Campus sustainability conference coming to SU will offer variety of sessions for professionals and students

Syracuse University will be a bit greener this spring when it hosts the eighth annual Northeast Campus Sustainability Consortium (NECSC) Conference from April 2-4 at the Sheraton Syracuse University Hotel and Conference Center. Many practical sessions aimed at both professionals and students involved in enhancing campus sustainability will be presented as part of the conference’s “Climate, Community and Culture” theme. 

“We had a great response to our call for conference presentations, and there were lots of excellent proposals submitted,” says Brooke Wears, senior project analyst with SU’s Sustainability Division. “The conference committee is extremely pleased with the variety of quality sessions we’re able to present. We’ve got a full schedule that will appeal to both seasoned professionals and those looking for greater insight.” 

The official program kicks off at noon on April 2 with a panel discussion featuring area university presidents facilitated by Shere Abbott, SU vice president for sustainability initiatives and University Professor of Sustainability Science & Policy. Following will be the keynote address by award-winning activist and speaker Oren Lyons ’58, H’93, Onondaga Nation Turtle Clan faithkeeper. 

Breakout sessions by guest presenters covering a wide range of topics within the conference’s four tracks—Sustainability 101; Community Relations, Operations and Municipality Collaborations; Community-based Research and Education; and The Next Frontiers in Campus Sustainability—will run throughout the remainder of the conference. A student panel comprised of presenters from area colleges along with students from Westhill High School will be held on the morning of April 3. The conference will conclude at noon on April 4 after closing remarks by SU President and Chancellor Nancy Cantor. 

The complete 2012 NECSC Conference schedule is available at http://greenuniversecity.syr.edu/NECSC-2012/NECSC_schedule.html. 

Discounted regular conference registration, which includes meals and refreshments, is $175 through March 2. A limited number of students can attend for free, which allows them full access to all sessions over the conference’s three days, but does not include meals. The conference registration deadline is March 23. To register, visit http://greenuniversecity.syr.edu/NECSC-2012/NECSC_Registration.cfm. For more information, contact Brooke Wears at bkmorley@syr.edu or 315-443-4005. 

The NECSC is a collective of college and university sustainability practitioners from the Northeast United States and Eastern Canadian provinces who come together annually to leverage individual ideas and experiences.