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
Interactive Networking Session with the Upper Midwest Association for Campus Sustainability
- University of South Dakota (SD)
- Western Technical College (WI)
Are you a sustainability leader (student, staff, faculty or community partner) in the Upper Midwest? Join us for an informal and interactive networking hosted by the Upper Midwest Association for …
- Posted Feb. 28, 2025
- Conference Presentations
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Inspiring Future Leaders: Developing Sustainability Literacy in First Year Classrooms
- University of Maryland, College Park (MD)
At the University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP), the latest students are more knowledgeable about sustainability and passionate about solving the climate crisis. Or so we thought. Despite growing media …
- Posted Feb. 28, 2025
- Conference Presentations
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Sustainability and Student Affairs: Aligning to Improve Involvement
- University of California, Irvine (CA)
- University of Missouri (MO)
Striving to improve student engagement, advance functional collaborations, and promote inclusion? Consider aligning sustainability and student affairs. Despite less than 3% of sustainability professionals working out of divisions of student …
- Posted Feb. 28, 2025
- Conference Presentations
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Please Like Me: Engage an Audience with Student-Led Social Media
- University of Arizona (AZ)
The University of Arizona's Office of Sustainability has transformed its social media strategy by adopting a student-centered and student-driven approach, yielding significant engagement and collaboration across the university. By involving …
- Posted Feb. 28, 2025
- Conference Presentations
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Aggie Eco-Reps Swap Shop: Highlights and Challenges
- Texas A&M University (TX)
The Texas A&M Residence Life sustainability organization, the Aggie Eco-Reps', "Sustainable Swap Shop" is a free event aimed at providing our community with clothes and resources they need while also …
- Posted Feb. 28, 2025
- Conference Presentations
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Developing a Strong Sustainability Brand Identity: How & Why
- Boston University (MA)
- Lehigh University (PA)
Have you ever wondered what goes into developing a brand or want to learn how to better implement one at your sustainability office? In this interactive session, participants will be …
- Posted Feb. 27, 2025
- Conference Presentations
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Campus as Lab: Successes, Challenges & Future Collective Impact Directions
- Princeton University (NJ)
- The University of British Columbia (BC)
- University of Calgary (AB)
Over the last eight years, 200+ members from primarily US and Canadian campuses have joined an international Campus as Lab Community of Practice (CaL CoP). The CaL CoP has served …
- Posted Feb. 27, 2025
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The Carnegie Elective Classification for Sustainability: Development Process and Updates
- Morehouse College (GA)
- American Council on Education (DC)
- BF Environmental Consultants
This session will provide an update on the development of the new Carnegie Elective Classification for Sustainability, an initiative designed to recognize higher education institutions that demonstrate a deep commitment …
- Posted Feb. 27, 2025
- Conference Presentations
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No Time, No Problem: Solutions to low engagement experiential learning
- College of Charleston (SC)
This discussion will be about how to have low-stakes engagement opportunities with many students, staff, and faculty throughout a university. The sustainability movement is so large that it is important …
- Posted Feb. 27, 2025
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Decarb Buy-In: Creating a Culture of Decarbonization
- California State University, Chancellor's Office (CA)
- University of California, Davis (CA)
- University of Washington, Seattle (WA)
- WRNS Studio (CA)
Decarbonization sits at the nexus of integrated planning. It requires thinking big and working together. Universities are uniquely positioned to model innovative planning approaches to decarbonization, revealing what's possible at …
- Posted Feb. 27, 2025
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"Campus as a Living Lab" Through the Lens of Internships, Grants and Courses
- Duke University (NC)
- University of Georgia (GA)
"Living Lab" or "Campus as Lab" programs position students as sustainability and climate change leaders on campus. This interactive session invites sustainability stakeholders (students, staff, faculty, and more) to explore …
- Posted Feb. 27, 2025
- Conference Presentations
