AWESOME! BEST PROF EVER!

Dr. Banner helped me out with a freak personal problem by going above and beyond, and I will never forget it. He definitely knows what he is talking about, and is a great prof! I was one of 300 students, and he knew who we were. If you frequent this board, Dr. Banner, thanks for a great class!

AMAZING. Dr. Banner is an awesome professor, and if Bryan Wilbur is assistant teaching, you're extra lucky. Banner is wonderful, and the class isn't too hard if you study. DEFINITELY TAKE THIS CLASS!

Professor Banner inspired me more than any other from my 4 years at UT. Since his class, I've gone on to become an environmental activist...I became the Chairperson for the Campus Environmental Center, I worked at Public Citizen, Environmental Health and Safety Dept...etc...Very Inspiring and Even More Fun!

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I took the pilot course of Sustaining a Planet and would definitely recommend it to any of you needing a geology credit. Dr. Banner is an entertaining professor who really knows what he's talking about. I find that things I learned during Sustaining a Planet are useful in day-to-day life and conversations. It's a great class for raising awareness.

Absolutely great class. Some people say that it is work intensive, but it is the easiest class I have ever taken at UT. Honestly, Banner is inspirational and the class is too relevant to pass.

Great sense of humor.

VERY passionate about his topic of sustainability. Incredibly intelligent. Very comfortable lecturing but quite not so outgoing behind the scenes. Some say he forces his opinions on you, but his opinions are backed up with facts and research, and he's quite inspiring. Good class

so hard.... if you like the topic, it will be interesting (kind of), but you will not have a fun time if you're not passionate about sustainability. I worked my butt off on the portfolio and I made decent grades on the tests (like 10 pts above the average) and came out with a B+, I definitely think I deserved an A. At least he's funny?

Dr. Banner is a very engaging professor. He made many of his lectures interactive and easy to understand. Exams are all multiple choice and won't be difficult if you attend lecture, do the study guides, and re-watch parts of lectures you do not understand. Attendance is taken randomly by submitting answers on index cards.

I loved the parts of this class that Dr. Banner taught! He tries to be funny to keep the class engaged (even if he is corny). I loved the way he designed the class; it is very strategic in getting young adults to understand and critically analyze our environmental problems. My only complaint is his tests are way too difficult for a UGS class.

Great professor. Proof that there is nobody that can make geology interesting. Just kidding. Sort of. The lectures were pretty entertaining when they weren't about dirt and I feel like I learned a lot. This was a lot of work for a UGS course. If you care about saving the environment more than your GPA then I highly recommend it.

Easily the most inspiring professor I've had yet, & incredibly engaging. While UGS 303 is more work than other UGS courses, it isn't HARD work (just not "show up and pass", like many other UGS options). Banner makes an effort to get to know students, is passionate about his subject, and is a funnywitty lecturer (but still teaches effectively).

This was one of the best professors I have ever had. He was hilarious and his lectures were always entertaining and well organized. Learned a lot from this course. The only bad thing is that the tests were very difficult. If you care about your gpa, you might want to consider taking a different course. Good luck!

If you are looking for an easy UGS class, this isn't the class for you. It isn't really "hard", but you definitely have to work for the grade. There is tons of assigned homework, and it seems like for every single lecture he posts something on canvas that you need to watch to understand the lecture. Takes attendance and tests are difficult.

There is a lot of work for this class; it is science based. There is a discussion section with homework, a project, or lab report due weekly. He is very clearly passionate about the subject and most of his lectures were interactive, or at least entertaining. If you're interested in the subject, I highly recommend. No textbook.

Awesome professor! He teaches very effectively and passionately. The discussion section usually had a weekly assignment, but they weren't too bad. Also, there're different extra credit things you can do to help your grade if you are willing to do them. I really liked the class. I reviewed the lecture powerpoints/my notes before each test to do well

All around an awesome professor. Truly cares about his students and wants to make a difference in the lives of the students. All multiple choice test with some projects and homework. Easy to make an A if you just pay attention and do what he says. Test can be tricky but generally straight forward

This is not an easy UGS class, but neither is it really "hard". You are required to read, complete projects, and outside physical activities to pass this class. He (almost requires) questions and discussions in and outside of class (on canvas). Tests? You should study for them.

