Our Core Values
As a community of learners, we at Sierra College understand that the knowledge we cultivate in each generation should enhance the quality of life for all people, including those that we will serve in the future. We also recognize that human societies are currently following trajectories that are ecologically, socially, and economically unsustainable, and that these trends threaten to diminish the quality of life those who will follow us. We embrace the view that, for the sake of future generations, the 21 st Century must be a time of transformation in the way humanity interacts with the dynamic natural systems of the earth. To this end, we join the global community of scholars who have endorsed United Nations Resolution 57/254 establishing the years 2005-2014 as the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development.
We regard the current multiple threats to global stability as urgent and are compelled to act decisively and without delay. Accordingly, we are committed to providing a learning environment that fosters ecologic awareness, prepares citizens to participate fully in an environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable society, and values equally the stability of natural systems and the coherence of human communities. We understand our obligation to prepare and inspire our students to help shape the sustainable communities of the future. Furthermore, we assert that a shift to a sustainability-centered institution will only be successful if it is accomplished through inclusive approaches that value and respect the perspectives from every stakeholder. In pursuit of these goals, we pledge to perform our work in a manner that does not compromise the integrity of the global ecosystem or weaken the social and cultural fabric of humanity. We accept our obligation to demonstrate these values by what we teach, how we conduct our business, and how we interact with others, both individually and as an institution.
In helping to build the sustainable communities of the future, we accept our obligation as educators to foster integrated knowledge about natural systems, local history and culture, economics, human creativity and communication, and the dynamics of decision-making at local and regional levels.
We envision a Sierra College where:
- The commitment to sustainable practices pervades every dimension of our work, including educational programs, operations, Board policy and administrative procedures, community outreach, and institutional planning.
- Our educational programs support interdisciplinary learning that fosters an awareness of the complexity of natural systems and the impact of human societies on them.
- Our students are encouraged, through education and example, to utilize the values and principles of sustainability in their daily activities and in their future aspirations.
- Our graduating students leave us with both the intellectual skills necessary to grasp the complex interactions within and between global systems as well as the ethical motivation to develop sustainable life styles that do not diminish the quality of life for future generations.
- We facilitate the exchange of information and ideas on how to sustain rural and urban communities, preserve regional heritage and culture, conserve open space, and maintain clean and healthy water resources, air, and wildlife habitats.
- Educational innovation in sustainability concepts is encouraged through staff development opportunities, curriculum enhancement, and support for new program development.
- All campus operations are geared toward minimizing harmful environmental effects, maximizing efficiency, conserving natural resources, and reducing the ecological footprint of our institution.
- We support a vigorous outreach effort through which our college plays a constructive and collaborative role in sustaining the quality of life throughout our district.
- We develop partnerships and proactive associations with local government entities, regional resources agencies, non-governmental and non-profit organizations, neighboring schools and colleges, and community organizations to promote the utilization of sustainable practices in such domains as regional economic development, transportation, affordable and equitable housing, land use, waste management, renewable energy, and environmental restoration and mitigation.
- We value and honor the experiences and perspectives of every individual, as well as those of the past, while working to build a sustainable future.
- Our college, at every level within its organizational structure, demonstrates vision and leadership in inspiring change and building more sustainable communities.
First Revision: 11 October 2006
Second Revision: 30 October 2006