CHESS announces new minor in sustainability launching fall 2026

The College of Humanities & Earth and Social Sciences (CHESS) is introducing a new minor in sustainability within the Department of Earth, Environmental and Geographical Sciences, launching in fall 2026.

Drawing from the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Global Council for Science and the Environment (GSCE), the minor will encourage students to think critically and creatively about the world’s most pressing global challenges and the role they can play in shaping solutions.

The department brings together humanists and physical, natural and social scientists from a wide range of disciplinary backgrounds. The new minor advances the department’s mission to create, extend and share applied and theoretical knowledge about Earth’s physical, natural and human systems, and the ways these systems interact, through research, teaching and service.

“Our new minor marks an important ‘ramping up’ of the University’s commitment to sustainability and responsible stewardship practices,” said Fushcia-Ann Hoover, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Earth, Environmental and Geographical Sciences. “The Office of Sustainability has been a driving force on campus for years, and there were prior efforts to establish sustainability initiatives at the academic level, but this new minor marks the first time we are fully committing to an academic program that draws on all departments from across the College of Humanities & Earth and Social Sciences.”

Why pursue a minor in sustainability?

The minor defines sustainability as a holistic and systematic approach to practice, consumption and learning. Interdisciplinarity is foundational to sustainability, where teachings and applications integrate topics such as human health, environment, economy and society, asking what creates viable, bearable and equitable strategies for current and future generations.

Sustainability is increasingly central to addressing today’s very important questions. Whether students major in engineering, history, architecture, health or the sciences, this minor offers:

• Interdisciplinary insight into environmental and social systems.
• Enhanced problem‑solving and collaboration skills.
• Exposure to varied approaches for tackling contemporary issues.
• A competitive edge in the job market, as employers increasingly seek candidates with sustainability knowledge and training.

Students will explore how environmental and social systems shape one another, how economic and political decisions influence sustainability outcomes and how communities can work toward more resilient futures.

“Understanding the principles and possibilities of sustainability is more important than ever. One only needs to look at the 17 UN SDGs to see how sustainability is integral to every industry, job and facet of life, and we must prepare students to join this world,” said Hoover. “The minor will be a valuable addition to any student’s major plan of study, and introduce them to a range of courses and departments. It’s a really exciting time to be bringing this to one of the largest and most urban UNC system schools.”

New course offering

In addition to the core course, ESCI 1501: Global Social Science: Environment, Society and Sustainability, the minor introduces the new course, GEOG 3170: Foundations of Sustainability. This course will provide students with a grounding in sustainability principles, frameworks and real‑world applications.

“Understanding different ways of thinking, perspectives and approaches to problem-solving strengthens the existing skills students are developing while broadening their understanding of how sustainability is implemented,” said Hoover. “For example, the interdisciplinary coursework includes approaches to sustainability in food systems from geography, history and other CHESS departments.”

Further information

For more information about the new minor in sustainability, students should reach out to Fushcia-Ann Hoover, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Earth, Environmental and Geographical Sciences.

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Sticker design contest

Students have the exciting opportunity to design the sticker for the new minor in sustainability! Submit a design by March 31 at 12 p.m. to be considered. University-wide voting will take place April 6-17, with the winner announced on April 22 as part of UNC Charlotte’s 2026 Earth Month.

Eligibility rules

• A currently enrolled UNC Charlotte undergraduate or graduate student, and
• In good academic standing at time of submission.

Submission guidelines

• Theme: Designs should represent sustainability and UNC Charlotte
• Design must contain the words “Sustainability Minor” or “Minor in Sustainability”
• One entry per person
• File format .png or .jpeg
• High resolution image
• Submission must be complete for consideration at the time of closing on March 31, 2026, 12 p.m.
• Must be original work and comply with copyright laws