On the new episode of the “Behrend Talks” podcast, Chancellor Ralph Ford talks with Sherri “Sam” Mason, director of sustainability at Penn State Behrend, about the college’s new silver rating from STARS, the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System. A link to the conversation is on the “Behrend Talks” webpage.

Penn State Behrend previously held a bronze rating from STARS, which is a program of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education. No other college in northwest Pennsylvania holds a STARS rating.

The college’s initial rating, in 2020, provided a baseline assessment of Behrend’s sustainability work, which was viewed through five primary categories: academics, engagement, operations, planning and administration, and innovation and leadership.

The new rating reflects efforts to incorporate elements of sustainability in the learning outcomes of more courses at Behrend, Mason said. She also has expanded sustainability-based engagement at the college, using peer-to-peer learning and outreach through the Sustainable Food Systems program.

“Behrend Talks” is a monthly podcast and radio show that explores issues that are important to the Penn State Behrend community, and to others in the Erie region. For an archive of previous episodes, visit the “Behrend Talks” webpage.