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.
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The Real Food Database
- AASHE (MA)
- Real Food Challenge (AZ)
What food products are Real? Which vendors are verified as fair, ecological, and/or humane? Now, institutions of higher education can find out through the Real Food Database! Compiled from years …
- Posted March 25, 2020
- Videos & Webinars
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Digging In: Specific Examples of Diversity in Sustainability Work
- Bemidji State University (MN)
- Central College (IA)
- AASHE (MA)
We all have to make sure the sustainability movement is not a white, elitist movement. Join two Sustainability Directors as they share their successes, challenges, and lessons learned through integrating …
- Posted March 11, 2020
- Videos & Webinars
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Student Sustainability Leadership Development at Portland State University: Developing Holistic Sustainability Leaders
- Portland State University (OR)
In order to address the myriad of social, economic, and environmental challenges the world is facing, we need to be able to engage in leadership that fosters collective action towards …
- Posted March 6, 2020
- Publications
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College students’ understanding of social justice as sustainability
- Indiana State University (IN)
- Saint Louis University (MO)
Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore college students’ understanding of sustainability and, specifically, the extent to which students see social justice as being integral to sustainability.
Design/methodology/approach …
- Posted March 5, 2020
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The role of gender, race, and ethnicity in environmental identity development in undergraduate student narratives
- Duke University (NC)
Recent work in environmental psychology and education emphasizes environmental identity as important in predicting a broad array of environmental behaviors. However, there are gaps in understanding how other social identities …
- Posted March 5, 2020
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Campus sustainability: An integrated model of college students’ recycling behavior on campus
- University of Tennessee at Knoxville (TN)
Proposing an integrated model based on multiple theoretical approaches, such as the theory of planned behavior, the model of goal-directed behavior and self-determination theory, the purpose of this paper is …
- Posted March 4, 2020
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Synergy of the (Campus) Commons: Integrating Campus-Based Team Projects in an Introductory Sustainability Course
- Duke University (NC)
Faculty and staff at Duke have collaborated to teach a one-semester, introductory, undergraduate course on sustainability ten times over 12 years, including both theoretical and applied project-based content. This article …
- Posted March 4, 2020
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Intersectional sustainability and student activism: A framework for achieving social sustainability on university campuses
- Southwestern University (TX)
- University of Sydney (NSW)
In recent decades, universities have made significant progress toward environmental sustainability and have likewise tightened their budgets and restructured economic models in the name of financial sustainability. However, institutions of …
- Posted March 4, 2020
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UVM's Food Values Campaign
- University of Vermont (VT)
The UVM Eco-Reps program consists of 20 students that are divided up into five community teams, with each team assigned to a specified residential area on campus. Each semester, Eco-Reps …
- Posted Feb. 27, 2020
- Case Studies
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On 4.7.20, Focus Your Campus on Ambitious Climate Solutions
- Bard College (NY)
- AASHE (MA)
Solve Climate By 2030 is mobilizing US educators to engage over 100,000 students in dialog about ambitious stabilizing the climate over the next decade. It culminates on the evening of …
- Posted Feb. 13, 2020
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Sequestering Carbon: Using Campus Wood to Make Carbon-Capturing Furniture and Items
- Western Michigan University (MI)
The Living Woodshop, run by the Office for Sustainability at Western Michigan University, has been designed as a partnership with the Facilities Management department to reuse lumber on campus. Wood …
- Posted Feb. 7, 2020
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Universities as the engine of transformational sustainability toward delivering the sustainable development goals: “Living labs” for sustainability
- Harvard University (MA)
Universities can do more to deliver against the sustainable development goals (SDGs), working with faculty, staff and students, as well as their wider stakeholder community and alumni body. They play …
- Posted Feb. 7, 2020
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Frederickson Court Trial Compost System
- Iowa State University (IA)
With a campus compost facility already in operation, Iowa State University’s Compost Team sought to utilize the facility in more places around campus. The team identified Frederickson (Freddy) Court, a …
- Posted Feb. 3, 2020
- Case Studies
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Radicalize the Hive: What Bees Can Teach Us About Shaping Social Change
- Farm to Institution New England (VT)
Led by consultant and beekeeper Ang Roell this webinar focuses on building more effective collaborations. Taking inspiration from honey bees, a social super-organism, Ang leads participants through conversations and practices …
- Posted Feb. 3, 2020
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ESD for 2030: The Future Depends on Us!
