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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Carnegie Mellon University students learn about the Sustainable Development Goals at an exhibit in the Cohon University Center
- Carnegie Mellon University (PA)
Three students read up on global implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals at an exhibit organized by Carnegie Mellon University's Sustainability Initiative team in February 2020
- Posted July 27, 2022
- Photographs
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Butler University Social Justice and Vocational Fellowship
- Butler University (IN)
Social Justice and Diversity Vocational Fellowship - The Social Justice and Diversity (SJD) Vocation Fellowship at Butler University is a collaboration between the Center for Faith and Vocation, the Social …
- Posted July 27, 2022
- Photographs
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JCCC Hosts Regional Climate Action Kansas City Summit
- Johnson County Community College (KS)
As a pathway toward institutional accreditation through the US Higher Learning Commission, Johnson County Community College developed and completed an Academic Quality Improvement Project (AQIP) focused on institution-wide sustainability in …
- Posted July 25, 2022
- Photographs
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JCCC Students Work to Complete Tiny House Project
- Johnson County Community College (KS)
As a pathway toward institutional accreditation through the US Higher Learning Commission, Johnson County Community College developed and completed an Academic Quality Improvement Project (AQIP) focused on institution-wide sustainability in …
- Posted July 25, 2022
- Photographs
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Leveraging Strategic Partnerships to Advance Sustainability Education
- The University of British Columbia (BC)
- AASHE (MA)
What do we need to do to take sustainability education to the next level? How do we make sustainability learning ubiquitous in a university student’s learning journey while increasing an …
- Posted July 18, 2022
- Videos & Webinars
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Campus Garden to Bring New Opportunities for Self-Sustainability
- California State University, Fullerton (CA)
Cal State Fullerton recently broke ground on a new campus garden that will serve as a tool for hands-on student learning. The ceremony was part of Cal State Fullerton’s 12th …
- Posted July 18, 2022
- Photographs
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Principia College celebrates Earth Day 2022
- Principia College (IL)
The Principia College solar car is a fan favorite at our Earth Day Festival every year. Innovative, student-led engineering is a hallmark of this long-standing experiential learning program.
- Posted June 27, 2022
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Principia College celebrates Earth Day 2022
- Principia College (IL)
Students show their planet love by personalizing canvas reusable shopping bags, purchased from Earth Hero. Our College Store has banned single-use plastic bags, so these totes are particularly handy!
- Posted June 27, 2022
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Brainstorming Session: Reducing Waste During Campus Move-Outs
- University of Virginia (VA)
- AASHE (MA)
Join this brainstorming session and meet with peers to discuss everything from community partners to communications to student helpers and more. Come prepared to share, listen, or both.
- Posted June 24, 2022
- Videos & Webinars
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Trees on campus are rooted in history
- California State University, Fullerton (CA)
Seven serve as a memorial to lives needlessly taken. One received the blessing of the Dalai Lama. Others pay homage to local history. But symbolism and aesthetics aside, each of …
- Posted May 31, 2022
- Photographs
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Engaging Hearts, Minds and Hands: Tracking Sustainability Drivers in Your Institutional Culture
- Ramapo College of New Jersey (NJ)
- AASHE (MA)
- Awake (Victoria)
This presentation outlines the implementation of a standardized survey tool for measuring and tracking the extent to which sustainability is embedded in the culture of a higher education institution.
