Welcome to Chatham University’s School of Sustainability and the Environment (SSE)! The SSE was founded in 2010 as a transdisciplinary academic institution that emphasizes three foundations of sustainability–economic development, social wellbeing, and a robust environment. We approach sustainability from a systems perspective, and seek appropriate sources of knowledge to answer complex, and often very uncertain questions.

We now offer three degree programs – a Master of Arts in Food Studies, a Master of Sustainability, and an Executive Master of Sustainability Leadership. We are also recruiting for an undergraduate sustainability program which will begin in Fall 2014. Our programs have attracted truly outstanding students supported by an equally excellent faculty and staff. We will continue to add programs as we grow, and eventually will have a range of programs from the bachelors to the doctoral levels.

Second, members of our faculty are developing thriving, collaborative research agendas. Recruited for their ability to collaborate across disciplines, the SSE faculty members work with students, other faculty, and a broad collection of constituents.

Third, we are a major participant in the development of Chatham’s new Eden Hall Campus, which will eventually be our home. Development of Eden Hall reflects our academic mission–it will be a living laboratory at which faculty and students will research and learn from their natural and built environment, and model sustainable practices. Students and faculty in all of our programs are already engaged in campus design, historical, environmental, and community research, and food production at the campus. The first phase of the new campus will open in fall 2013.

As we undertake these activities, we are mindful that what we do and learn at the SSE and the Eden Hall Campus should represent a better lifestyle– a lifestyle rooted in our three core values of advancing economic development, social wellbeing, and a robust environment – in a fashion that people will want to adopt. To this end, Eden Hall should not be an isolated place. Rather, what we learn should be shared broadly, and communicated clearly, with a substantial virtual presence.

If you are as excited about this project as we are, please Like us on Facebook and sign up to receive periodic updates on our news and upcoming activities.