Campus Engagement
Introduction
Engaging in sustainability issues through co-curricular activities allows students to deepen and apply their understandings of sustainability principles. Institution-sponsored co-curricular sustainability offerings, often coordinated by student affairs offices, help integrate sustainability into the campus culture and set a positive tone for the institution. Faculty and staff members’ daily decisions impact an institution’s sustainability performance. Equipping faculty and staff with the tools, knowledge, and motivation to adopt behavior changes that promote sustainability is an essential activity of a sustainable campus.
Featured Resources
Latest News from AASHE Bulletin
New Resources
Earth Day Planting
- Mohawk College (ON)
- World Wildlife Fund (DC)
Over 40 student volunteers came together to celebrate Earth Day by planting out a new bioswale at Mohawk College’s Fennell campus. The group planted nearly 500 native grasses and wildflowers …
- Posted Aug. 19, 2025
- Photographs
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Native plant bioswale
- Mohawk College (ON)
- World Wildlife Fund (DC)
Mohawk College received a World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Canada Go Wild Grant to create a bioswale (a long, sloped channel filled with vegetation to filter and slow rainwater runoff) in …
- Posted Aug. 19, 2025
- Photographs
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Basic Needs, Sustainability & Leadership
- Portland Community College (OR)
The Basic Needs, Sustainability & Leadership (BNSL) program at Portland Community College provides opportunities to advance the interconnected issues of basic needs support (including food and housing security, transportation access, …
- Posted Aug. 19, 2025
- Photographs
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ASU Image for SCI
- Arizona State University (AZ)
Hi there! Harrison Sharp from Arizona State University's Sustainability Practices team following up on request for images for this year's SCI featuring a story about our new sustainability general education …
- Posted Aug. 19, 2025
- Photographs
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Actions and Hopes of the Sustainability-Focused Student
- College Pulse (CA)
A Student Voice survey of of 2,164 undergraduates from 114 colleges conducted by Inside Higher Ed and College Pulse in fall 2022 found that:
- Forty-five percent of respondents considered environmental …
- Posted Aug. 18, 2025
- Publications
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Students of colour views on racial equity in environmental sustainability
- Dartmouth College (NH)
- DePaul University (IL)
- Loyola University Chicago (IL)
Racial and ethnic diversity in environmental sustainability advances social equity and innovation, solving social-ecological crises. Yet, Black, Indigenous and people of colour (BIPOC) remain underrepresented in sustainability fields despite high …
- Posted Aug. 13, 2025
- Publications
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Exploring influences shaping university students’ attitudes toward green buildings
- Louisiana State University (LA)
Purpose: This study aims to investigate university students’ awareness of green residences and the factors influencing their willingness to pay for living in such accommodations. Design/methodology/approach: This mixed-methods research involved …
- Posted Aug. 13, 2025
- Publications
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College Pulse Sustainable Campuses Survey 2023
- College Pulse (CA)
This survey was designed and conducted by College Pulse. Interviews were conducted in English among a sample of 2164 undergraduate students who are currently enrolled in the U.S. The sample …
- Posted Aug. 13, 2025
- Publications
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Student Perspectives on Sustainability at Iowa State University
- Iowa State University (IA)
This research report employed focus groups and a student body survey to understand Iowa State University (ISU) students' perspectives on how well the curriculum and extracurricular activities are preparing them …
- Posted Aug. 13, 2025
- Publications
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Representation & Access (formerly Social Equity)·
- Cornell University (NY)
Yusef Salaam speaks to students during a roundtable discussion on social justice in the Office of Academic Diversity Initiatives
- Posted Aug. 12, 2025
- Photographs
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University of California, Riverside - Photos Submitted for SCI 2025
- University of California, Riverside (CA)
UC Riverside photos submitted for the AASHE Sustainability Campus Index.
- Posted Aug. 11, 2025
- Photographs
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College of the Atlantic_elimination of disposable plastic foodware in retail dining operations
- College of the Atlantic (ME)
College of the Atlantic's reusable to-go ware program eliminates plastic to-go containers from campus dining.
