Univ. Without Walls aids green-minded
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AMHERST - The University of Massachusetts adult degree program is "greening up" with new courses this fall.
The school's University without Walls will be offering a course called "sustainable entrepreneurship." The course is designed to help students with and without formal business experience to improve and expand business concepts in a changing world.
The course concentrates on community, ethics and the environment, as well as on profit. "I think we're on the brink of a huge cultural change," said Gary Bernhard, program manager.
Bernhard said that nation-wide, excitement is growing in the areas of green or sustainable, energy-efficient building and manufacturing, for example. "Once the building trades really get back on their feet, this (type of construction) is really going to take off."
The individualized course will offer two specific classes addressing business and "the triple bottom line," of people, planet, and profit, as well as other classes to round out a business degree.
UWW is a "blended" degree program offering credit for life experience and traditional classes, as well as many online courses for the completion of a batchelor of arts degree.
Students develop their own degree focus and can now add sustainable agriculture, green building, holistic health and sustainable food systems to the array of possibilities open to them.
"People will walk away with a practical skill and a business plan they can use right away," said Heather C. Miller the marketing strategist for University Without Walls.
Miller said the timing of the new program seeks to connect with a push toward better environmental strategies among business and government.
Two courses related to each student's focus will be taught by Allan Kronick and Lynne Kendall, who teach at the university and run a small business program in Springfield.
Students also work with an advisor to create an individualized curriculum to compliment the core courses.
Bernhard said that job prospects are likely to be great for those looking to work in green business, or those who would like to expand their own green enterprises.
However, he added, "When you are on the front edge of something new, it's kind of hard to say."
Bernhard said that besides individual business endeavors, many large corporations are creating environmental divisions. "A lot of companies are looking at better energy efficiency, reduction of waste and retrofitting buildings," he said.
Miller said she thinks the green market will be significant. Anyone who sees themselves as risk-takers and leaders can position themselves to reap the benefits. "Some of these people (students in the new program) will be forerunners," she said.
Bernhard emphasized, though, that no matter what the future holds, students in the program will come away with a B.A. and a business education they can use anywhere.
"But we're going to be seeing a lot more solar, wind, and geothermal (business) opportunities," he said. "Those opportunities are going to be exploding. I don't think the move towards sustainability is a flash in the pan."
To learn more about the University without Walls Sustainable Entrepreneurship concentration visit www.umass.edu/uww or call 545-1378.
