Program Overview

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Introduction to the Social Responsibility and Ethics Certificate

The Social Responsibility and Ethics (SRE) Certificate is a program designed for Leeds undergraduate students interested in the intersection of business and sustainability. This certificate blends curriculum and experiential learning to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to make a positive impact in the business world.

About the Program

The SRE Certificate is open to Leeds undergraduate students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 at the time of graduation. Through this program, students acquire essential skills, including:

• The ability to make a business case for sustainability and knowledge of market trends
• An understanding of values-based decision-making approaches
• A deep understanding of social and environmental risks and opportunities

Benefits of the SRE Certificate

Students who pursue the SRE Certificate enjoy several benefits, including:

• Access to selective CESR programs, such as the Sustainability Scholars Program and Impact Internships
• A dedicated Canvas page and newsletter with key announcements regarding sustainability
• Access to the SRE and CESR alumni database for networking opportunities

Certificate Requirements

To complete the SRE Certificate, students must fulfill the following requirements:

1) Course Requirements

Students must complete 9 credits of approved coursework. Recommended classes include:

• CESR 4130: Sustainable Operations
• ORGN 3030: Critical Leadership Skills
• CESR 4005: Business Solutions in the Developing World
• A full list of classes that count towards the certificate is available

2) Experiential Learning

Students must complete 20-25 hours of experiential education, which may include:

• Internships
• Additional coursework
• Participation in CESR-sponsored events, such as:
  • CESR Volunteer Days
  • SRE Career Conversations
  • Sustainability Career Treks

3) Pre-Graduation Requirements

Before graduating, students must complete:

• A reflection paper (2-3 pages) that connects their coursework and experiential learning to the broader themes of social responsibility and sustainability
• A 15-minute exit interview with CESR staff to discuss their learning experience and future goals

Testimonials

Several students have shared their positive experiences with the SRE Certificate:

• Lorena Payne (Mgmt, SRE '23) found that the certificate helped her land a job at Xcel Energy, where she works as a Customer & Utility Innovation Analyst.
• Lily-Finn Burdick (Acct, SRE '20) credits the SRE Certificate with preparing her for her role as a sustainability consultant at Deloitte.
• Michael Bortnowski (Mgmt, SRE '22) has doubled down on his passion for problem-solving, mentorship, and sustainability through the SRE Certificate.
• Maxime Brandt (Acct, SRE '22) found that the SRE Certificate gave him the tools and classes necessary to land his dream job as an auditor in climate change and sustainability at EY.
• Everett Palmer (Acct, SRE '23) has learned the value of sustainable business practices and how they can have a positive impact on all stakeholders and the environment.
• Pooja Agrawal (Acct, Fin, Global, SRE '23) believes that having the SRE Certificate on her resume will open doors to opportunities in the future.