- Posted Aug. 11, 2025
- Photographs
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University of Virginia Decarbonization Academy
- University of Virginia (VA)
SCI 2025: Eight-week decarbonization academy program - The Decarbonization Academy at University of Virginia is an immersive learning experience for students who are interested in working towards UVA’s sustainability goals …
- Posted Aug. 11, 2025
- Photographs
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Public Policy
- Cornell University (NY)
Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy
- Posted Aug. 11, 2025
- Photographs
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Vote on Ho Plaza
- Cornell University (NY)
Students from the Cornell Policy Group, a nonpartisan student organization, help others register to vote on Ho Plaza.
- Posted Aug. 11, 2025
- Photographs
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Goat Yoga for Earth Day Spring Fling
- University of Connecticut (CT)
The University of Connecticut has celebrated Earth Day for the last 20+ years by hosting Earth Day Spring Fling every April. The event features a zero-waste, locally sourced BBQ, environmental …
- Posted Aug. 11, 2025
- Photographs
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Don't Mess with Mansfield: A Community Litter Clean Up
- University of Connecticut (CT)
The University of Connecticut and the Town of Mansfield coordinate two litter clean ups around UConn's flagship campus annually. Attracting over 300 students and dozens of town residents, the events …
- Posted Aug. 11, 2025
- Photographs
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Student Worker at the PCC Southeast Campus Learning Garden Geodesic Dome Greenhouse
- Portland Community College (OR)
A student worker in the Student Worker at the Southeast Campus Learning Garden Geodesic Dome Greenhouse at Portland Community College.
- Posted Aug. 4, 2025
- Photographs
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Sustainability Fund Project: Insect Biodiversity Displays
- University of Maryland, College Park (MD)
In 2022, the lab manager of the Lamp Lab at the University of Maryland received a Sustainability Fund grant to create three insect displays around UMD’s campus. Each display features …
- Posted Aug. 4, 2025
- Photographs
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Waste Audit of main library at the University of Maryland
- University of Maryland, College Park (MD)
Juila Ethan worked with the University Libraries for a year as their first Sustainability Graduate Assistant. She developed strategies to make the libraries more sustainable, including leading a waste audit …
- Posted Aug. 4, 2025
- Photographs
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A culture of reuse at the University of Maryland's annual multi-day arts festival
- University of Maryland, College Park (MD)
A University of Maryland campus tradition, NextNOW Fest is a signature event in the University of Maryland’s Arts for All initiative, which leverages the combined power of the arts, technology …
- Posted Aug. 4, 2025
- Photographs
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Exploring Aquatic Systems: FGCU Water School in Action
- Florida Gulf Coast University (FL)
Florida Gulf Coast University Water School student researchers conduct fieldwork in aquatic ecology and bathymetry, using scientific instruments to map underwater landscapes and study ecosystem dynamics. This hands-on research supports …
- Posted Aug. 4, 2025
- Photographs
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Permaculture in Practice: FGCU Food Forest
- Florida Gulf Coast University (FL)
The Florida Gulf Coast University Food Forest exemplifies applied permaculture principles in a student-led, campus-based edible landscape. The FGCU Food Forest engages the campus and community in sustainable food systems …
- Posted Aug. 4, 2025
- Photographs
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Sustainable Transportation at NYU
- New York University (NY)
Over 95% of NYU students and employees use a sustainable option as their primary mode of transportation. NYU continues to support and encourage sustainable commuting by providing bike sharing, car …
- Posted July 31, 2025
- Photographs
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Agnes Scott College - Arboretum
- Agnes Scott College (GA)
Agnes Scott College sits on 100 acres within the City of Decatur located just six miles northeast of Atlanta, the ‘City in a Forest’. With a managed tree canopy of …
- Posted July 29, 2025
- Photographs
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Berkeley Students Plant Trees
- University of California, Berkeley (CA)
A group of Berkeley students is planting trees in April 2025.
