A Conceptual Model for Sustainable Higher Education

In sustainability vision, the most important capital of countries is human capitals. Therefore higher education as a promoter of human capital, and producer of knowledge, has a crucial responsibility in this regard and entitled a special place in achieving sustainable development. The purpose of this descriptive analytical study was to design a conceptual model for sustainable university. To achieve the purpose, the literature of sustainability in higher education, and the most popular activities, around the world, for integrating sustainability into all functions of universities were reviewed. Based on this review, the elementary model was designed. This model was revised by certain higher education experts. Eventually, the model of sustainable university was designed based on the principles of systems thinking, participatory planning, and sustainable development. Finally, the required changes in teaching learning process were explained to create a base for new academic culture. The formation of Sustainability Committee in universities to plan for integrating sustainability into education, research, and outreach is the most important part of the model. It is hoped that the designed model could help to develop higher education, on course of scientific power sustainability of the country.