President's Commission on Sustainability
The President’s Commission on Sustainability (PCS) was established in 2018 for the purpose of integrating sustainability--defined as the intentional and simultaneous focus on environmental, social, and economic health--into all aspects of the university.
Mission
We strive to create a diverse, inclusive, and just community that fosters collaborative teaching, research, engagement, and ethics. By amplifying the perspectives of historically marginalized cultures and communities, we aim to elevate awareness of climate justice and environmental racism.
Our mission extends to connecting students with community partners to alleviate climate justice burdens and linking diverse environmental knowledge systems with historical experiences. We recognize the interconnectedness of capitalism, colonialism, racism, patriarchy, and other systems of exploitation and oppression, and aim to address their failures locally and globally.
We will lead initiatives in climate education, green workforce development, carbon-neutral operations, and collective action to confront the global climate crisis, advancing a Just Transition for all.
Goals
- Develop and support initiatives that integrate sustainability and climate justice into all aspects of campus life.
- Integrate sustainability into the University’s Strategic Plan activities and initiatives through active engagement.
- Increase partnerships and collaboration with the City of °µÍøÊÓƵ and the greater regional community with the goal of achieving shared sustainability goals.
- Raise the profile of sustainability efforts to meet and surpass university and state commitments and regulatory requirements.
- Elevate the profile of sustainability research, scholarly, and creative activities and leadership at °µÍøÊÓƵon a local, regional, national, and international scale.
- Enhance the ability of the campus to attract state, federal, foundation and private funds by leveraging the university’s identity as a leader in sustainability action and research.
- Involve and engage faculty, staff and students in sustainability practices and activities through instruction, outreach, and student life activities.
Key Priority Areas
The PCS is focused on the following priority areas.
- Implementing our Climate Action & Adaptation Plan
- Integrating Sustainability Throughout the Curriculum
- Engaging & Communicating with our Community
PCS Committees will lead the important and exciting work of accomplishing these key priorities.
PCS Committees and Network
All members of the campus and community partners are eligible to join the PCS Network and serve on these Committees. Committees meet at least once per month. Appointments to PCS Committees are at the discretion of the Chairs. If you are interested in joining a committee as a member, please contact Holli.Fajack@csulb.edu and Kim.Kelly@csulb.edu.
See the list of
Mission Statement:
The Transportation Solutions Subcommittee aims to transform °µÍøÊÓƵinto a model of sustainable transportation by expanding transportation options and reducing barriers to accessibility. It is committed to decreasing carbon emissions originating from transportation to meet the goals outlined in the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan. The subcommittee strives to create a more efficient, inclusive, and environmentally responsible campus community.
The Curriculum Subcommittee of the President's Commission on Sustainability at °µÍøÊÓƵis committed to promoting university-wide sustainability curriculum and advancing climate justice learning objectives.
Mission Statement:
Our mission is to collaborate across disciplines to identify and design pedagogical practices that educate students about sustainability and social justice issues while exploring collaborative solutions.
Mission Statement:
The mission of the Sustainability Fellows Subcommittee is to recruit students and support the Sustainability Fellows Program, which provides students with opportunities to gain recognition for participation and leadership activities that expand their own climate and environmental knowledge. The subcommittee works collaboratively with the Faculty Lead, connecting students to resources, facilitating mentorship, and encouraging engagement on and off campus to create healthier, more resilient, and more equitable communities.
Mission Statement:
To identify and secure continuous funding by leveraging partnerships, grants, and donors who are aligned with the values of the PCS to support the mission of advancing sustainability, climate justice, education, environmental equity, and transformative community engagement.
Mission Statement:
Pending.
Members of the PCS
While anyone can join the PCS Network and serve on a Committee, the voting members of the Commission are comprised of the following positions, which will be elected or appointed as outlined in the PCS Bylaws. The individuals currently serving are listed below:
Six (6) Staff Commissioners (* indicates a permanent member)
| Position | Currently Held By |
|---|---|
| Vice President, Administration & Finance* | Scott Apel |
| Associate Vice President, Beach Building Services* | Mark Zakhour |
| Sustainability Manager* (Permanent Co-Chair) | Holli Fajack |
| Representative from Associated Students, Inc. | Arnecia Bryant, Director of Facilities Operations and Sustainability |
| Representative from Housing and Residential Life | David Scott, Assistant Director of Housing Facilities |
| Staff-at-Large | Liz Flores, Chemical Engineering Department Coordinator |
Three (3) student commissioners (* indicates a permanent member)
| Position | Currently Held By |
|---|---|
| Associated Students, Inc. President or designee* | Huy Pham, Senator for College of Engineering |
| Associated Students, Inc. Commissioner for Environmental Justice (or equivalent position)* | Adam Aguayo, Commissioner for Environmental Justice |
| Member-at-large – undergraduate or graduate student | Vacant |
Eight (8) faculty commissioners
Faculty members with an interest, knowledge and commitment to sustainability from across the university; at least one from each academic college and one at-large chosen by the University President
| Position | Currently Held By |
|---|---|
| College of Arts Representative | Kent Hayward, Associate Professor of Cinematic Arts |
| College of Business Representative | Nataliya Acc-Nikmehr, Lecturer of Management and HRM |
| College of Education Representative | Victoria Bryan, Lecturer of Liberal Studies |
| College of Engineering Representative | Dr. Shams Tanvir, Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering and Construction Engineering Management |
| College of Health and Human Services Representative | Katie Dudley, Assistant Professor of Recreation and Leisure Studies |
| College of Liberal Arts Representative (Co-Chair) | Dr. Kimberly Kelly, Professor and Chair of Human Development |
| College of Natural Science and Mathematics Representative | Dr. Christine Whitcraft, Professor of Biology |
| Faculty-at-Large | Dr. Erika Holland, Assistant Professor of Biology |
Three (3) community commissioners from local business community, non-profit sector, NGOs, Community activists, and/or local and regional government.
These positions are currently vacant
