Rutgers logo
Office of Climate Action
Rutgers logo
Office of Climate Action
Rutgers logo
Office of Climate Action
Rutgers logo
Office of Climate Action

Mobilizing the University for Climate Transformation

Roundtable Discussion Recordings

    Video frame not working? Click here to watch directly on Youtube.
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    Thank You for Joining Us!

    • Wednesday, May 4, 2022
    • 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
    • In-person at Richard Weeks Hall of Engineering, New Brunswick and Virtual

    Rutgers University is a leading center of research and learning. It’s also a polity and economic entity with a multi-billion dollar budget, a community of about 100,000 people, and a footprint that spans the state of New Jersey. To realize the vision of its Climate Action Plan and become a global model for a large, public university that centers the global climate crisis in its mission, we must link all of these aspects of the university together in the service of decarbonization and the advancement of just, equitable climate solutions.

    This convening brings together faculty, staff, and students from across Rutgers to learn about and showcase climate action and associated scholarship already taking place, and to identify new opportunities for collaboration among Rutgers community members. Please see the additional details below to learn how you can spotlight your artwork, research, or project in the Climate Transformation Showcase.

    We look forward to seeing you virtually or in-person!

    Please note that registration has closed. Please contact Katie Parrish at kathleen.parrish@rutgers.edu with questions.

    See the Full Agenda
    An illustrated globe

    Roundtable 1
    Roundtable 2
    Roundtable 2
    Roundtable 3
    Roundtable 3
    Richard Weeks
    AIR Collaborative
    SEA Poster
    Electric van
    President Jonathan Holloway
    Chancellor-Provost Francine Conway
    Bob Kopp, Co-Director, University Office of Climate Action

    Moderated by President Jonathan Holloway, Roundtable 1 featured perspectives from all four Rutgers chancellors and the chief operating officer focused on “Mobilizing University Climate Action” through campus operations, academics, and research.

    During Roundtable 2, “Laboratories of Climate Citizenship,” speakers shared some of the many ways we can use our campuses and communities as “living laboratories” for climate action that educate and promote climate citizenship.

    “It's not only enough to say that we've committed--we have to stay on track, and to really make an impact, we have to share those resources and what we’ve learned.” - Kendall Soto, chair, Rutgers University Student Assembly Sustainability Committee; member, Office of Climate Action Student Advisory Board; New Brunswick undergraduate student

    Roundtable 3, “Partnering for Climate Action,” highlighted speakers from disciplines ranging from business to the arts to health who are partnering with New Jersey communities and businesses to accelerate community climate transformation across our state.

    “Art inspires, and artists can get the message out that we need to be sustainable, that we need to make changes, in a way that is easy to digest.” - Larodge Johnson, Camden undergraduate student; Member, Office of Climate Action Student Advisory Board; community activist and photographer

    The event venue, the Richard Weeks Hall of Engineering, is just one example of a “living lab” on campus. It features sustainable engineering technologies in its design and construction and offers unique spaces like the energy lab where students can track campus energy data in real time.

    The Climate Transformation Showcase featured artwork, research, and projects, such as this poster series from the AIR Collaborative featuring their work to promote sustainable and equitable access to Rutgers Gardens. Students presented on aspects of the project, including bridge engineering designs, an arts-integrated advocacy and awareness walk, and more.

    Students from Students for Environmental Awareness organized food-waste composting for the event and presented about their ongoing work to learn about and implement sustainable solutions related to food, transportation, and climate change.

    Rutgers Institutional Planning and Operations showcased their first electric delivery van and collected feedback from attendees on designs for the van.

    “Climate action can't just be a matter for those who whose current scholarly focus is on climate change. Expanding collaboration around climate between the academic and operational arms of the University is one of the core purposes of today's convening.” - Jonathan Holloway, Rutgers President and University Professor

    “Our priorities and innovative research are designed to strengthen Rutgers-New Brunswick’s capacity to solve grand challenges. This provides us with an opportunity to catalyze innovative research amongst our faculty and students that reflects our commitment to the common good.” - Francine Conway, Chancellor-Provost, Rutgers-New Brunswick

    “We are here from across Rutgers to learn about climate action and associated scholarship already taking place across our campuses, and to identify new collaboration opportunities here at Rutgers.” - Bob Kopp, Co-Director, Office of Climate Action

    Climate Transformation Showcase

    From working with communities to advance mitigation and adaptation, to communicating climate change through dance, to on-campus composting, the Climate Transformation Showcase will feature some of the many ways that Rutgers community members are engaging with climate action. We hope that their work will inspire attendees from all backgrounds to find creative new ways to approach their work or to get involved.

    Browse the films, posters, and artwork virtually in the expo hall all day, or in-person in the first and second floor atria of the Richard Weeks Hall of Engineering from 12:30-1:30 pm.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • How does the in-person waitlist work?

      There is a waiting list in place for in-person tickets because in-person ticket availability will be limited based on COVID-19 conditions closer to the event. If you join the waiting list during registration, you will be notified before the event whether you have received an in-person ticket. In-person tickets will be distributed proportionately across Rutgers units/campuses.

      If I register for the in-person waitlist, will I still be able to join virtually?

      Yes, all registrants will have access to the virtual event platform. An access link will be sent via email.

      If I am a speaker should I register for the event?

      Yes, please register for the event.

      If I am a presenter or performer in the showcase, should I register for the event?

      Yes, please register for the event.

    • What is the event mask policy?

      Under Rutgers policy, face coverings are required in all teaching spaces (classrooms, lecture halls, seminar rooms, etc.), as well as in student-staff and student-faculty meeting spaces. Accordingly, masks are required at this event in the auditorium, classrooms, and hallways of Richard Weeks Hall.