- Portland Community College (OR)
- AASHE (MA)
- Greater Portland Sustainability Education Network (GPSEN) (OR)
The United Nations has established a new decade, beginning in 2020, focused on the power of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). “ESD for 2030” calls for educators to help advance …
- Posted Jan. 23, 2020
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Webinar: Innovation in Cleaning for Custodians and Students
- Stanford University (CA)
- AASHE (MA)
Stanford University’s Residential and Dining Enterprises has adopted a green cleaning standard that has reduced chemical usage in residences by over 90%. The system engineers water by infusing it with …
- Posted Dec. 12, 2019
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Bringing the Circular Economy to Research
- Rheaply, Inc (IL)
It is estimated that 2% of the world's global plastic waste is linked to laboratory waste- some 6 million tons of waste annually. Given the the existing tools available to …
- Posted Dec. 6, 2019
- Conference Presentations
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Webinar: Working with Advancement and Alumni Relations to Engage Alumni
- Lafayette College (PA)
- Lehigh University (PA)
- University of Virginia (VA)
- AASHE (MA)
Many sustainability practitioners seek to engage alumni in various ways – fundraising, expertise, guest speakers, jobs/internships and mentorship for students. Lehigh University and the University of Virginia’s Office for Sustainability …
- Posted Dec. 5, 2019
- Videos & Webinars
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The World Climate Simulation: A Tool to Motivate Science-Informed Climate Action on Your Campus
- University of Massachusetts Lowell (MA)
Are you looking for a tool to get students engaged, excited, and motivated to take science-informed action on your campus? This workshop will give you hands-on experience with the World …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
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Crafting Communications Campaigns with Impact
- Colgate University (NY)
- Princeton University (NJ)
- University of Michigan (MI)
- University of Wisconsin-Madison (WI)
Communications are crucial for engaging campus communities around sustainability and for encouraging transformative action. Indeed, without compelling communication, it would not be possible to tell the story of higher education's …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Facilitation for Organizational Change
- GreenerU (MA)
One of the most important, yet often underappreciated, skills in any profession is the ability to be a strong group meeting facilitator. Whether it is a small staff meeting or …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
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Facilitation for Organizational Change: Part II
- GreenerU (MA)
Developed in response to feedback from previous facilitation workshops at AASHE, this hands-on, practice-based workshop will delve deeply into specific facilitation skills needed for challenging in-person decision making meetings. It …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
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The Design Thinking Process: User-Centered Solutions to Complex and Confounding Problems
- University of Denver (CO)
After a great first year presenting this material at AASHE 2018, we found that a half-day just isn't long enough to give this topic justice! So we're back to discuss …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
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What Links Climate Change, Biodiversity, Water, and Food Systems? Population
- Bellevue College (WA)
- Center for Biological Diversity (AZ)
Human population growth is a main driver of environmental degradation. According to Dr. Wynes (2017) in 'The climate mitigation gap: education and government recommendations miss the most effective individual actions' …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
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What is Old is New Again: Establishing a Free Store in an Urban Environment
- Virginia Commonwealth University (VA)
During the 2018-2019 academic year, VCU increased tuition by 6.4%. This increase in tuition was unavoidable and was the highest within the state of Virginia. Concurrent with this, VCU purchased …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
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Illuminating the Invisible: How Institutions Address and Afford Social Sustainability
- Saint Joseph's University (PA)
Rising income inequality, compounded by the eroding purchasing power of low and minimum-wage jobs, make social sustainability a subject of increasing urgency and importance to the most vulnerable members of …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Zero Waste Versus Energy Conservation: We Can Have Both
- The Ohio State University (OH)
A recent audit of Ohio State's waste stream found that 10% of our total waste was from used paper towels. In order to address that huge amount, Ohio State's Facilities …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Closing the Loop: Connecting Education and Operations with a Food Waste Dehydrator Project
- Western Technical College (WI)
In October 2018, in order to meet our sustainability goals and provide relevant connections to coursework in several of our program areas, Western Technical College student government and the facilities …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Pursuing Zero Waste Goals Through Student-Led Projects
- University of California, Berkeley (CA)
Implementing a closed loop waste processing system at University of California, Berkeley is of high priority to achieving the campus' and the larger UC system's goal of reaching Zero Waste …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Piloting a Pay-As-You-Throw Program at an Institution of Higher Education
- Yale University (CT)
In January 2019, Yale University launched a Pay As You Throw (PAYT) pilot program, the first of its kind at an institution of higher education within the United States. PAYT …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Game Changer: How Recyclemania Caused Lasting Change in Facilities
- University of Houston (TX)
Participation in Recyclemania, a yearly recycling competition between campuses, has become fairly standard in the world of higher education sustainability efforts. While the competition itself is great for awareness building, …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Driving Zero Waste Programming with Data in Dorms and Dining at Stanford
- Stanford University (CA)
Stanford is on the path to zero waste by 2030. Stanford's Residential & Dining Enterprises represents one-third of the campus where over 12,000 students live and eat. In this workshop …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Promoting Sustainable Behavior Through the use of Personal Recycling Bins in Residential Halls
- Oklahoma State University (OK)
College campuses provide a unique stage for waste diversion and sustainability efforts, especially in on campus housing. As students from all over the nation and world come and go from …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
