Global Sustainability and Earth Literacy Studies (GSELS) For Faculty
Why Join the GSELS Learning Network?
It is not an exaggeration to say that we are currently in the midst of a global crisis. Environmental degradation is rampant, species planet-wide are facing extinction, and climate change presents threats we are only beginning to understand. As our students enter the public sphere, it is imperative that they be able to face the challenges ahead; faculty leadership is more crucial than ever at this time.
Global Sustainability and Earth Literacy Studies (GSELS) acknowledges the interconnections and interdependence of the personal, social, economic, cultural, environmental, and political aspects of our world. Collaboratively, students, faculty, administrators, and staff explore the significance of human activity within an evolving Universe and Earth. Through shared leadership, this nurturing learning community facilitates the emergence of awareness, knowledge, skills and solutions necessary to create sustainable systems that support a healthy and just economy, society, culture and environment, while fostering values of Earth ethics, social justice, cultural diversity, and civic engagement.
By offering GSELS-designated classes, faculty provide opportunities for students to engage in GSELS and work toward GSELS Scholar recognition.
How to Become a GSELS Professor
Through EEI/CIOL Professional Development (PD), faculty are empowered to infuse their classes with Earth Literacy and global sustainability content. GSELS Certified faculty have completed 36 hours of EEI/CIOL PD. GSELS Eligible faculty have started this process, and may offer GSELS-designated classes while working toward 36 hours of EEI/CIOL PD, provided that the class meets at least 3 of the GSELS Criteria for Inclusion.
Once a faculty member has taken one EEI/CIOL workshop or meets any of the criteria below, they may designate GSELS classes, with the understanding that they will complete the GSELS certification process within three years.
GSELS certification is based upon fulfilling just one of the following:
- Complete 36 hours of EEI/CIOL workshops, including a minimum of 4 hours of EEI/CIOL Faculty Immersion
- Complete any Earth Literacy/sustainability graduate class in collaboration with EEI (offered by FIU or STU)
- Demonstrate an expertise in Earth Literacy and/or sustainability through publishing, course creation, etc.
- Faculty may also be certified by the EEI Director or the EEI National Advisory Board
Faculty who teach GSELS-designated classes agree to promote the program and explain to students how to participate in the GSELS learning network. Experienced GSELS faculty may serve as mentors. Please contact the EEI Director if you are interested.
Register Your GSELS Classes
Registering your GSELS classes is vitally important to the program. It allows students to see which GSELS classes are available at their campus each term and also allows us to track student progress toward achieving GSELS Scholar status.
As of Summer 2024: for your convenience, GSELS class registration will be done through online forms provided by Earth Ethics Institute. We also encourage you to add your class information to the Changemaker Hub, especially if you are incorporating Changemaking content such as the Civic Action Scorecard, Academic Service-Learning, or Project-Based Learning.
MDC faculty may log into the Changemaker Hub using their MDC credentials. Please click here for instructions: How to use the Changemaker Hub with your GSELS-designated classes.