Dr. Banner's UGS may be one of the toughest workload UGS classes on campus. However, he's there for you and he really wants you to do well in the class, and cares about the subject. Would love to take his class again, even though the workload is heavy!

This is the best course I have ever taken at the University. In terms of the content and the professor, it will be a course I will never forget.

If you enjoyed environmental science or love earth, you won't regret taking this UGS. Banner is so passionate and engaging that you will always get something out of every lecture. He cares and is willing get to know you even though there's like over 200 students. It is a very rigorous course, but really prepared me for college as a freshman!

Dr. Banner is a good prof, actually interested in the subject of the class. However, this UGS is excessive with 3 exams, a final, lab reports, a portfolio, and a music symposium. Grades depend on your TA. Music symposiums and Port Aransas were fun, but wouldn't recommend the class unless you are an EVS major or are really interested in the subject.

Dr. Banner is a wonderful, witty, and unique professor. His class is very useful and has helped me make more sustainable choices as a consumer. He has high expectations, and makes you work in this class, but honestly, if you show up to class, take good notes, and do the practice exams, you will make a good grade in the class without much stress

This class will make you work, but it's rewarding in the end. I really enjoyed the course material and the fact that lectures were quasi-mandatory plus had fun activities and demonstrations really helped me absorb the content and perform successfully.

Jay Banner is a true gem. LOTS of extra credit available. The first test is rough but the next two get easier. Dr. Banner really does an amazing job of inspiring students and making himself available. His lectures are incredible and the "music symposium" project is AWESOME. If you love yourself, you'll TAKE THIS CLASS

Dr. Banner is super cool. His lectures are interesting and engaging, and he is very passionate about the material, and I learned a lot. However, this class does require a bit more work and effort. I took this as part of my major, but I recommend it to everyone! It's worth it, Sustaining a Planet will change your perspective on life.

incredible man, just do discussion homework and study for tests and you'll succeed

Banner gives great, interesting lectures that open up your eyes about the real world and the importance of sustainability. Class is an earnable A, just takes a good amount of work. 3 tests aren't difficult, just look at sample questions. Portfolio project is a lot of work. Lots of extra credit opportunities. Final isn't hard. Favorite class of sem.

Banner gave really interesting and inspiring lectures. However, this isn't an easy UGS course if that's what you're wanting. It's a lot of work and takes a lot of time. Tests are entirely lecture-based and really do require quite of bit of studying. You're grades kind of depend on you TA, but I didn't ever hear anything bad about them.

Sustaining a planet was such a fun class, though be warned that it is quite a lot of work. There are portfolios, tests, and grinding for extra credit (if you so wish to go down that path). Dr. Banner is overall a very funny guy and I loved having him as a teacher. His office hours are fun and I definitely recommend going at least a couple times.

Dr. Banner was an incredible professor in his Sustaining the Planet class! His lectures are engaging and informative. Take efficient notes, even though his lectures and recordings are posted on Canvas. There's lots of extra credit available and the discussion sections with the TAs can be very helpful. Expect to do some time heavy assignments.

His UGS Sustaining A Planet is a waste of time. You're better off finding a better UGS class to take. He has entertaining lectures and is an awesome guy but tests are horrible and often don't relate to the content taught in class. If you're a person that prefers directness this isn't the choice for you. There's also a heavy bias.

This class was super interesting and Dr. Banner has a super dry sense of humor. It is more science based, which is not what i thought going into it. Attendance checks during lectures are random so make sure you go to every class. Assignments are not too difficult. Tests are exactly like the practice exam they give you. Overall great class!!