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Enhancing Experiential Learning with On Campus Residential Energy Assessments
- University of Dayton (OH)
The Student Neighborhood at the University of Dayton (UD) is a unique living arrangement for students to live in a mini “neighborhood” located on campus surrounded by their peers. UD …
- Posted Feb. 27, 2025
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Developing Effective EcoReps: Organizational Structure and Management
- Princeton University (NJ)
Are you looking to expand your campus circle of influence or create a self-sufficient student team? Princeton University's Office of Sustainability will share its expanding EcoReps team model and how …
- Posted Feb. 27, 2025
- Conference Presentations
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Why Aren’t Faculty More Engaged on the Climate Crisis? (Spoiler: It might be the tenure process)
- Smith College (MA)
- AASHE (MA)
Do you ever wish that more faculty at your institution were working on sustainability? Many leaders have called for improved support for engaged scholarship(ES) to better connect the academy with …
- Posted Feb. 20, 2025
- Videos & Webinars
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Considering the Accessibility of Compostable Straws
- Williams College (MA)
- Post-Landfill Action Network (NH)
While plastic straws have drawn attention in the past few years as having negative environmental impacts, organizations looking to make progress at the intersection of diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility and …
- Posted Feb. 14, 2025
- Case Studies
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Redesigning Assessment for Equity Through Alternative Grading
- AASHE (MA)
- MacEwan University (AB)
Alternative grading offers a lot of potential for improving equity in the classroom and ensuring students achieve key competencies for sustainability. However, getting started can be intimidating. In this session, …
- Posted Feb. 13, 2025
- Videos & Webinars
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Observing Earth Day 2025 On your Campus
- Appalachian State University (NC)
- AASHE (MA)
- Earthday.org (DC)
Learn about the theme of Earth Day 2025: “Our Power, Our Planet,” focused on promoting renewable energy and the power of advocacy! Lee and Libby will introduce you to the …
- Posted Jan. 30, 2025
- Videos & Webinars
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B.Y.O. Campaign and Romeoville Repair Cafe: Reducing Waste by Promoting a Circular Economy through Single Use Waste Reduction and Product Repair
- Joliet Junior College (IL)
American throwaway culture is rapidly expanding garbage landfill around the world; majorly, it’s caused by planned or perceived obsolesces and daily disposables. Many people unknowingly throw away items that could …
- Posted Jan. 27, 2025
- Case Studies
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So Local It Has an Accent: Vanderbilt University Campus Dining’s Local Suppliers Program
- Vanderbilt University (TN)
Vanderbilt University Campus Dining has long been a major advocate for increasing its local supplier purchasing. Officially beginning in 2010, VU Campus Dining has held partnerships with a wide variety …
- Posted Jan. 27, 2025
- Case Studies
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Case Study Title: Drexel University Organic Land Care
- Drexel University (PA)
- Re:wild Your Campus (TX)
In 2022, students at Drexel launched a bold campaign advocating for organic land care on their campus. After countless meetings with campus staff, their hard work paid off. In 2023, …
- Posted Jan. 24, 2025
- Case Studies
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University of Wisconsin- Madison Organic Land Management Pilot Project
- University of Wisconsin-Madison (WI)
- Re:wild Your Campus (TX)
In the fall of 2022, students at UW-Madison were selected to participate in the Re:wild Your Campus Fellowship, and began advocating for an end to the use of synthetic pesticides …
- Posted Jan. 24, 2025
- Case Studies
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Resilient Climate Leaders: Redefining Sustainability Programming to Meet the Needs of Students Today
- Tufts University (MA)
In the early 2020’s with the onset of the pandemic and accelerating impacts of the climate emergency, students in Tufts University’s sustainability programs began asking for ways to more effectively …
- Posted Jan. 24, 2025
- Case Studies
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Leading Campus Decarbonization Efforts
- Tufts University (MA)
- University of Oregon (OR)
- AASHE (MA)
- WRNS Studio (CA)
- Trio (CA)
Join this engaging session featuring a dynamic panel of experts from diverse higher education institutions—spanning private and public, large and small campuses—who are driving innovative decarbonization initiatives. Panelists will share …
