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
"Staffulty”: When Sustainability Staff Take on Faculty Roles
- Rice University (TX)
- Attendees will develop a rich understanding of the “staffulty” position.
- Attendees will learn the variety of ways that sustainability staff can engage with what is traditionally the faculty realm, including …
- Posted April 25, 2017
- Conference Presentations
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Honored Members of the Sustainability Community
- Indiana State University (IN)
Our student, faculty, and staff award winners! From left to right: Ivy Coble, Dara Middleton, Dr. Joy O'Keefe, and Dr. Jim Speer
These four people have worked so diligently to …
- Posted April 25, 2017
- Photographs
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Earth Day Fair 2017 at Lehigh University
- Lehigh University (PA)
Lehigh University celebrated its annual Earth Day Fair on Friday, April 21 from 11am-130pm on the UC Front Lawn. There were 30-40 interactive booths, 4 electric cars on display, an …
- Posted April 25, 2017
- Photographs
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James Madison University's Center for Faculty Innovation FLASHPOINT: Earth Day 2017. Protecting Scientific Knowledge, Protecting the Environment.
- James Madison University (VA)
The Earth Day 2017 Flashpoint brings together faculty experts in environmental science, law, policy, conservation, and renewable energy on the occasion of the 2017 Earth Day and the Scientists’ March …
- Posted April 24, 2017
- Photographs
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Permaculture on Campus
- Hiram College (OH)
Students help sheet mulch and add edible landscaping on Hiram College's campus this Earth Day.
- Posted April 24, 2017
- Photographs
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Suffolk County Community College - Earth Week!
- Suffolk County Community College (NY)
Suffolk County Community College Earth Week Events!
- Posted April 21, 2017
- Photographs
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Suffolk County Community College Earth Week!
- Suffolk County Community College (NY)
Earth Week Events at Suffolk County Community College
- Posted April 21, 2017
- Photographs
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Feeding the Flames: A Report on Student Hunger at UIC
- University of Illinois Chicago (IL)
This report represents the results of a yearlong study of student food insecurity at UIC conducted by students and faculty in the School of Public Health, Division of Environmental and …
- Posted April 21, 2017
- Publications
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Leveraging Sub-Meter Data as Feedback to Engage Community Members and Save Energy on Shoestring Staffing and Funding
- Macalester College (MN)
- AASHE (MA)
Macalester College has leveraged no-cost and open-source solutions to provide feedback to community members while, simultaneously, informing facilities about energy-saving opportunities to further advance its sub-metering initiatives. Whether you find …
- Posted April 20, 2017
- Videos & Webinars
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ConnecTable Team AASHE Earth Day Photo
- Sunbolt (PA)
The ConnecTable team with their new solar charging station model the Hub in front of headquarters in Willow Grove, PA.
- Posted April 17, 2017
- Photographs
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Empowering the New Energy Workforce: Best Practices for Campus Energy Education & Internships
- California State University, Bakersfield (CA)
- College of the Desert (CA)
- Skyline College (CA)
- Strategic Energy Innovations (CA)
- University of California, Merced (CA)
- AASHE (MA)
Hear first-hand from a diverse set of California colleges that are creating student internships and work-based learning opportunities to support energy and sustainability career pathways. This webinar highlights campus outcomes, …
- Posted April 17, 2017
- Videos & Webinars
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Emory Earth Festival
- Emory University (GA)
Emory's annual Earth Festival kicks off Earth Month. The Festival runs in conjunction with Emory's weekly Farmers Market and brings together Atlanta based non-profits, government agencies, and businesses with student …
- Posted April 17, 2017
- Photographs
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Fredonia lights the campus green
- State University of New York at Fredonia (NY)
In celebration of Earth Month fredonia uses green lamps to light the campus, including the Landford House (the President's Residence)
- Posted April 11, 2017
- Photographs
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David Doubilet and Jennifer Hayes present Fredonia Earth Month Keynote Address
- State University of New York at Fredonia (NY)
National Geographic underwater photographers and married couple David Doubilet and Jennifer Hayes presented the Earth Month keynote address at The State University of New York at Fredonia on April 3rd.
