UCF Sustainability Advisory Commi ttee Charter Mission The UCF Sustainability Advisory Committee shall advocate and facilitate collegial efforts to advance environmental stewardship, economic vitality and social justice. The committee shall serve as a connection for students, faculty, staff and community to collaborate in order to engage in the values, educational material, policies, practices, and projects that strengthen the campus-wide commitment to sustainability. Committee charge To prioritize and facilitate the recommendations that are identified to further the mission of sustainable practices in all aspects of UCF’s institutional culture, including operations, research, academic programs and community relationships. The committee will advise the President on sustainability matters and will provide an annual report that summarizes progress and future priorities. Authority and Responsibilities
Specifically, the Committee will:
1. In consultation with Sustainability Initiatives and other stakeholders, create a sustainability plan that will guide the University in achieving the goals of the Talloires Declaration and President’s Climate Commitment. 2. Review and evaluate overall performance utilizing national sustainability indexes to measure progress among peer institutions, committee review will include areas such as emissions reduction, preservation of natural resources, solid waste management, air and water quality, community impact, crime and poverty reduction, and student literacy. Annually report sustainability performance to the Office of the President. 3. Provide the President with an annual report that outlines the work of the committee and progress toward meeting goals. 4. Advise on the prioritization of resources for sustainability programs that support university goals. 5. Advise on the development and implementation of long-range campus sustainability plans. 6. Review and recommend updates to university policies, procedures, and regulations with regard to sustainability for approval by the University Policy committee. Recommend and advise on matters pertaining to university practices and formulation of policies. 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 University Sustainability Advisory Committee will report to the Office of the President. The committee may establish task forces or subcommittees on specific topics or issues. The primary role of the committee is to serve in an advisory capacity. Should funding be needed for committee programs or operations, requests will be submitted on an annual basis and within the University’s regular budgeting process.
Membership/Structure/Quorum
The Sustainability Advisory Committee shall consist of voting and ex officio (non-voting) members. All
committee members should be passionate about the advancement of campus and community sustainability. Members will serve two (2)-year appointments and have the ability to serve consecutive terms. Members will be nominated by the Assistant Vice President of Sustainability Initiatives and appointed by the Office of the President.
Chair
The Chair shall be appointed by the Office of the President and is responsible for presiding over and organizing committee meetings.
Staff Designee
The Assistant Vice President of Sustainability Initiatives will appoint his/her staff designee to the committee as an ex officio member.
Meetings
The Sustainability Advisory Committee shall convene twice per semester. A quorum of any committee meeting shall consist of a majority of its voting members. To maintain current status, members are required to attend 50% of the scheduled meetings each year. Committee members may participate by teleconference.
Agenda, Minutes, and Reports
The Chair, supported by the staff designee, 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 for all meetings shall be drafted by the staff designee, reviewed by the Chair, and approved by board members at the following meeting.
Continual Maintenance of Charter
This charter shall be reviewed and reassessed by Sustainability Advisory Committee members at least annually, and any proposed changes must be reviewed and receive a majority vote by the board in order to be amended.