THE Destination for Sustainability in
New Jersey’s Higher Education Community

August 10^th, 2018

Dear Colleagues,

As the President of the New Jersey Higher Education Partnership for Sustainability (NJHEPS) I thank you for your continued support and participation in our important work of promoting and enhancing sustainability across our local institutions and communities. If you are new to the NJHEPS community, we welcome you and hope you will reach out to join our network and participate in our efforts.

I am a long-time member of NJHEPS, representing Ramapo College of New Jersey, and am confident that, with your help, NJHEPS can make a big difference in the Garden State, leading it to be an exemplar for the nation at large.

We are looking forward to a very active academic year for all members of our constituency, including a slate of educational and operational conferences and workshops, improved networking opportunities, inclusive student activities, as well as the showcasing of best practices and accomplishments of our New Jersey member institutions and a more robust membership benefits package.

The New Jersey Council of College Presidents founded NJHEPS in 1999, to serve as a “catalyst, organizer and resource” to expand the role of higher education in promoting sustainability. At that time, the idea of sustainability was just beginning to reach public consciousness. As the field has matured, NJHEPS stands ready to support all New Jersey colleges and universities in their pursuit of sustainability practices and pedagogy, while to helping to report on our collective impact, over time.

Together, New Jersey colleges and universities can serve as a national example of excellence in the sustainability arena. It is my intention to see NJHEPS help nurture the partnerships necessary to make that a reality.

I invite you to engage your institution in the very important governance role that you play with NJHEPS by participating in our upcoming events such as our upcoming Roundtable on Faculty-led Sustainability-oriented Study Abroad Programs, or our Panel Discussion on Starting A Green Revolving Fund on your own campus, or our Student Leaders Networking Event—all taking place this Fall semester.

I also urge you to consider participating in a leadership role at NJHEPS by joining one of our working committees such as Education, Facilities and Energy, Student Leadership, Internship Development or Research Practices.

Again, thank you for being a partner in promoting sustainability across New Jersey’s Higher Education Institutions. With your continued support and engagement, we look forward to a productive year!

Sincerely,

Ashwani Vasishth, Ph.D
President, NJHEPS
Associate Professor of Sustainability, Ramapo College of New Jersey
(201) 684-6616
vasishth@ramapo.edu
njheps@gmail.com