Summer Member Meeting Agenda

Community College Network Leaders’ Alliance Executive Committee Meeting (formerly CCASE Executive Committee) 
(by invitation only)

College and University Network Leaders’ Alliance Executive Committee Meeting (formerly CEDD Executive Committee)
(by invitation only)

Welcome and Introductions

• Dr. Marty Matlock, Executive Director, University of Arkansas Resiliency Center, Professor of Ecological Engineering
• Michelle Wyman, Executive Director, National Council for Science and the Environment
• Kate Ceste, Communications, Events, and Membership Manager, National Council for Science and the Environment 

How to Build a Culture and Climate of Inclusivity and Racial Equity: Part 1
In this two part session, we will gain an understanding of the importance of shared language and commitment to inclusivity and racial equity in our institutions. We will also move to strategies and applications that take us beyond thoughts and good intentions to building internal structures and policies that will be the foundation for more equitable culture and climate for learning.

• Dr. Yvette Murphy-Erby, Vice-Provost for Diversity and Inclusion, University of Arkansas

• Karen Spiller, Thomas W. Haas Professor in Sustainable Food Systems, University of New Hampshire

Opportunities for NCSE Member Institutions to Collaborate on Diversity Initiatives
During this interactive session, NCSE will introduce new ideas and opportunities for collaboration on diversity initiatives. Attendees will have the opportunity to brainstorm alongside NCSE staff on potential ideas for diversity programs managed by NCSE but led by Member Institutions. 

• Dr. Erica Goldman, Science Policy Director, National Council for Science and the Environment

Flash Talk Happy Hour
Over drinks, hear from colleagues about their recent research and work.

• Welcome from Dr. Joe Steinmetz, Chancellor, University of Arkansas

Dinner and Networking

Morning Welcome

• Dr. Peter Walker, Dean and Professor, Falk School of Sustainability, Chatham University
  Chair, NCSE College and University Network Leaders’ Alliance Executive Committee (formerly Council for Environmental Deans and Directors Executive Committee)
• Dr. Robert Franco, Director, Office for Institutional Effectiveness, Kapi'olani Community College
  Chair, NCSE Community College Network Leaders’ Alliance Executive Committee (formerly Community College Alliance for Sustainability Education Executive Committee)

Collaborative Opportunities with UN Environment Science Division
This session will share different opportunities to engage at the international level, including through citizen science, contributing to publications, contributing to the provision of data at the subnational level, and scanning the horizon for new science-based solutions to environmental challenges.

• Brennan Van Dyke, Chief, Capacity Development and Innovation Branch, Science Division, UN Environment Programme

Science in Environmental Decision-Making: New NCSE Programs and Initiatives
Attendees will explore new ways to engage at the science-decision interface. NCSE will share plans for scientists to engage with our local government network, NCSE Applied Solutions, and build capacity for effective science and policy communications. In addition, we will discuss several place-based pilots that we are developing in Alaska, New Mexico, and Paris, France. We will have time to work in small groups to share ideas for mobilizing the network strategically.

• Dr. Erica Goldman, Science Policy Director, National Council for Science and the Environment

Campus Highlight - Community Design Center

The University of Arkansas Community Design Center advances creative development in Arkansas through education, research, and design solutions that enhance the physical environment. The center addresses new challenges in affordable housing, urban sprawl, environmental planning, and management of regional growth or decline. 

Luncheon Keynote

• Stephen D. Luoni, Director, University of Arkansas Community Design Center

College and University Network Breakout Session: Role of Universities in Accelerating the Use of Climate Science Research in Decision-Making

• Dr. Erica Goldman, Science Policy Director, National Council for Science and the Environment
• Sarah Finnie Robinson, Founding Director of The 51 Percent Project; Senior Fellow, Boston University Institute for Sustainable Energy

Community College Network Breakout Session: Career and Technical Education: Weaving Sustainability throughout Curricula to Drive Employability and Enhance Employer Value and Understanding

• Dr. Robert Franco, Director, Office for Institutional Effectiveness, Kapi'olani Community College
• Dr. Chris Beehner, Seminole State College
• Michelle Wyman, Executive Director, National Council for Science and the Environment

NCSE Research 2.0: Research Agenda for 2019-2020
This session will feature a discussion of NCSE’s Member-Led Research Initiative, as well as updates on the NCSE Climate Science Education and Research Report and the federal funding resource on resilience. There will be an opportunity to work in smaller groups to go deeper on each discussion item.

• Dr. Erica Goldman, Science Policy Director, National Council for Science and the Environment

NCSE Youth and Diversity: EnvironMentors

• Michelle Wyman, Executive Director, National Council for Science and the Environment

How to Build a Culture and Climate of Inclusivity and Racial Equity: Part 2
In Part 2 of our Diversity and Inclusion sessions, Dr. Murphy-Erby and Ms. Spiller will continue leading the discussion on the importance of shared language and commitment to inclusivity and racial equity in our institutions. 

• Dr. Yvette Murphy-Erby, Vice-Provost for Diversity and Inclusion, University of Arkansas

• Karen Spiller, Thomas W. Haas Professor in Sustainable Food Systems, University of New Hampshire

Reception, Dinner, and Presentation

Woolsey Wet Prairie Sanctuary: A Legacy of Environmental Restoration, Outreach, and Research.
The Woolsey Wet Prairie Sanctuary was created in 2006 as part of the the City of Fayetteville’s Wastewater System Improvement Project. However, the benefits of this wetland mitigation site to the local community have far surpassed expectations. Woolsey has become a major attraction and an outdoor classroom for nature lovers, bird watchers, teachers, students, and researchers. The sanctuary also acts as a living laboratory, allowing scientists and other interested parties a glimpse into what was once a common ecosystem for northwest Arkansas. In recent years, there has been an increased interest in conducting scientific research at Woolsey. Woolsey is more than a model for successful wetland restoration; it also serves as a reminder of the power communities can have when they work across discipline and organization boundaries.

• Faye Smith, Ph.D. Candidate and Distinguished Doctoral Fellow, Environmental Dynamics, University of Arkansas

Optional visit to the Woolsey Wet Prairie Sanctuary

• Peter Nierengarten, Sustainability & Resilience Director, City of Fayetteville

Small Group Work Time
Attendees will have the opportunity to choose a specific project/topic to focus on in a small-group setting.

• Energy Education Community of Practice
• Sustainability Education Consensus Statement and Core Competencies Community of Practice
• NCSE Community College Handbook for Sustainability Education and Operations
• NCSE research agenda

Networking Break

Opportunities Through 2020: NCSE Path Forward
This session will focus on opportunities for Member Institutions to be engaged with each other and NCSE's work in the coming months and leading up to the NCSE 2020 Annual Conference and Winter Member Meeting. 

• Michelle Wyman, Executive Director, National Council for Science and the Environment

Optional Field Trip to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and Exhibit - Nature’s Nation: American Art and Environment
Led by Dr. Carl Smith, Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture, University of Arkansas
$16 per person