Sustainability orientation sessions delivered to 5,400 TU Dublin students
Faculties and schools are working to embed sustainability within the curriculum to enable and empower students to progressively develop their sustainability knowledge and skills in a manner which is clearly linked and applied to their programme. To support this initiative between 13 – 15 September 2023, all incoming students participated in a programme of introductory sustainability and climate action initiatives.
As part of their orientation over 5,400 first year students participated in 30 individual interactive sustainability workshops and were invited to partake in a survey of their knowledge of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Speaking about the delivery of the new sustainability orientation induction, Head of Sustainability Education, Dr Brian Gormley said: Delivering sustainability and climate action initiatives during Orientation clearly communicates to new students the values and mission of the University. During their studies in TU Dublin they will be developing the skills and the knowledge to solve global challenges through their discipline, and these skills are highly valued by employers.
The inaugural programme has been designed to introduce students to sustainability activity at TU Dublin and to inspire students to get involved in learning opportunities, projects and events during their time at university. Partnering with faculties and schools, strategic projects, and local community groups and business, the Sustainability Education team delivered a series of Sustainability & Climate Action Challenges across all five campus locations. Over 300 students completed these activities which were designed to engage them in some of the most challenging sustainability and climate problems facing society including - biodiversity and habitat conservation, emissions reduction, and climate adaptation and resilience.
Speaking of programme of activities, Workday Corporate Affairs & Operations Director, Victoria MacKechnie said: In the workshop that Workday hosted, TU Dublin Computer Science first year students displayed creative and practical approaches in our set challenge to select sustainability-focused vendors, using our innovative technology. Workday was delighted to participate in this TU Dublin initiative and unleash new thinking around sustainability and how it can improve all aspects of society.
The Sustainability Orientation and programme of events was supported by the SATLE fund and the National Forum for Enhancement of Teaching and Learning.