Introduction to Ethics, in the residential area

Students will also enroll in one of the following classes taught on the main campus (reserved seats in these large lectures):

  • Biology 108 – Biodiversity
  • Building Material and Wood Technology 191A – The Built Environment
  • Environmental Science 101– Introductory Environmental Science
  • NRC 100 – Society and the Environment

There will also be opportunities to enroll in popular lecture classes and a RAP seminar during the Spring '09 semester!

Location

Students will live together in Mary Lyon Hall in the Northeast area of campus.

As you explore ways to incorporate your environmental interests with your academic career, consider the numerous UMass majors with relevant concentrations.

You may decide to pursue a double major or you may choose to major in one area and minor in another. Here is a sample of possible choices: Environmental Sciences; Biology; Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation; Journalism; Plant, Soil and Insect Sciences; Building Materials and Wood Technology; Landscape Architecture; Geography; Philosophy.

The faculty who lead the Sustainable Environment RAP Seminar will help you navigate the expanse of choices to determine which path best suits your individual interests and skills.