UCF Student Sustainability Advisory Committee Charter Mission The Student Sustainability Advisory Committee (SSAC) shall provide suggestions and feedback in the necessary collegial efforts to advance environmental stewardship, economic vitality and social justice. The committee shall serve as a connection to the student perspective in the values, educational material, policies, practices, and projects that strengthen the campus-wide commitment to sustainability. Committee Charge To facilitate a shared avenue with the Sustainability Advisory Committee to provide recommendations in furthering the sustainable practices of UCF’s institutional culture. The committee will research and implement strategies in support of UCF's sustainability goals in 1) Reaching Carbon Neutrality by 2050; 2) Achieving Zero Waste (solid and potable water) by 2030; 3) Integrating Sustainability across all disciplines by 2025. Authority and Responsibilities Specifically, the Committee will: 1. In consultation with Sustainability Initiatives, the Sustainability Advisory Committee, and other stakeholders, provide suggestions and feedback regarding sustainability that will guide in achieving the goals of the President’s Climate Commitment. 2. Provide the Sustainability Advisory Committee with one report per semester that outlines the work of the project teams and progress toward achieving goals. 3. Provide each Sustainability Working Advisory Team (SWAT) with at least one report per semester that outlines the suggestions, feedback, and goals related to the designated initiative. 4. Advise on the student perspective of resource prioritization for sustainability programs that support university goals. 5. Assist in promoting a student culture that incorporates environmental, economic, and social aspects of sustainability. 6. Review and recommend updates to university policies, procedures, and regulations regarding sustainability to be forwarded to the Sustainability Advisory Committee for potential approval by the University Policy committee. 7. Advise on the integration of sustainability concepts in academics, research, operations, and community outreach. 8. Advise on coordination of campus efforts with community sustainability programs. 9. With respect to sustainability, understand the current state of affairs in our community and the impacts of our university on our community. 10. Assist in engaging the campus in an ongoing dialogue about sustainability and instilling a culture of forward-thinking through their respective constituencies. Organization Reporting and Funding Structure The Student Sustainability Advisory Committee will report to the Sustainability Advisory Committee comprised of Faculty and Administration, in liaison with the Office of Sustainability Initiatives. Membership/Structure/Quorum The Student Sustainability Advisory Committee shall consist of no more than twelve voting members, chosen through an application process. All committee members shall be active UCF students and passionate about the advancement of campus and community sustainability. Committee members will be appointed to serve a one (1) year appointment and will require reappointment in order to serve consecutive terms. Members will be nominated by the current Chair. The Office of Sustainability
Initiatives will appoint new members to the committee in the event of a vacancy outside of the application cycle. Major projects shall be proposed to and selected by the Sustainability Advisory Committee and Sustainability Working Advisory Teams. Project groups shall be established in support of each project selected. Each project team shall consist of no more than five SSAC members. Project leads shall be appointed through a nomination and secret ballot among SSAC members. Non-lead members shall serve on no less than two project teams. Chair The Chair shall be a current student appointed by the Office of Sustainability Initiatives and is responsible for presiding over and organizing committee meetings. The Chair is also responsible for collaboration and communication with the Sustainability Advisory Committee. In the event of a tie vote, the chair shall have the casting vote. Meetings The Student Sustainability Advisory Committee shall convene once per month, amounting to twelve meetings annually. A quorum of any committee meeting shall consist of a majority of its members. To maintain current status, members are required to attend 90% of the scheduled meetings each year, barring pre-approved absences and emergencies. In addition, project teams shall meet monthly between formal SSAC meetings. Agenda and Minutes The Chair and project leads shall be responsible for establishing the agendas for meetings. An agenda, together with supporting material, shall be distributed electronically to committee board members at least five days prior to a meeting. Minutes of all meetings shall be drafted by the Chair, and approved by board members electronically or at the following meeting. Project team minutes shall be submitted monthly via WebCourses. Continual Maintenance of Charter This charter shall be reviewed and reassessed by the Student Sustainability Advisory Committee members at least annually, and any proposed changes must be reviewed and receive a majority vote by the board to be amended.