In …
- Posted May 31, 2022
- Videos & Webinars
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Campus as a Living Laboratory: The Built Environment
- Florida Gulf Coast University (FL)
This book chapter focuses on Florida Gulf Coast University using its campus as a living lab to teach sustainability to students and the way that this type of learning affects …
- Posted May 25, 2022
- Publications
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WMGIC: Expanding Student Involvement in Sustainable Development
- College of William & Mary (VA)
The Global Innovation Challenge at William and Mary (WMGIC) encourages and facilitates interdisciplinary collaboration and applied learning opportunities among students, policymakers, practitioners, and researchers by bringing innovative and sustainable perspectives …
- Posted May 23, 2022
- Case Studies
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We Feed Aggie Animals
- Texas A&M University (TX)
- Chartwells Higher Education (NY)
Texas A&M Aggie Dining launched a new "We Feed Aggie Animals" food waste initiative to enhance goals of eliminating food waste while supporting the campus community. Starting in January 2022, …
- Posted May 23, 2022
- Case Studies
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Root: Centering Social Identity and Environmental Justice in First-Year Orientation
- Williams College (MA)
Root is one of 6 topical opt-in first-year orientation programs, called EphVentures, offered by Williams College. It runs for four days at the beginning of new student orientation and introduces …
- Posted May 23, 2022
- Case Studies
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Arbor Day at Nova Southeastern University
- Nova Southeastern University (FL)
In celebration of Earth Day and Arbor Day, students, staff, faculty, and the University's President came together to celebrate the environment with a tree planting ceremony and educational table fair. …
- Posted May 23, 2022
- Photographs
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Building capacity for socio-ecological change through the campus farm: a mixed-methods study
- Butler University (IN)
- Indiana University System Administration (IN)
- Indiana University Indianapolis (IN)
- Henry M Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (MD)
Given the ongoing socio-ecological crises, higher education institutions need curricular interventions to support students in developing the knowledge, skills, and perspectives needed to create a sustainable future. Campus farms are …
- Posted May 20, 2022
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Improving Laboratory Water and Energy Efficiency at Tufts University
- Tufts University (MA)
The Biomedical Engineering (BME) and Chemical and Biological Engineering (CHBE) Departments at Tufts University installed a small autoclave (a laboratory sanitation machine) to reduce energy and water consumption in our …
- Posted May 20, 2022
- Case Studies
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EchoWorks: An Electronics Recycling College-Community Partnership
- Western Dakota Technical College (SD)
There are more than a thousand toxic substances associated with electronic waste (e-waste), and improper disposal can lead to soil, water, food, and air contamination. E-waste is the fastest growing …
- Posted May 20, 2022
- Case Studies
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CSU Faculty Learning Community in Teaching Climate Change and Resilience
- California Polytechnic State University (CA)
- California State University, Chico (CA)
- California State University, Monterey Bay (CA)
- California State University, San Marcos (CA)
- California State University, Stanislaus (CA)
- Cal Poly Humboldt (CA)
- Strategic Energy Innovations (CA)
In the Spring of 2022, 62 faculty from six different California State University campuses representing over 30 disciplines participated in the CSU Faculty Learning Community in Teaching Climate Change and …
- Posted May 20, 2022
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Establishing and sustaining Indiana’s first higher education chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby at Purdue University
- Purdue University (IN)
- Citizens' Climate Lobby (CA)
In an effort to learn how to meaningfully engage with my community on the issue of climate change, I joined Citizens’ Climate Lobby, a nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy organization which advances …
- Posted May 20, 2022
- Case Studies
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Engineering students’ agency beliefs and career goals to engage in sustainable development: differences between first-year students and seniors
- Virginia Tech (VA)
- Purdue University (IN)
This paper aims to explore the differences in first-year and senior engineering students’ engineering agency beliefs and career goals related to sustainable development. The authors also sought to understand how …
- Posted May 20, 2022
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GIS and Sustainability Engagement in Higher Education
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County (MD)
Does the use of an interactive GIS web map significantly influence the level of sustainability stakeholder engagement at institutions of higher education? With over 1,000 institutions of higher education across …
- Posted May 20, 2022
- Publications
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The Development of Sustainability Education at ASU - A Case Study
- Arizona State University (AZ)
This video highlights the development of the School of Sustainability and the future of sustainability at Arizona State University. Dr. Boone describes the program's objectives, competencies, and initiatives including how …
- Posted May 20, 2022
- Videos & Webinars
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An Exploration of the Relationship between Sustainability-Related Involvement and Learning in Higher Education
- Tufts University (MA)
- University of Michigan (MI)
Higher education institutions are charged with developing civically engaged leaders to address the pressing issues facing the country and the world. While existing literature suggests institutional practices, such as promoting …
- Posted May 20, 2022
- Publications
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Climate Action Commitment Roadshow Series
- Virginia Tech (VA)