- Posted April 11, 2017
- Photographs
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SFA Dining Waste Audit
- Stephen F. Austin State University (TX)
- Aramark (PA)
We conducted a waste audit in our Dining Halls to see how much food we waste!
- Posted April 11, 2017
- Photographs
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SFA Dining Earth Month Kick Off
- Stephen F. Austin State University (TX)
- Aramark (PA)
We kicked off Earth Month by participating in our campus Earth Month Celebration & Plant Sale and by encouraging plant-based eating at a station takeover in our Dining Hall.
- Posted April 11, 2017
- Photographs
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Xiuhtezcatl Martinez; 16-year-old indigenous Climate Activist
- Georgia College & State University (GA)
Georgia College's Sustainability Fee Program will be hosting Xiuhtezcatl Martinez at the 2017 Sustainability Fee Program Symposium on April 20, 2017 at 5pm on Front Campus.
Xiuhtezcatl Martinez is a …
- Posted April 11, 2017
- Photographs
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Villanova Earth Day Celebration
- Villanova University (PA)
Villanova Earth Day Celebration.
- Posted April 11, 2017
- Photographs
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How to Reduce Your School's Carbon Footprint – For Free!
- University of Maryland, College Park (MD)
- AASHE (MA)
- TerraPass (CA)
UCapture offsets users’ carbon footprint, for free, when they shop with 2000+ partners. Their platform harnesses the power of consumers to build the “cost of carbon” into every transaction – …
- Posted April 3, 2017
- Videos & Webinars
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Quantity and Electricity Consumption of Plug Load Equipment on a University Campus
- Stanford University (CA)
The percent of energy consumed by plug load equipment in commercial buildings is on the rise. Research conducted in the past has included surveying plug load equipment, measuring plug load …
- Posted April 3, 2017
- Publications
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The Glocal Curriculum: A Practical Guide to Teaching and Learning in an Interconnected World
- Arizona State University (AZ)
- Leuphana University of Lüneburg
In the 21st century, higher education faces a number of substantial challenges. We need to educate a rapidly increasing number of students, as college and other degrees become a requirement …
- Posted March 21, 2017
- Publications
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Developing High Impact Applied Learning for Sustainability Programs
- Arizona State University (AZ)
- Portland State University (OR)
- AASHE (MA)
This webinar explores leading examples of applied learning in sustainability programs that are designed create exceptional student experiences and a lasting impact on the sustainability goals pursued by the community …
- Posted March 15, 2017
- Videos & Webinars
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Texas A&M gets ‘gold’ rating for campus sustainability
- Texas A&M University (TX)
- AASHE (MA)
- Posted March 14, 2017
- Publications
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Menus of Change Principles of Healthy, Sustainable Menus
- The Culinary Institute of America (NY)
These principles are part of the Menus of Change initiative by The Culinary Institute of America and Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health.
