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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Sustainability Data Activism and Experiential Learning through USC’s Sustainability Data Hub
- University of Southern California (CA)
- AASHE (MA)
In this webinar, we highlight the University of Southern California’s (USC’s) Sustainability Data Hub as a tool for sustainability data activism and experiential learning. USC’s Sustainability Data Hub was built …
- Posted March 14, 2025
- Videos & Webinars
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Getting to "I Do"- Exploring Engagement with a Distributed Student, Staff and Faculty Population
- Southern New Hampshire University (NH)
While every campus is unique in developing engagement programs geared to their culture and population, common challenges and strategies exist. Hearing new perspectives can spur your own creativity and help …
- Posted March 3, 2025
- Conference Presentations
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Conflict Management and Leadership Engagement
- AASHE (MA)
This proposal outlines an engaging online course series designed to equip sustainability professionals in higher education with essential skills in conflict management and leadership engagement. Participants will explore conflict dynamics, …
- Posted March 3, 2025
- Videos & Webinars
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Campus as Lab Managers, Coordinators and Faculty
- Duke University (NC)
Find your "Campus as Lab" people! Want to meet others in a similar role and "talk shop" about using your institution's infrastructure and operations for applied student learning? Come say …
- Posted Feb. 28, 2025
- Conference Presentations
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STARS and Student Engagement for Sustainable Colleges and Universities
- Colorado Mountain College (CO)
- Seattle University (WA)
- Binghamton University (NY)
- AASHE (MA)
The combined session features interactive discussions of three educational cases related to using STARS as a Living Lab. The first session, titled “STARS as Our Curriculum: An Institution as a …
- Posted Feb. 28, 2025
- Conference Presentations
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Student Sustainability Leadership Development at the College of Charleston
- College of Charleston (SC)
Leadership is a concept that has many definitions and can be a very difficult thing to understand, yet so many people seek to understand it. The same can be said …
- Posted Feb. 28, 2025
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Engage Intentionally: An Examination of Campus Engagement Practices
- University of Utah (UT)
Sustainability engagement on campus can be an elusive concept to apply. In this session, learn about strategies and methods for implementation and get a holistic view of sustainability engagement in …
- Posted Feb. 28, 2025
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Developing and Implementing Online Sustainability Trainings to Engage Students, Staff, & Faculty
- University of Southern California (CA)
To inform and engage the campus community about USC's sustainability efforts, the USC Office of Sustainability developed and implemented online sustainability trainings: the Student Sustainability Training module in April 2023 …
- Posted Feb. 28, 2025
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Cats Optimizing Recycling Education: Research Informing Operations
- University of Arizona (AZ)
Are you struggling with recycling contamination? For many schools, each year brings a new group of students to the dorms and recycling education starts over from scratch. Our data show …
- Posted Feb. 28, 2025
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Living Tapestry, Native Plant Corridor Planning, Designing, and Social Engagements Opportunities
- Oklahoma State University (OK)
Oklahoma State University’s Native Plant Corridor covers almost a quarter of a mile, consisting of native plantings, art, and native topiary nestled in the busy campus. Stretching between two main …
- Posted Feb. 28, 2025
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Mountain West Higher Ed Sustainability Networking
- Colorado State University (CO)
A session for higher ed institutions in the Mountain West region to network
- Posted Feb. 28, 2025
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A Comparative Study of the Sustainability Behavior of International Students
- College of Charleston (SC)
Previous research has documented the lack of studies centered around students’ sustainability behavior at higher education institutions and the gap of studying international students’ behavior change once they start their …
- Posted Feb. 28, 2025
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Storytelling as Reclamation: Establishing a justice-centered sustainability narrative
- University of Washington, Seattle (WA)
The stories we tell and the ways we tell them signify who is welcome into the conversation, and more importantly, who belongs. Throughout the history of student-led movements, design activism …
- Posted Feb. 28, 2025
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Measuring the Impact of Student-Led Sustainability Projects
- University of Washington, Seattle (WA)
The Campus Sustainability Fund (CSF) is a student-run and student-funded grant program at the University of Washington working towards justice-centered sustainability. Student-led sustainability projects on campus are great ways to …
- Posted Feb. 28, 2025
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Tracking and Driving Progress in Sustainability Goals through Data and Dashboards
- University of Southern California (CA)
Want to use data to leverage your institution's sustainability goals? Here we'll discuss how the University of Southern California (USC) is leveraging sustainability data for transparency, collaboration and progress with …
- Posted Feb. 28, 2025
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
- Case Studies
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Sorting it Out: A People-Centered Perspective on a Stadium Zero Waste Program
- The University of North Carolina at 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
- Case Studies
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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
- Case Studies
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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
- Case Studies
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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
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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.