- Posted July 24, 2025
- Photographs
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Creating a Campus Closed Loop Zero Waste Approach at Amherst College
- Amherst College (MA)
Reduce and Reuse sit towards the top of the Zero Waste Hierarchy. At Amherst College we have established a series of campus closed loop systems that help reduce the purchase …
- Posted July 22, 2025
- Photographs
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Amherst College Climate Action Messaging
- Amherst College (MA)
Amherst College aims to decarbonize its campus by 2030 through a transformative modernization of its energy system from a fossil fuel based steam system to an electric, low temperature hot …
- Posted July 22, 2025
- Photographs
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Amherst College Climate Action
- Amherst College (MA)
Amherst College aims to decarbonize its campus by 2030 through a transformative modernization of its energy system from its current fossil fuel based steam heating system to an electric, low …
- Posted July 22, 2025
- Photographs
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Furman SCI 2025
- Furman University (SC)
Photos for SCI 2025, Campus Engagement and Baccalaureate Top Performer
- Posted July 22, 2025
- Photographs
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NSF-NHERI Wall of Wind, Florida International University
- Florida International University (FL)
The NSF-NHERI Wall of Wind (WoW) Experimental Facility at Florida International University (FIU) is the only life-size test facility at a U.S. university capable of generating Category 5 winds. The …
- Posted July 22, 2025
- Photographs
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UC San Diego Beach Clean-Up
- University of California San Diego (CA)
In celebration of Earth Day, UC San Diego Environment, Health & Safety organized a series of trash clean-ups to help preserve the beauty of our coastal campus and safeguard its …
- Posted July 14, 2025
- Photographs
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UC San Diego Tree Planting 2
- University of California San Diego (CA)
UC San Diego Facilities Management teamed up with students and staff to celebrate Arbor Day 2025 by planting over 40 new trees across campus, growing knowledge and shade for generations …
- Posted July 14, 2025
- Photographs
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UC San Diego Tree Planting
- University of California San Diego (CA)
UC San Diego Facilities Management teamed up with students to celebrate Arbor Day 2025 by planting over 40 new trees on campus, growing knowledge and shade for generations to come.
- Posted July 14, 2025
- Photographs
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UC San Diego Earth Day Pledge 2
- University of California San Diego (CA)
UC San Diego Utilities & Sustainability student interns inspire the campus community to make sustainability pledges on Earth Day.
- Posted July 14, 2025
- Photographs
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UC San Diego Earth Day Pledge 1
- University of California San Diego (CA)
UC San Diego Utilities & Sustainability student interns inspire the campus community to make sustainability pledges on Earth Day.
- Posted July 14, 2025
- Photographs
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Amherst College - Earth Fest Celebration
- Amherst College (MA)
Earth Fest is Amherst College's annual campus-wide celebration of sustainability, bringing together student organizations, academic departments, and local businesses who feature how sustainability integrates into what they do and how …
- Posted July 14, 2025
- Photographs
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Amherst College - Maple Sugar Boiling at Book & Plow Farm
- Amherst College (MA)
Amherst College's Book & Plow Farm invites students and staff to the farm each year to partake in maple sugaring. Visitors learn all about the New England maple sugaring tradition …
- Posted July 14, 2025
- Photographs
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Amherst College - Arbor Day Tree Planting
- Amherst College (MA)
Students plant a tree on the First Year Quad as part of Arbor Day celebrations.
- Posted July 14, 2025
- Photographs
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Amherst College - Free Clothing Extravaganza
- Amherst College (MA)
A student holds up a bundle of secondhand clothes they picked out at the Free Clothing Extravaganza, a campus event held just after move-in. The event recirculates over several tons …
- Posted July 14, 2025
- Photographs
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Amherst College - Free Clothing Pop Up
- Amherst College (MA)
Students enjoy a free clothing pop-up outside the Office of Sustainability, featuring gently used items collected from residence halls. The event promotes textile reuse and helps students find what they …
- Posted July 14, 2025
- Photographs
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Amherst College - Restoring Abandoned Bikes
- Amherst College (MA)
A student repairs a previously abandoned bike as part of Amherst College's student-run bike co-op, the Tread Shed. The co-op recovers, restores, and recirculates bikes for community use.
- Posted July 14, 2025
- Photographs
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Florida International University - Institute of Environment - Everglades Research
- Florida International University (FL)
The Institute of Environment at Florida International University has more than 200 investigators who conduct research in over 60 countries and are members of national and international advisory organizations. Students …
- Posted July 2, 2025
- Photographs
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Florida International University - Institute of Environment - Everglades Research
- Florida International University (FL)
The Institute of Environment at Florida International University has more than 200 investigators who conduct research in over 60 countries and are members of national and international advisory organizations. Students …
- Posted July 2, 2025
- Photographs
- View more
University of Minnesota Crookston: Climate School Board
- University of Minnesota, Crookston (MN)
University of Minnesota Crookston photograph submitted for SCI 2025.