- Posted Jan. 24, 2025
- Videos & Webinars
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Leading the Fight Against Food Waste and Insecurity: Food Recovery Heroes at the University of Pittsburgh
- University of Pittsburgh (PA)
The University of Pittsburgh’s Food Recovery Heroes student organization has been recovering and donating surplus food from campus dining facilities and local restaurants since 2014. Over the years, the organization …
- Posted Jan. 24, 2025
- Case Studies
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Zero Waste Football
- Coastal Carolina University (SC)
When the gates opened for the 2019 football season, Chanticleer fans were introduced to a brand-new game day experience inside Brooks Stadium at Coastal Carolina University. In addition to 11,000 …
- Posted Jan. 24, 2025
- Case Studies
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Sustainability Vision 2036: an Inclusive Process for Strategic Planning
- Emory University (GA)
Since Emory adopted sustainability as a guiding principle in its 2005 Strategic Plan, the enterprise has published two Sustainability Vision and Strategic Plans. These documents have guided Emory through two …
- Posted Jan. 24, 2025
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Sorting it Out: A People-Centered Perspective on a Stadium Zero Waste Program
- University of North Carolina, Charlotte (NC)
In 2022, the Office of Sustainability at UNC Charlotte took responsibility for an existing football stadium zero waste program. This shift in leadership, along with other changes to equipment, supplies, …
- Posted Jan. 24, 2025
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CSUN’s CA Climate Action Corps Workforce Development Service Program
- California State University, Northridge (CA)
The California State University, Northridge (CSUN) CA Climate Action Corps (CCAC) program is part of California’s statewide effort to address climate change through community-focused action. Launched in 2021, the program …
- Posted Jan. 24, 2025
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From Waste to Resource: Building a Culture of Circularity and Engagement at ISU's Share Shop
- Illinois State University (IL)
Illinois State University (ISU) has developed and successfully implemented The Share Shop, a free secondhand store located inside the Office of Sustainability. The Share Shop has had a transformative impact …
- Posted Jan. 24, 2025
- Case Studies
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Fostering Action Through Campus-Wide Engagement: A Case Study of NYU’s 2040 Now Campaign
- New York University (NY)
This case study provides an overview of New York University’s (NYU) campus engagement campaign aimed at promoting sustainability actions. Initiated in 2023, 2040 Now brought together students, faculty, and staff …
- Posted Jan. 24, 2025
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SUNY Student Assembly’s Sustainability Town Hall
- University at Albany (NY)
- University at Buffalo (NY)
- State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (NY)
- State University of New York System Office (NY)
On September 24th, 2024, I, Eden Gardner, hosted a virtual sustainability town hall on behalf of the SUNY Student Assembly, in coordination with the SUNY Office of Sustainability, and the …
- Posted Jan. 24, 2025
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Multi-modal Commute Matching to Build Community and Reduce Scope 3 Emissions
- California State University, Fullerton (CA)
Provide Cal State Fullerton students, faculty, and staff with a way to find each other according to commute point of origin, schedule, and travel mode in order to form carpools, …
- Posted Jan. 14, 2025
- Case Studies
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The ASU Eco Reps Program
- Arizona State University (AZ)
- Coca-Cola (GA)
The Eco Reps program is a student sustainability engagement joint initiative between Coca-Cola and University Sustainability Practices with additional funding from internal units. Spring 2025 marks the sixth semester of …
- Posted Jan. 14, 2025
- Case Studies
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Net Zero on Campus: A Guide and Accompanying Toolkit for Universities and Colleges to Accelerate Climate Action Worldwide
- AASHE (MA)
- United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (NY)
Universities are uniquely positioned to be agents of change as living labs, testing innovations and educating on tools and resources in their institutions, communities, and beyond. With university net zero …
- Posted Dec. 18, 2024
- Tools
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Titan Bites App Helps Students Locate Free Food on Campus
- California State University, Fullerton (CA)
For students in need of a meal, locating free or leftover food on campus has just become easier through Cal State Fullerton’s new Titan Bites app.
