This August, as a part of new student orientation, 1,300 plus incoming first-year students will be exposed to one of the University’s greatest assets, Squire Valleevue Farm to learn about CWRU’s sustainability and climate goals and the diverse research that occurs at the Farm. A variety of Think Seminars will be offered to incoming students by faculty and guess experts. The event is meant to allow students to engage with and experience the University Farm in a genuine way early in their collegiate career, that will hopefully help to shape their experiences at CWRU and in Cleveland for the next four years. Think Seminars are being offered on a wide range of topics and include a conversation about climate change with Sustainability Director Stephanie Corbett called “Can Recycling Change the World?” as well as an undergraduate researcher led discussion concerning wind energy and research at the farm. There are seminars related to all fields of study at CWRU including history, art, theater, business, and a multitude of science disciplines, that help to connect the students to the farm and to sustainability using their own interests as a starting point. Students will also be given time to have fun with field day activities and will be offered a local food lunch. The First-Year Experience and Family Programs department, the University Farm staff and the Office for Sustainability collaborated to plan this new event and hope it results in students making connections with their new home while they learn more about sustainability and the university. These seminars are a part of a long-term Climate Action Plan goal to integrate sustainability into the formal and informal learning experience of every CWRU student.
Story by Morgan Bulger