- Posted July 1, 2025
- Photographs
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Award Webinar: Building a Culture of Sustainability Through Campus Engagement – Lessons from IE University’s 10-Year Challenge
- AASHE (MA)
Launched in 2020 by the IE University Sustainability Office, the 10-Year Challenge is a transformative, campus-wide initiative that tackles a different sustainability theme each year. By involving every department and …
- Posted June 30, 2025
- Videos & Webinars
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Award Webinar: Supporting Resilient Climate Leaders: How (and why) Tufts Redesigned the Eco Rep Program
- Tufts University (MA)
- AASHE (MA)
For years, sustainability staff have worked to close the gap between our aspirations and operational realities. There have been good days, but we have been asking if there might be …
- Posted June 18, 2025
- Videos & Webinars
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University of Minnesota Twin Cities
- University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (MN)
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
- Posted June 6, 2025
- Photographs
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University of Minnesota Twin Cities
- University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (MN)
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
- Posted June 6, 2025
- Photographs
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This tab provides access to data collected through AASHE’s Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System™ (STARS). STARS is a transparent, self-reporting framework for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance. STARS enables meaningful comparisons over time and across institutions using a common set of measurements developed with broad participation from the campus sustainability community.
All responses reference content from reports under the latest version of STARS, version 2.2. AASHE membership and log-in is required.
EN 1: Student Educators Program
- Percent of students served by a peer-to-peer sustainability outreach and education program
- Description of the student educators program (1st program)
- Description of the student educators program (2nd program)
- Brief description of the student educators program (3rd program)
- Hours worked annually by trained student sustainability educators per students served
- Website URL - Student sustainability educators programs
EN 2: Student Orientation
- Percent of entering students that have an opportunity to participate in sustainability-inclusive orientation activities and programming
- Description of how sustainability is included prominently in new student orientation
- Website URL - Information about sustainability in student orientation
EN 3: Student Life
- Description of the active student groups focused on sustainability
- Description of student gardens, farms, CSAs, fishery programs, and/or urban agriculture projects
- Description of the student-run enterprises
- Description of student sustainable investment funds, green revolving funds or sustainable microfinance initiatives
- Description of sustainability-focused conferences, speaker series, symposia, or similar events for students
- Description of sustainability-focused cultural arts events, installations, or performances
- Description of the wilderness or outdoors programs that follow Leave No Trace principles
- Description of sustainability-focused themes chosen for themed semesters, years, or first-year experiences
- Description of the programs through which students can learn sustainable life skills
- Description of sustainability-focused student employment opportunities offered by the institution
- Description of graduation pledge(s)
- Description of other co-curricular sustainability programs and initiatives
EN 4: Student Life
- Website URL - Central sustainability website
- Description of sustainability newsletter or social media platform(s)
- Description of the signage that highlights campus sustainability features
- Description of the sustainability walking map or tour
- Description of the guide for green living and/or incorporating sustainability into the residential experience
- Description of other comprehensive sustainability outreach materials and publications
EN 5: Student Life
- Description of the first sustainability outreach campaign
- Description of the second sustainability outreach campaign
- Description of other sustainability-related outreach campaigns
EN 6: Assessing Sustainability Culture
- Description of how and when the cultural assessment(s) were developed and/or adopted
- Copy or sample of the questions related to sustainability culture (upload)
- Copy or sample of the questions related to sustainability culture (description)
- Website URL - Assessment of sustainability culture
EN 7: Employee Educators Program
- Percent of employees served by a peer-to-peer sustainability outreach and education program
- Description of the employee educators program (1st program)
- Description of the employee educators program (2nd program)
- Hours worked annually by trained employee sustainability educators per employees served
- Website URL - Employee sustainability educators programs
EN 8: Employee Orientation
- Percent of new employees that have an opportunity to participate in sustainability-inclusive orientation activities and programming
- Description of how sustainability is included prominently in new employee orientation
- Website URL - Information about sustainability in employee orientation
EN 9: Staff Professional Development & Training
- Estimated percentage of regular, non-academic staff that participates annually in sustainability professional development and training
- Description of any internal sustainability professional development and training opportunities
- Description of any external professional development and training opportunities in sustainability that are supported by the institution
- Estimated percentage of staff for which sustainability is included in performance reviews
- Description of how sustainability is included in staff performance reviews
- Website URL - Information about staff professional development and training in sustainability
Additional analysis on scores and quantitative fields can be conducted using the STARS Benchmarking Tool.