2019-49

Arizona State University
University Senate
Spring 2019

Senate Motion #2019-49

Motion Introduced by:  Curriculum and Academic Programs Committee, Lili Wang, Chair

Date of First Reading:   March 25, 2019

Date of Second Reading: April 22, 2019

Title of Motion: Request from the School of Sustainability – for the establishment of an undergraduate degree – BS in Sustainable Food Systems

Action Requested: This curricular proposal has received all college, school, unit and university administrative approvals, and is being presented to the Senate for review and voting decision.

Rationale: The BS in Sustainable Food Systems will equip the next generation of students to understand the current food systems landscape from an interdisciplinary perspective and then participate in shaping it. Students from diverse backgrounds with an interest in any area related to food systems including business, social and natural sciences, and policy maximize the program's scope and reach. As part of the educational mission of the Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems, this degree will be a collaboration of the School of Sustainability, College of Health Solutions and Morrison School of Agribusiness. The program will feature a core curriculum that will give all students a basic understanding of policy, science, social justice, economic development, health and wellness, governance, sustainability and agribusiness and introduces them to the complexity of food systems. The degree will appeal to students from both rural and urban areas with demonstrated interest in food systems and a commitment to sustainable agriculture by including a wide range of electives allowing them to focus on what would best meet their needs and interests--from developing or enhancing their local food or agribusiness systems to finding solutions to urban food deserts to international development efforts.