Very inspirational guy. Really cares about what he is teaching. Project heavy class with a semester long portfolio project, 3 midterms, and a final. The exams are definitely reflective of the lectures; nothing unexpected. If you're not an EVS or some sort of sustainability major you might be bored. Overall very interesting class!

he is nice and his dry sense of humor makes the class bearable. but lord please avoid this class if you can. the lectures are very heavy. it is a lot of material to learn. I didn't do well because I didn't pay attention as much because they get boring after a while. ik some people who did well but they put a lot of work in

For a UGS it was too much work. You are assigned 3 midterms, a year-long portfolio project, and you have a final as well for the class. Almost all material is entirely from lectures so you need good notes and need to be in attendance constantly. He is a passionate teacher so if you like the subject go for it but it was more demanding than it should

Very intriguing UGS course, but be warned because it is a ton of work. This is practically a science course. Be prepared to attend all lectures, take extensive notes, do multiple presentations, do group projects, and create a portfolio. If you work hard, an A is not out of reach and Dr. Banner is a great, humorous professor.

Dr. Banner is a great and enthusiastic lecturer. The lectures have a lot of material but he is available during OH. This class does expect you to put in some effort with 3 exams + final and a portfolio project. Discussion Sections tend to use practical applications of the material taught in class. There are occasional pre-lecture readings as well.

Very easy class. I did this class online and I virtually never paid any attention to the lectures, and HARDLY studied for the tests. The tests were online, open note, and open internet. The portfolio project is probably the most annoying thing about this class but it's an easy 100. TBH the profs have lots to say during lectures but tests are ez.

I highly recommend this course to anyone interested in sustainability. The 2 professors are renowned scientists and have each led huge research projects. Banner's lectures are entertaining and thorough. This is not a blow-off UGS, you have to pay attention in lecture. By far my favorite class, favorite professors, and you will learn a lotttt.

Complete the study guides for each lecture! They will pay off in the long run because the course covers so much content. If you are an EVS student, there will be some extra work, though not a lot. Do the extra credit opportunities and pay attention to your portfolio (it will be the thing that saves your grade, likely).

Incredibly funny, and I loved his lectures! Will admit the course load for a UGS is quite a lot, but it's required for EVS. Mainly graded on tests and an overall portfolio, along with discussion section assignments. Definitely take the chances to go on OTC trips with the professors! Despite the workload, I enjoyed the class a lot.

Not the best idea to take this class if youre pursuing a degree outside of EVS. Interesting lectures and laid-back environment but a large amount of homework and presentations due each week during discussion sections. Test material is mostly common sense if it isnt already on the lectures and the rubrics for every assignment are very clear.

Jay Banner is very funny and personable. I enjoyed his lectures and felt like I was able to learn a lot from them. This class is definitely a lot of work, especially compared to the average UGS, but as someone interested in the subject matter, I enjoyed it. If you pay attention and put in effort, an A is within reach- plus he offers extra credit.

Jay Banner is an amazing professor and his lectures were great. Made me actually want to attend in person. Syllabus said attendance was mandatory, but became pretty lenient. For a UGS, there was a lot of work but not that much effort is needed to do well. The content of the course is pretty basic, but gives a lot of info on foundational concepts.

I loved taking Sustaining a Planet with Dr. Banner and Dr. Allen. Dr. Banner was a very engaging lecturer and was accessible outside of class. Most of the grade comes from exams and the discussion section. Exams are open notes, and the discussion section was great in increasing my understanding of the material. Highly recommend this UGS!

I am an EVS major, but felt like this course was still pretty accessible for non-EVS majors. It is somewhat time consuming, especially with the portfolio, mandatory discussion sections, and homework, but the content was truly great and the lectures were engaging and fascinating. My TA was phenomenal and was always available outside of class.

He's very interesting and pretty funny. You can get up to 10 extra credit points on the final. The tests (open note) are kinda weird and a lot of people struggled but if you pay attention to lectures (which are recorded) you'll be fine. Go to discussion sections-- attendance is graded. Not the easiest UGS but super super informative and worth it.

This isn't a blowoff UGS class, so only take if you care about sustainability. Banner is a great lecturer and very engaging. Make sure to have a deep understanding of topics before going into exams (open note). Completing the portfolio project is very doable in the time allotted, be prepared to give a lot of short presentations in discussions.

