Resolution US 07/08-1 -- Endorsing Focus the Nation: Global Warming Solutions for America

 

Sponsored by:                 Matthew Dennis, history

For senate action: October 10, 2007

 

 

 

 

Whereas global warming poses a serious threat to people and natural systems across the planet,

 

And whereas public and private policy decisions about global warming this decade will have impacts lasting for generations,

 

And whereas the University of Oregon is a public educational institution “dedicated to the highest standards of academic inquiry, learning, and service,” which accepts “the challenge of an evolving social, political, and technological environment by welcoming and guiding change rather than reacting to it,” and is committed to preparing students “capable of participating effectively in a global society,”[1]

 

And whereas, to focus the state and the nation’s attention on the critical issue of global climate change, University of Oregon students and faculty with leadership and coordination provided by the University of Oregon’s Office of Sustainability, in conjunction with colleges, universities, and other educational institutions across the country, will organize a symposium about “Global Warming Solutions for America” on or around January 31, 2008, which will include diverse disciplinary perspectives,

 

 

Be it resolved that the University Senate endorses this symposium.

 

And be it further resolved that, on that day, faculty are strongly encouraged to participate with their students in scheduled programs on campus about climate change, or, as appropriate, to devote class time to discussion of the subject.

 

 

 

 

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Financial Impact Statement

 

The event will be organized by faculty and student volunteers at no cost and assisted by a graduate student funded by the administration (funding has already been secured).  This educational event will occur in rooms available on campus, using available audio-visual equipment, with little or no additional expense to the university.