ANN ARBOR—Carl Simon knows whatever solutions scholars and politicians find to the energy crisis it’s going to be up to future generations to make them happen.

So who better to partner with than students to plan University of Michigan’s College of Literature, Science, and the Arts fall theme semester “Energy Futures: Society, Innovation and Technology,” examining the human and social behaviors associated with energy demand.

For the first time in the 20-year history of LSA theme semesters, students from LSA Student Government are working with faculty planning the theme semester.

From lectures and courses to writing contests and a green homecoming parade, students are at the table, says Simon, director of the Center for the Study of Complex Systems, which is coordinating the theme semester with students.

“It’s a 100 percent partnership and it’s so natural,” Simon said. “Their enthusiasm and hard work is making it more satisfying and increasing the chances of success. Their contacts are really getting the energy flowing.”

John Monaghan and Andrew Fileti, members of LSA Student Government, are working with the faculty to connect students to the theme semester.

They have set up a Facebook page and Google calendar to publicize it and are partnering with students in the College of Engineering and the Ross School of Business, as well as the Ann Arbor Energy Commission and Detroit Edison.

“We are trying to tap into all the environmental groups on campus to mobilize students to take action, said Monaghan, a third-year student in the Program in the Environment.

LSA students will participate in an Energy Fest, part of a campus-wide Planet Blue energy-conservation and recycling initiative, coordinated by U-M Plant Operations.

They are working with the Michigan Student Assembly on homecoming week Sept. 29- Oct. 4, which will feature a “Go Blue Live Green” theme, according to Monaghan. Plans call for a parade and pep rally emphasizing sustainability.

The theme semester will feature internationally-renown scholars in political science, economics, sociology, anthropology, psychology, public policy and survey research, who will examine the cultural, historical and social aspects of energy policy.

A course will be offered in the social science of energy and other courses will include energy components. A writing contest, “Where Were You When the Lights Went Out” will ask students to write about experiences with energy failures.

About 700 first-year students will read the book “Power to the People: How the coming energy revolution will transform an industry, change our lives and may even save the planet” by Vijay V. Vaitheeswaran, as part of a summer reading program. The author will give a lecture on Sept. 28 and meet with students and faculty on Sept. 29.

The theme semester will give the University community a unique opportunity to explore the multi-dimensional aspects of energy from a cultural, political and historical perspective that goes beyond technical considerations, said LSA Dean Terrence McDonald.

“The University of Michigan has unparalleled strength in the social sciences and a unique ability to examine complex topics from a collaborative interdisciplinary approach,” McDonald said.

Theme semesters have been an integral part of U-M’s teaching and learning experience for more than 20 years, offering an interdisciplinary approach on topics as varied as China, civil rights, food and citizenship. The winter 2009 theme year will study the universe and the fall 2009 semester will focus on museums.

Simon said the social and public policy of energy are as important as the engineering.

“It’s also about pricing, government incentives, behaviors and how people make choices,” he said. “The next generation is going to make these changes happen and suffer if they don’t. There will likely be a decrease in available energy in the next 10 years and that can mean cutbacks in everything from hot showers to home lighting.”

Monaghan believes there’s a momentum building among students. “It’s getting to the point where it’s fashionable to be part of the environmental movement, he said.”

The LSA Energy Futures theme semester is part of a University-wide Initiative on Energy Science, Technology and Policy, established by U-M Vice President for Research Steve Forrest. U-M is also home to the Michigan Memorial Phoenix Energy Institute (MMPEI) and is a leader in the development of solar energy, fuel cells, batteries and other technology.

U-M Sustainability fosters a more sustainable world through collaborations across campus and beyond aimed at educating students, generating new knowledge, and minimizing our environmental footprint. Learn more at sustainability.umich.edu.

Related Links:

• Energy Futures