      In addition, to ensure that the event is safe and accessible to everyone, including individuals who are at higher risk from COVID-19, we request that all in-person attendees wear a mask whenever they are inside.

      Please refer to the Rutgers University COVID-19 information pagefor the latest updates to the university-wide COVID-19 policies.

      Where is the event?

      The event will take place at Rutgers – New Brunswick in the Richard Weeks Hall of Engineering (500 Bartholomew Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854)

      Which Rutgers bus stop is closest to the building and which bus routes can I take to get there?

      The Busch Student Center bus stop is closest. Please refer to the Parking and Transportation Services page for up-to-date information regarding Rutgers bus routes and schedules.

      Where should I park if I drive to the event?

      The following lots near the building require either a Rutgers University issued Faculty/Staff Permit or a One-Day Visitor Permit.

      • Lots 51, 51B, 54
        • Guests must register for event parking. Unregistered vehicles may receive a citation.
        • Rutgers faculty, staff, and students must park only in lots they are authorized to park in.            
      • Lot 48 across from the Rutgers Visitors Center does not require visitors to have a permit.

       

    • How do I attend the event virtually?

      All registrants will receive a link to join the Hopin virtual platform where you will be able to watch presentations and join virtual sessions. You will not need a Zoom link to access any of the sessions. The platform works best in the Chrome browser or the Hopin desktop app.

      Will I be able to participate in the full event virtually?

      Yes. Within the virtual platform, you will be able to view the livestreamed keynote and panel sessions and submit questions via chat in the morning and join virtual versions of the breakout sessions in the afternoon. You will also be able to network, chat, and explore the virtual showcase.

      Can I arrange 1:1’s and Meetings with other attendees?

      Yes, you can use the “Invite to video call” and “Schedule a meeting” features. While the Networking Area promotes randomized connections, you can connect further by scheduling private meetings and video calling with up to 19 other people. This can be done within the People tab of the event by selecting "Schedule a meeting" at the bottom of the tab. Alternatively, you can locate the profile of the attendee that you would like to meet with and select "Schedule a meeting" from within their profile.

      How does networking work on Hopin?

      In Networking, when someone clicks on the Join button, the system searches for someone else who has also clicked the Join button. If someone else is available, the person's profile details show up on the screen for some seconds and then the two are matched instantly and the video chat begins and lasts for a preset amount of time.

      Networking sessions have a 3-minute duration and can be extended for another 3-minutes, as desired. Attendees see a timer countdown on the top side of the screen. When the time expires, the meeting ends. For longer conversations, we recommend utilizing the 1:1 or Meetings functions.

      Can I view recorded sessions from the event?

      Yes, when the event has finished, you will receive an email to provide a link to access the recordings in the Replay section of the event. Later, recordings will also be made available on the Office of Climate Action website.

      I am a Mac user and I am unable to share my screen during sessions and meetings. What should I do?

      To share your screen within the Hopin platform, please ensure that your Mac has proper permissions allowing for Chrome to record your screen. To do this, please review the following steps:

      • When first attempting to share your screen, Mac OS will open a dialogue box advising you that “Google Chrome” would like to record this computer’s screen. Please click OPEN SYSTEM PREFERENCES. If you do not see the dialog box, please open SYSTEM PREFERENCE >> SECURITY AND PRIVACY >> SCREEN RECORDING.
      • In the Screen Recording section, click the box next to Google Chrome to allow screen sharing. You may need to UNLOCK your system to make this change. Please do so from the button in the bottom-left.
      • Next, click QUIT NOW in the dialog box. You will not be able to screen share until you quit and restart Chrome.
      • Rejoin the event. You should now be able to share your screen.

    • We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully. To request an accommodation not listed below or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact Katie Parrish, program coordinator, at kathleen.parrish@rutgers.edu.

      What accessible parking and transportation options are available?

      All campus buses are equipped for individuals with mobility impairments and have low entrance steps and/or mechanical platforms for wheelchair accessibility. Accessible parking spaces are also available to those with appropriate state issued placard. Please refer to the New Brunswick section of the Rutgers Access and Disability Resources Transportation and Parking Page for additional details.

      Is the building wheelchair accessible?

      Yes, the building is wheelchair accessible. The elevator is located in the center of the building. The main hall, room 105, is accessible from a ramp on the first floor or the doors on the second floor.

      What browser should I use for the best accessible virtual experience?

      We strongly recommend using the Chrome browser on a desktop or laptop computer. Please ensure that your version of Chrome is up to date with the newest version. For details on how to do this, please click here.

      It has been found that issues can arise from data stored in your browser’s cache and cookies. After you clear your cache, please close out all instances of Chrome that are active on your computer and then re-open Chrome. For more information on how to complete this process, please click here.

      Are Closed Captions (CC) available for this event and how do I enable them?

      • Closed Captions are available for virtual attendees. They can be turned on once you have clicked into a live session by clicking the CC button that appears at the bottom of the screen below the speaker video displays. Learn more about how to use Hopin’s Closed Captions here.
      • NOTE: Captions are only available on Desktop versions of Hopin and with the Chrome Browser. At this time, Hopin only supplies closed captions in English (American, British, and Canadian).

      What other features may be useful in the virtual platform when captions are not available?

      Closed Captions are available in several areas of the Hopin conference platform: Stage, Sessions, Expo, and Networking. In all other areas, please use the chat feature to communicate with other attendees. Please visit How to use the chat area during an event for more information.

      Where can I find the virtual conference platform accessibility statement?

      Please review the current Hopin Accessibility Statement.