- Posted March 13, 2017
- Tools
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SAVE Sustainable Actions Visible Effects
- Pomona College (CA)
Project Overview Pomona-College is excited to present their innovative partnership with MelRok, “The Streaming Energy Innovator”. This partnership is the foundation of Pomona’s SAVE, Sustainable Actions Visible Effects initiative to …
- Posted March 9, 2017
- Case Studies
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High school experiences and climate change beliefs of first year college students in the United States
- Florida International University (FL)
- Oklahoma State University (OK)
- University of North Carolina, Charlotte (NC)
- Virginia Tech (VA)
- University of Virginia (VA)
- Purdue University (IN)
Climate change has not been well understood by high school students in the US and the topic is often connected to misconceptions, which is especially damaging since accurate understandings of …
- Posted March 7, 2017
- Publications
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Preparing for Campus Sustainability Month 2016
- University of Massachusetts Amherst (MA)
- University of North Florida (FL)
- University of Washington, Seattle (WA)
- AASHE (MA)
October is Campus Sustainability Month (CSM)! Watch this webinar to gain ideas and inspiration for how you can take advantage of CSM to engage and inspire incoming students and other …
- Posted March 7, 2017
- Videos & Webinars
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Campus as a Living Laboratory for Sustainability Resources
- Princeton University (NJ)
Google doc with links to general resources, scholarly works, STARS data, and campus' websites for case studies on Campus as (Living, Learning) Lab for sustainability. Please feel free to suggest …
- Posted March 2, 2017
- Tools
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Impact of a participatory analysis of a campus sustainability social network: A case study of Emory University
- Emory University (GA)
Social network analysis makes visible the invisible connections and flows that underlie complex social relationships. Applied organizational researchers have used social network analysis to assess and improve organizational and leadership …
- Posted March 2, 2017
- Publications
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AASHE Award Winner Webinar - Using a Design Competition to Expand Bee Habitat On and Off-Campus
- University of Manitoba (MB)
- AASHE (MA)
BEE / HOUSE / LAB was an international design competition at the University of Manitoba that resulted in innovative bee houses built, installed around campus and used for research. The …
- Posted March 2, 2017
- Videos & Webinars
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A Behavioral Approach to the Development of a Campus-Wide Recycling System
- Western Michigan University (MI)
This article describes efforts to establish a more effective campus-wide recycling system at Western Michigan University. A study was designed as a continuation of an established line of behavioral recycling …
- Posted March 1, 2017
- Publications
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Waste Audit Training Materials
- Lehigh University (PA)
Here are the training materials that we use for waste audits at Lehigh.
1) Blood Borne Pathogen Video Presentation - put together by our EH&S department 2) Waste Audit Logistics …
- Posted March 1, 2017
- Tools
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Plans and Living Practices for the Green Campus of Portland State University
- Portland State University (OR)
This study aims to comprehend Portland State University (PSU)’s green campus strategies, and students’ level of knowledge and living practices relating to green campus. PSU’s sustainable campus plan has been …
- Posted Feb. 21, 2017
- Publications
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Encouraging Revolving Door Usage in a Mixed-Use Building: The Influence of Visual Prompts and Descriptive Social Norms
- Lesley University (MA)
This field experiment investigated effects of a descriptive norms-based sign combined with five footprint sticker decal prompts directing individuals to help save energy by using a revolving door, as opposed …
- Posted Feb. 20, 2017
- Publications
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College and University Sustainability Officers' Experiences with Green Office Programs: A Qualitative Investigation
- University of Nebraska - Lincoln (NE)
The number of sustainability programs in higher education continues to increase. Green office programs have become a cornerstone of sustainability programming on college and university campuses across the country. This …
- Posted Feb. 1, 2017
- Publications
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The Sustainability Literacy Test: Implementation strategies for campuses
- McGill University (QC)
- AASHE (MA)
- U.S. Partnership for Education for Sustainable Development
- KEDGE Business School (Bordeaux)
The Sustainability Literacy Test provides higher education institutions, companies and other organizations around the world with an internationally recognized and locally relevant tool to measure and improve sustainability literacy. This …
- Posted Jan. 31, 2017
- Videos & Webinars
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Green chemistry = social and environmental justice
- Bridgewater State University (MA)
- Beyond Benign (MA)
Green Chemistry Education Webinar Series: A webinar series for chemistry faculty and students highlighting relevant and important topics in green chemistry education.
Presented by: Dr. Ed Brush Professor of Chemistry …
- Posted Jan. 31, 2017
- Videos & Webinars
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Engaging the Community Through Student Led Initiatives: Highlights and Opportunities
- University of Tennessee at Martin (TN)
- Beyond Benign (MA)
- American Chemical Society (DC)
Green Chemistry Education Webinar Series: A webinar series for chemistry faculty and students highlighting relevant and important topics in green chemistry education.
