Certification in Sustainability University of Regina

The purpose of this program is to provide students with a basic structure for decisions about sustainability and crafting sustainable livelihoods and lifestyles. Implemented in the Faculty of Arts, a Certificate in Sustainability is open to students enrolled in all faculties, including the professional faculties. Students would need to choose one course from each of the six course categories outlined below with no more than three courses being chosen from any given discipline (to ensure exposure to a range of disciplines and methods). 1. The Sustainability Problem: Courses in this area provide students with a general introduction to the idea of sustainability/sustainable development (and related concepts) that have emerged in relation to a common problem facing humanity, namely, that current human activities have eroded the natural resources upon which these very human activities depend if they are to continue into the future. Students gain a general appreciation of the normative goals sustainability seeks to fulfill and its recognition of empirical constraints, particularly those of natural systems, that limit or restrict the ways in which these goals might be fulfilled. 2. Dimensions of Human Sustainability: Courses in this area explore important elements of human well-being and quality of life and the implications for life within a global community of each person being able to live a decent, dignified life. Implied social constraints and responsibilities found in different theories of justice (e.g., political justice, social justice, distributive justice, intra and inter-generational justice) are potentially explored along with associated normative principles of participation by individuals and communities, especially indigenous communities. The implications of a lack of well-being in specific areas including diverse forms of poverty and vulnerability and key indicators of well-being can also be explored. 3. Dimensions of Environmental Sustainability: Courses in this area provide students with an understanding of complex natural systems at diverse biological scales. The ethical status of natural objects and systems that potentially shape and constrain human interaction with the natural environment are potentially examined. What may be required to sustain these systems over time (such as promoting ecosystem resilience and biodiversity), key indicators of environmental sustainability, and an understanding of how these systems may generally be degraded, especially by patterns of human activity, are also potentially explored. 4. Human Sustainability Options: Courses in this area explore specific problems and issues critical to sustaining human communities and factors that have emerged as priorities in sustainability discourse related to social, cultural, and economic sustainability. Strategic options related to advancing sustainability in the given area(s) are explored. 5. Environmental Sustainability Options: Courses in this area explore specific problems and issues critical to sustaining environmental systems (living and non-living) that have emerged as priorities in sustainability discourse related to environmental sustainability. Strategic options related to advancing sustainability in the given area(s) are explored. 6. Sustainability in Practice: Courses in this area provide students with an opportunity to practically address sustainability issues in a grounded way within a given community (e.g. local living laboratories) and/or organizational context (e.g. policies and/or programs). Practical sustainability projects employing specific forms of community service, engagement and/or research are employed. Knowledge, capabilities, and skills appropriate to engaging sustainability in the particular context (e.g. qualitative and quantitative research tools, policy analysis, report writing/presentations, use of technologies) are important parts of such a course.

The University of Regina, located in Regina, Saskatchewan, is a prestigious Canadian institution renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, research innovation, and community engagement. Founded in 1911, the university has since evolved into a prominent educational establishment with a global outlook and a strong dedication to nurturing well-rounded individuals.

The University of Regina offers a diverse range of academic programs, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. Students have access to high-quality education in various fields, such as the arts, sciences, business, engineering, and social work. The university is particularly acclaimed for its programs in environmental studies, engineering, and social sciences.

One of the university's key strengths is its dedication to research and innovation. The institution supports groundbreaking research across multiple disciplines, contributing to the advancement of knowledge and addressing real-world challenges. The research centers and institutes at the University of Regina provide a stimulating environment for faculty and students to engage in cutting-edge research.

Community engagement is a cornerstone of the university's mission. It maintains strong ties with local industries, organizations, and First Nations communities, providing students with invaluable experiential learning opportunities, internships, and community service initiatives.

The University of Regina is known for its inclusive and diverse campus culture. It celebrates and embraces a multicultural student body, offering various support services, cultural events, and student clubs to ensure that all students feel welcomed and valued.

The campus itself is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, research labs, libraries, and recreational areas. This creates a conducive environment for both academic pursuits and personal development.