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Small Changes Make a Big Impact: Sustainability Matters with Today's Students
- Boxed Water is Better (MI)
In today's environment, there is more discussion than ever about sustainable alternatives to single-use plastic and single-use aluminium. However, there is even more confusion about what steps each of us …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Breaking the Disposable Mindset: How to Reuse Garment Waste on University Campuses
- University of Louisville (KY)
Textile waste has become one of the leading issues in sustainability. With millions of tons of this waste produced annually, it can begin to seem as if there's no solution …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Help Your Campus POP (Pass on Plastic): An Applied Research Project to Evaluate Behavior Change
- University of Kentucky (KY)
In 2018, the University of Kentucky launched a campaign called 'UK POPs' (Passes on Plastics) as a combined effort of the campus offices of UK Dining, Recycling, and Sustainability. UK …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Managing (and Surviving) a Paradigm Shift to Achieve Zero Waste - Infrastructure, Process & Culture
- University of California, Los Angeles (CA)
- CleanRiver Recycling Solutions (ON)
Right-sizing and streamlining waste management infrastructure, while rolling out operational programs is essential in reducing contamination and increasing community engagement. Attendees will hear a case study on UCLA's journey to …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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The Compost Catastrophe: Our Adventure to Residence Hall Composting at Appalachian State University
- Appalachian State University (NC)
Appalachian State University has been composting on campus since 1999 and has grown and developed into one of the most successful programs in the country. Our facility has the ability …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
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Waste Reduction - Connecting the Student Experience, Academics, and Sustainability
- Wayne State University (MI)
Wayne State University embarked upon an expansive campus-wide waste reduction program to support the goals of the Strategic Plan and Sustainability Plan. These planning documents call for increased operational efficiency …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
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The Compost Stewards Program: A Case Study in Campus Composting
- University of Wisconsin-Madison (WI)
This informational session will describe the Compost Stewards Program operated by the Office of Sustainability at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. This program originated from a proposal to our campus Green …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
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Waste Not, Want Not: How Campus Waste Reduction Becomes Part of the Circular Economy
- University of Washington, Seattle (WA)
- University of Washington, Tacoma (WA)
Rising carbon emissions and the increasing visibility of waste from our linear system of production and consumption have precipitated urgent conversations about how to grow an effective circular economy. Aimed …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
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Recycling Communications and Behavior Change
- University of Wisconsin-Madison (WI)
- Thompson Rivers University (BC)
At Thompson Rivers University (TRU) and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, much work has been done to reduce waste, divert it from landfills, and improve the integrity of waste streams. Still, …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
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Diverting Waste, Fostering Community, and Making "Used" Useful
- Earlham College (IN)
In recent years, the Earlham College Student Sustainability Corps has experienced success and growth in their waste diversion programs. These include a permanent Free Store, a yearly Move-Out Program, and …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
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Good as New: A Discussion on Reducing Waste While Increasing Equity
- The New School (NY)
For the past three years, the Tishman Environment and Design Center at The New School has coordinated and executed a free sale event for students called 'Good as New' in …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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E-Waste: A Catalyst for Campus Innovation and Collaboration
- Temple University (PA)
- University of Montana (MT)
Electronic waste is increasingly recognized as the fastest growing component of our waste stream and presents a global challenge that will continue to grow as technology advances. So, how do …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
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Dishing the Dirt: Challenges and Successes with Campus Compost
- Post-Landfill Action Network (NH)
- US Composting Council (MD)
What's the difference between windrows and in-vessel composting? What's the story with PLA? How do you build successful source separation? Whether you're revamping your compost collection system or thinking about …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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A Shareable Economy and the Use of Ride Shares
- University of Louisville (KY)
A 'shareable economy' is where profit is still made, but the environmental impacts are mitigated or reduced. This type relies on the temporary ownership of goods and/or the purchase of …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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How Providing Public Transit Passes Not Only Helps Students Financially, But Empowers Them Too
- Augsburg University (MN)
Environmental Action Committee (EAC) is a student led campus organization working on sustainable initiatives that benefit both the campus and student body at Augsburg University. One of the group's main …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Green Behaviors and Preferences Among College Students
- Manhattan College (NY)
Our article contributes to the literature by investigating college students' environmental preferences and behavior by investigating their recycling attitudes and frequencies, their preference between tap versus bottled water, their willingness …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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The Best Worst Way to Pick a Sustainability Culture Instrument, and How to do Better Next Time
- University of Northern Colorado (CO)
Sustainability culture can't be measured using using meters or gauges, so community members and researchers need a different kind of instrument. The go-to instruments are surveys to support a better …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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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.