Dr. Banner was my favorite professor. His lectures were engaging and interesting, and even if you weren't interested in environmental studies at first, you will be after taking this class. The portfolio is a long process, but you get so much out of it. He wants his students to succeed too. He came to our study groups and explained topics deeper.

Banner is God. Banner is life. Best professor ever. I wish he could teach my engineering classes. Super easy class. So sad that I will be separated from my god king banner until the universe recycles itself.

There is a lot of work related to the UGS but it is so interesting and we have the opportunity to go on field trips and attend speaker events! Love Dr. Banner!!! He is so funny and very knowledgeable. Highly recommend taking this UGS if you're interested in sustainability and climate change.

A great, engaging, and funny guy, but if you don't want to be given numerous and unnecessary amounts of work, then don't take this as your UGS. Half of the work is pointless yet takes hours to complete. Also, there's a whole portfolio that you have to work on throughout the semester including checkpoints, presentations, and an essay.

absolutely loved this class! i took it because it was a required credit and i was vaguely interested in the environment, but i genuinely learned so much and it ended up being my favorite class that semester. some lectures were so amazing i almost wanted to cry, and i feel like i learned more about my purpose in life from this class. 10/10!!!

Great prof! Very work-heavy UGS compared to a lot of other classes, but it's not difficult if you stay on top of it. The portfolio is a lot if you leave it to the last minute, but the ability to participate in research and field trips is so worth it! This class will change your worldview if you engage. Good TAs, too.

I originally wasn't super sure if I was going to enjoy this class but it quickly became my favorite! Dr. Banner's lectures are so awesome and engaging. If I have the chance to take another course taught by him I definitely will!

This UGS was really cool if you are interested in environmental science. He is a funny guy and makes the lectures enjoyable. The workload is a little more than most UGS's and discussion is mandatory which is kind of annoying, but overall the class is not that hard. Tests are open internet and online

Dr. Banner is funny, engaging, and inspirational with his lectures and this class. The portfolio and homeworks for this class were a bit of work, but exams were open resource and I enjoyed it immensely. This class is not by any means an easy A, but I felt I learned a lot and was captivated by the material. It was certainly out of my comfort zone.

When a professor is an expert and is passionate about the matter at hand then great lectures easily follow. Dr. Banner will get you to think about all perspectives, question authority and ourselves, and in doing so, instil the skills necessary for our academic careers. Since tests are open everything you can enjoy the subject without stress.

I'm an EVS major so I found this class easy and interesting. Exams are all open-note and open-Internet so I got A's without studying. There is a sustainability-themed project for the semester, but it's spaced out pretty well and grading was very lenient as long as you put in effort. Easy GPA booster overall.

Banner is a chill guy, but the class is pretty project-heavy. 4 exams including the final (open internet and VERY similar to the reviews), 2 big projects, and little homework. Extra discussion once a week is unnecessary but is a good chance to talk to the TAs (who are helpful). Opportunities for field trips for the project/extra credit.

Professor Banner was so entertaining and kept everyone engaged throughout the course. He definitely cares about what he teaches and in the end he gave us an inspirational talk that I will always think about. Overall I definitely recommend.

His lectures are engaging and he's really passionate. Exams are open-note/Internet and lectures are recorded. Discussion sections are nice because the TAs are helpful. This class is a lot of work for a UGS though, especially with the symposium project and semester-long portfolio. There's extra credit but be prepared to put more work than expected.

If you're looking for an easy UGS, I don't recommend this class, but it is a very enjoyable class if you're willing to put in the time. The lectures given by Dr. Banner were very engaging and the activities, though time-consuming, were graded kindly (if your effort shows then you'll be okay) and were interesting and fun!

His lectures are funny and entertaining. As an evs major who took APES, I thought this class was easy! Tests are open note and proctored either online/in person. Attendance not "mandatory" but sometimes he makes you turn in an index card to check you were there. There is a project worth 18% of your grade, takes effort but i liked it.

Very good teacher, I LOVE HIM SO MUCH, HE IS AWESOME, I WOULD DO ANYTHING TO TAKE HIS CLASS.

