IUPUC faculty members Ilknur Kelceoglu, Ph.D., and Erica Berte, Ph.D., recently presented at the 2009 Academy of Management Annual Meeting.

In their presentation, “Sustainability in Practice: Organizational Change Strategies for Greening Your Campus,” Ilknur and Berte discussed the role that universities play in promoting and fostering a more sustainable society.

The presentation included examples of how IUPUC is becoming more earth-friendly and ideas for promoting sustainability in academic settings.

“Over the last decade, higher education has embraced sustainability in theory and practice,” Berte said. “As universities become successful in these initiatives they can play a fundamental role in society, helping other organizations prioritize and implement sustainable strategies.”

IUPUC is at a starting point. In 2008, Berte and Kelceoglu initiated the Environmental Consciousness Organization (ECO). The club was founded to educate club members and others about environmental issues and to discuss ways to evaluate, improve, and promote sustainability on campus.

Since forming the club, members have witnessed significant changes. All cleaning products used on campus are now green. The cafeteria now uses biodegradable plates and containers, recycled napkins, and sells and encourages the use of reusable cups.

“Our goal is to encourage all areas of campus to think about ways they can become more earth friendly,” Berte said.

Berte is an assistant professor of management for the IUPUC Division of Business. Kelceoglu is a clinical assistant professor of computer education for the IU School of Education at IUPUC.