Developed by Auxiliary Services …
- Posted Dec. 18, 2024
- Photographs
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Titans Get Healthy One Step at a Time
- California State University, Fullerton (CA)
Providence St. Jude Partners With University to Create Wellness Walk
Titans can now get their steps in on campus, thanks to a partnership between Cal State Fullerton and Providence St. …
- Posted Dec. 17, 2024
- Photographs
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A Learning Landscape: Living, Maintaining and Teaching Sustainability
- California State University, Fullerton (CA)
It’s the 1980s and the Southland is a thriving, bustling region criss-crossed by freeways and almost notorious for the slight gray haze that can be seen against the backdrop of …
- Posted Dec. 11, 2024
- Photographs
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CSUF’s Energy and Sustainability Summit Paves the Way for a Greener Future
- California State University, Fullerton (CA)
Cal State Fullerton is at the forefront of making sustainability efforts accessible and affordable for Orange County communities, preparing students to be pioneers in clean energy and partnering with local …
- Posted Dec. 11, 2024
- Photographs
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Alternative Economies: Libraries of Things, Free Swaps, and Other Sustainable Solutions for Campuses
- George Mason University (VA)
- AASHE (MA)
- Post-Landfill Action Network (NH)
- Center for Biological Diversity (AZ)
Our endless growth economy has led to rampant overproduction and pressure to constantly consume, driving destructive resource extraction, pollution, and waste and contributing to the climate and extinction crises. With …
- Posted Dec. 5, 2024
- Videos & Webinars
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CSU Faculty Learning Community in Teaching Climate Change and Resilience 2024
- California State University, Chico (CA)
In the Spring of 2024, 210 faculty from twenty-one California State University campuses and three California Community College campuses participated in the second CSU Faculty Learning Community in Teaching Climate …
- Posted Dec. 2, 2024
- Case Studies
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Green Lab Innovations to Advance Institutional Strategic Goals
- University of Pittsburgh (PA)
- University of Colorado Boulder (CO)
- AASHE (MA)
You have a Green Lab designation program, now what?
Learn how to develop complementary innovative green lab initiatives that foster sustainable research practices while fulfilling institutional sustainability objectives. Via examples …
- Posted Nov. 25, 2024
- Videos & Webinars
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The Power of Collaboration in the Path to STARS Gold and Beyond, With Insights on STARS 3.0
- University of Southern California (CA)
- University of Virginia (VA)
- AASHE (MA)
In this webinar, we highlight how the University of Southern California (USC) and the University of Virginia (UVA) conducted STARS report peer-reviews, and we detail the processes by which we …
- Posted Oct. 24, 2024
- Videos & Webinars
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Revitalizing HBCU campuses: Innovative strategies to address sustainable infrastructure Challenges
- AASHE (MA)
- United Negro College Fund (GA)
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) play a vital role in providing accessible and equitable higher education opportunities, particularly for underrepresented minority students. However, many HBCUs face significant challenges in …
- Posted Oct. 22, 2024
- Videos & Webinars
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Climate Action Unbound: A New Curricular Model Driving Institutional Change
- Hampshire College (MA)
- AASHE (MA)
Equipping students with both the knowledge and skills to be effective change agents is essential to solving the climate crisis. The inaugural Climate Action Semester Unbound at Hampshire College offered …
- Posted Sept. 20, 2024
- Videos & Webinars
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Webinar: Using Organizational Behavior Change Principles to Amplify Sustainability in Higher Ed
- Macalester College (MN)
- University of St. Thomas (MN)
- AASHE (MA)
Institutions of Higher Education (HEIs) are critical for a sustainability transformation given their role developing innovations and preparing future citizens and leaders. Yet, efforts to mobilize sustainable change in HEIs …
- Posted Aug. 29, 2024
- Videos & Webinars
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Sustainability Engagement Tracking for STARS 3.0
- Santa Clara University (CA)
- AASHE (MA)
In anticipation of changes to Campus Engagement credits in STARS 3.0, Santa Clara University’s Center for Sustainability pivoted our methods of tracking participation in sustainability activities from “tallying attendance” to …
- Posted Aug. 22, 2024
- Videos & Webinars
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UC San Diego Students Gardening
- University of California, San Diego (CA)
UC San Diego students spend time gardening in the Warren Garden, one of many campus community gardens used for education and outreach.
Photographer: Erik Jepsen
- Posted Aug. 21, 2024
- Photographs
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Defeating the Plastic Monster at Bard College
- Bard College (NY)
BardE3 sustainability students took some of the monstrous plastic that we cannot recycle and built a plastic monster as a teaching tool. pronounced Bard-ies, these sustainability students understand the interplay …
- Posted Aug. 20, 2024
- Photographs
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Kyle Field Football Stadium
- Texas A&M University (TX)
Kyle Field view from Aggie Park which encourages campus and community members to spend time outdoors. Aggie Park hosts outdoor learning spaces, venues for community festivals, and an outdoor stage …
- Posted Aug. 19, 2024
- Photographs
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Texas A&M Green Team athletes host Eco Athlete Webinar
- Texas A&M University (TX)
Texas A&M Green Team athletes hosting a webinar event featuring Eco Athletes.
- Posted Aug. 19, 2024
- 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.