This class is not hard but a lot of work considering the fact that there is no writing flag. The prof is funny and offers many ECs. The TA is amazing. Would not recommend if you take other hard classes. Midterms do contain some really weird questions though. Interesting class but would not recommend if you want easy light work A.

I really don't understand the reviews about a lot of work. It's heavier at the beginning of the sem, but really lightens up. Was super inspirational as an EVS major. Dr. Banner is really engaging and obviously cares so much about the subject. No electronics in class. Tests have some odd questions but aren't bad overall. Ella was an amazing TA!

He's more outgoing than Dr. Allen, and his lectures are more engaging, but you do have to focus on what is happening in the lectures, even what is being said. No tech allowed in the class, but I believe it's engaging enough for the hour. The dances he does are very helpful, and the Art Symposium is one of the best lectures you could go to (so go!).

Truly an unnecessary amount of homework and writing. However, both the grading and prompts for these are laughably easy. Tests are easy and open note, and there are many opportunities for extra credit. Banner himself is an amazing lecturer and an overall chill/funny guy. And it's true, I genuinely left inspired about the subject. I don't regret.

Professor Banner makes the lectures very fun and enjoyable, very each to be engaged in. The class itself is way too much work for UGS, rather just avoid it. It consist of lots of discussion assignments, portfolio's, and if you get a bad TA, your grade can tank.

Dr. Banner is an incredible lecturer, and he is really funny at times. However, the content can seem really heavy as well, so it would be really helpful to pay attention in class rather than trying to learn it outside on your own time. Sometimes test questions may be what was said in class, so pay close attention, locking in 1 hr saves many hrs.

This class is an insane amount of work for a UGS, but it's not impossible. Discussion assignments are tedious, but manageable as long as you cite everything. Exams are straight from the lectures and you can bring study guides, but that leads to hyperspecific questions. Banner is nice, but his sarcasm and deadpan humor do take time to get used to.

This is not an easy class. I took Ochem and Genetics with this class and this class was the toughest one. My TA graded very harsh and they want to try to be the hero making this class very difficult. The tests are weighted heavy and are about the smallest things the prof talks about in lecture. There is a reason why this UGS is open.

The bad ratings didn't reflect what this class stood for. The grading is a bit harsh on the TA side; however, exams are VERY similar to the sample exams given. The professor allows 2 cheat sheets front AND back every exam. Lectures are insightful + professor is inspirational towards sustainability. Various extra credit opportunities in this UGS.

Professor Banner is a great lecturer and obviously extremely passionate about sustainability. The class is pretty interesting, the exams are simple (as long as you pay attention during lecture), though there is quite a bit of discussion work/homework/projects. Take advantage of field trips and extra credit opportunities (there are a lot).

He is a really inspirational person. The UGS class is hard though, mainly because it requires A LOT of work(Example: Semester-long project). Allows 3 pages of cheat sheet. Offers up to 10 points of extra credit added to Final. 3 exams and 1 Final. No quizzes. I'm not that into sustainability but he makes it fun. Teaches with another Prof.

Prof. Banner's lectures were interesting. However, the class is designed to give you WORK, especially from the discussion. Other UGS classes do NOT have 3 Midterms and 1 Final worth over 50% of your grade. The cheat sheet will help you on the exam, but the amount of time studying for midterms and work from discussion hit me as a freshman engineer

Dr. Banner's lectures were interesting. The class is very easy to succeed in as long as you pay attention in lectures. Although the exams aren't difficult to begin with, they allow cheat sheets. The discussion sections have a decent amount of weekly work but it's not overwhelming. There are also many opportunities for extra credit.

Dr. Banner was very engaging during class. Discussion sections have homework, but it wasn't difficult. Pay attention in class (or watch the lectures) and the tests will be easy. The semester long project isn't difficult, just have to plan out what to do and when. Plenty of extra credit opportunities.

informative class, lectures are fun and interesting, but it is WAY too much work for a UGS. 3 midterms, a final, a 5-part project, and mandatory weekly discussion sections that each come with 1-2 assignments. work isn't particularly difficult, but there is A LOT of it.