Ateneo’s 2017 Sustainability Report discloses projects that improved campus sustainability
The Ateneo Institute of Sustainability’s (AIS) 2017 Sustainability Report discussed Ateneo’s various projects to build a sustainable campus, and addressed certain campus issues such as traffic congestion and energy inefficiencies. It was posted January 9 on Ateneo’s official website. The report, in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards, covered Ateneo’s economic and social impacts, as well as other environmental initiatives undertaken by the University from April 2014 to May 2016. The Sustainability Report covered three strategic thrusts that have helped guide the operations of the University since 2012: Mission and Identity, Nation-Building, and Environment and Development. It also included Ateneo’s programs to resolve campus issues on water, energy and greenhouse gas emissions, waste and effluents, and inclusive mobility and traffic from 2008 to 2016. Ateneo’s progress in maintaining a sustainable campus was evident in the report’s statistics through the improvement of the Loyola Schools’ segregation system, water conservation technologies, ease in traffic congestion inside the University, and other indicators. Though electricity consumption has relatively increased from 2014-2016, this can be attributed to the newly built buildings and facilities to accommodate more students. Joie Menchavez
CORD offers five-day course on adult-learning principles
The Ateneo Center for Organization and Research Development (CORD) is accepting enrollees for “a five-day course aimed at developing the competencies of HR (Human Resources) professionals and managers as facilitators of learning and change with particular emphasis on Adult Learning Methodologies and Principles,” as stated on CORD’s page in the Ateneo official website. The three modules that comprise the seminar’s course outline are “What is Adult Learning,” “Adult Learning Factor,” and “Facilitating Adult Learning.” The modules showcase “Different Approaches to Learning,” the core competencies needed for facilitation, and various adult-learning methodologies. The course outline also includes a final presentation on the fifth day of the seminar. The dates available for the five-day course are January 30 to February 3 this year, and June 18 to June 22. Slots for the course in June are available by online registration. Joie Menchavez
Chemistry Department offers elective on coconut oil studies
The Ateneo is offering a three-unit course on coconut oil studies to undergraduate, graduate, and non-students such as admin and staff, for the second semester of school year 2017-2018. The course outlines a basic science of coconut oil, its basic biochemistry, insights on its nutritional effects, and controversial topics related to coconut oil such as saturated fat, cholesterol, heart disease, and other other health claims. Chemistry Department professor Fabian Antonio M. Dayrit, PhD is teaching the course, and hopes that the students will develop a critical mind to analyze current trends and adapt a healthier lifestyle after learning about the properties of coconut oil. Joie Menchavez
Curators for SB14 hold roundtable discussion on Leaving the Echo Chamber exhibit
The curators for the art exhibition Sharjah Biennial 14: Leaving the Echo Chamber held a roundtable discussion in the Ateneo Art Gallery in Areté last January 24. Since 1993, the Sharjah Art Foundation has organized the Sharjah Biennial to exhibit public installations, performances, and films by Arab and international artists. Curators Zoe Butt, Omar Kholeif, Claire Tancons, and Director of the Sharjah Art Foundation Hoor Al Qasimi, discussed the preoccupation behind the three curatorial perspectives for Sharjah Biennial 14, which will officially open on March 2019. The exhibit will “explore the ways in which contemporary life, enabled by rapid technological change, has created a seemingly inescapable ‘echo chamber’ of information, complex personal networks, and shifting narratives,” as stated in the Sharjah Art Foundation’s website. Included in the biennial are three distinct exhibitions, which are Journey Beyond the Arrow, curated by Zoe Butt, Making New Time, curated by Omar Kholeif, and Look for Me All Around You, curated by Claire Tancons. Joie Menchavez