Presented by: Jennifer MacKellar ACS, GCI
Dr. S.K …
- Posted Jan. 31, 2017
- Videos & Webinars
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Greening Your ACS Student Chapter - Models of Success
- Beyond Benign (MA)
Green Chemistry Education Webinar Series: A new webinar series for chemistry faculty and students highlighting relevant topics in green chemistry education.
Presented by: Jennifer MacKellar Program Manager American Chemical Society …
- Posted Jan. 30, 2017
- Videos & Webinars
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Student Led Green Chemistry Initiatives
- University of Toronto (ON)
- Beyond Benign (MA)
Green Chemistry Education Webinar Series: A new webinar series for chemistry faculty and students highlighting relevant topics in green chemistry education.
Presented by: Anna Ivanova Communications Director Network of Early-Career …
- Posted Jan. 30, 2017
- Videos & Webinars
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Modernizing the Organic Chemistry Laboratory with Green Chemistry
- Beyond Benign (MA)
Green Chemistry Education Webinar Series: A new webinar series for chemistry faculty and students highlighting relevant topics in green chemistry education.
Presented by: Dr. Jane Wissinger Associate Professor, Department of …
- Posted Jan. 30, 2017
- Videos & Webinars
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Disrupting neoliberal discourse in critical sustainability education: a qualitative analysis of intentional language framing
- Davidson College (NC)
- University of Utah (UT)
While education for sustainability is a critical task that is gaining ground in a plethora of educational contexts, it is frequently rendered ineffective in the face of neoliberal practice and …
- Posted Jan. 30, 2017
- Publications
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Energy challenges: isolating results due to behavior change
- Allegheny College (PA)
Purpose
Approximately 700 colleges and universities have committed to climate neutrality, which will require significant reductions in energy consumption. This paper aims to explore the effectiveness of an Annual Energy …
- Posted Jan. 18, 2017
- Publications
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We're For Sustainability
- Indiana State University (IN)
Indiana State University is focused on advancing sustainability and the quality of life.
- Posted Jan. 13, 2017
- Videos & Webinars
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Video Library: Sustainability in Action
- University of Colorado Boulder (CO)
Check out our growing library of films on Facilities Management sustainability.
- Posted Jan. 13, 2017
- Videos & Webinars
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Sustainability at Colorado State University Housing & Dining Services
- Colorado State University (CO)
For more information about CSU Housing & Dining Services' sustainability initiatives, please visit the CSU Housing & Dining Services sustainability webpage.
- Posted Jan. 13, 2017
- Videos & Webinars
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The Future of Sustainability Leadership Rests with Higher Education
- AASHE (MA)
Higher education institutions are poised to be leaders on the sustainability front. Not only are they able to develop responsible environmental policies and procedures for their campuses, but they are …
- Posted Jan. 3, 2017
- Publications
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Sustainability in Higher Education: How Does the Process of Campus Greening Trigger Adaptive Social Learning
- North Carolina State University (NC)
The purpose of this dissertation was to answer the research question: Does the presence of a balance of social, economic, and ecological dimensions during an implementation of campus greening trigger …
- Posted Dec. 21, 2016
- Publications
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Applied Sustainability Education with a Systems Science Emphasis at a STEM University
- Florida Institute of Technology (FL)
In the southeastern U.S., the Sustainability Studies bachelors program at F.I.T. is one of the first of its type among STEM universities. A preliminary case study is constructed from recent …
- Posted Dec. 21, 2016
- Publications
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Inspiration and Hope for Campus Sustainability Change Agents
- Georgetown University (DC)
- Harvard University (MA)
- AASHE (MA)
- Intentional Endowments Network (MA)
You know those feelings you get after attending the AASHE annual conference and other sustainability conferences – inspiration, motivation, a sense of belonging, perhaps even giddy to return to campus …
- Posted Dec. 15, 2016
- Videos & Webinars
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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.