The cross-campus Sustainability Strategy Working Group (SSWG) was formed at the request of campus leaders in 2021 and received funding from the Provost's Office beginning in 2022. Forty-five faculty and staff representing every college, UMass Libraries, and UMass Extension engaged in the working group over two phases of work. The process engaged students as thought leaders and coordinated with university-level staff and campus operations.
SSWG Charge & Key Objectives
The working group was charged by university leaders to recommend academic priorities for an expanded, pan-campus SES across education, research, and engagement. Key objectives included:
- Leading a comprehensive engagement process to gather faculty, student, and staff input.
- Developing a unified vision and strategic priorities for sustainability research, education, and engagement.
Establishing strong linkages between academic, operational, and extension functions across campus.
Beyond SSWG: The SES Pan-campus Advisory Council
Having successfully delivered its recommendations to leadership, the working group concluded its service in February 2023. The list of SSWG members is listed below.
To turn those recommendations into lasting action, the School of Earth & Sustainability launched its Pan-campus Advisory Council (PAC). Serving as the direct evolution of the SSWG's work, the Council brings together leadership and representatives from across the university to guide SES governance, inform strategic operations, and deepen institutional impact across campus and beyond.
Learn More: SES Pan-Campus Advisory Council & Strategic Network
SSWG Members
Faculty and staff representatives for SSWG across both phases of service.