Virginia Tech recently approved a revised version of the Climate Action Commitment. To educate the campus community about it, our Climate Action, Sustainability, and Energy (CASE) Office went on a …
- Posted May 19, 2022
- Case Studies
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A Student-led Approach to Campus Sustainability: Environmental Sustainability Report
- University of Delaware (DE)
The Environmental Sustainability Report (Fall 2021) was established using a bottom-up approach led by students and involved collaboration between multiple stakeholders, on- and off-campus. This Report was driven by a …
- Posted May 19, 2022
- Case Studies
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Campus Clothing Swap
- Florida International University (FL)
This project was produced by my club Society for Sustainable Souls at Florida International Universities (FIU) campus. It was created to encourage sustainability as well as community on FIU's campus. …
- Posted May 19, 2022
- Case Studies
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The Potential for Electricity-use Reduction in Grinnell College Residence Halls through Behavioral Manipulation
- Grinnell College (IA)
I studied the potential for electricity-use reduction through behavioral change in on-campus residence halls. I used social comparisons to induce behavioral change in the residents. The results did not show …
- Posted May 19, 2022
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Washington and Lee Quick Hits: Sustainability Leadership Trip Explores Local Food
- Washington and Lee University (VA)
Washington and Lee University takes student leaders in sustainability on a trip to explore local foods and dining waste. It features the students visiting the campus's local garden that composts …
- Posted May 19, 2022
- Videos & Webinars
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Hornet Reuse App
- California State University, Sacramento (CA)
As a way of reducing waste, creating a circular economy and creating a sense of community between students, faculty and staff at Sacramento State, Hornet Reuse was born. Hornet Reuse …
- Posted May 13, 2022
- Case Studies
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Measuring the Transformation of University Students’ Self-Construal for Greater Environmental Sustainability
- Arizona State University (AZ)
- Kyoto University
- National Taiwan University
University campus sustainability projects frequently aim to promote ecological behavior of their community members. However, these projects rarely consider the level of students’ self-construal, the view of self held by …
- Posted May 11, 2022
- Publications
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Global Social Responsibility and the Internationalisation of Higher Education for Society
- Boston College (MA)
- La Trobe University (Victoria)
- Leeds Beckett University
- Rovira i Virgili University
In this article, we argue that there is an urgent need to align internationalisation and university social responsibility agendas through the construct of Internationalisation of Higher Education for Society. The …
- Posted May 11, 2022
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Exploring personal definitions of sustainability and their impact on perceptions of sustainability culture
- James Madison University (VA)
- Inflexion
The purpose of this paper is to present an exploratory analysis of campus community member (i.e. students, faculty, staff) definitions of sustainability, their perceptions of select elements of sustainability culture …
- Posted May 11, 2022
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Can student managed investment funds (SMIFs) narrow the environmental, social and governance (ESG) skills gap?
- Queen's University
- Memorial University of Newfoundland (NL)
The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, it endeavors to document the current state of environmental, social and governance (ESG) pedagogy within undergraduate finance courses of business schools, and …
- Posted May 11, 2022
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Cultivating a Collaborative Culture for Ensuring Sustainable Development Goals in Higher Education: An Integrative Case Study
- Mount Mercy University (IA)
- Wingate University (NC)
Higher education institutions (HEIs) are not insulated from the challenges facing the planet and have been tasked as key stakeholders in sustainable development (SD). The preliminary data presented in this …
- Posted May 11, 2022
- Publications
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Exploring environmental sustainability of academia as a working space
- Indiana University Bloomington (IN)
- Robert Gordon University
This study aims to examine the organizational citizenship behaviors toward the environment among US-based faculty members, in social sciences, natural sciences, the humanities and engineering. Potential barriers that may stop …
- Posted May 11, 2022
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Sustainability behaviors, attitudes, and knowledge: comparing university students and the general public
- Michigan State University (MI)
Sustainability science integrates many academic fields, requiring a broad understanding of diverse scientific concepts. Additionally, its focus on real-world issues means that researchers must also understand sustainability behaviors and attitudes. …
- Posted May 11, 2022
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Speaking Their Language: Does Environmental Signage Align to Personal Dimensions of Environmentally Responsible Behavior in Undergraduate Residence Halls?
- Texas Tech University (TX)
Everyday environmental behaviors within the residential sphere contribute significantly to global carbon emissions. Understanding the factors underlying these behaviors is key to changing behavior. This paper examines undergraduate behavior in …
- Posted May 11, 2022
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A Survey of Environmental Attitudes and Knowledge of University Undergraduate Students for the Purpose of Faculty Development in Teaching and Learning for Sustainability
- University of North Carolina, Pembroke (NC)
Because today's students will confront global climate change and its concomitant social and cultural disruption, it is vital that they graduate with ecological knowledge, environmental ethics, and civic skills commensurate …
- Posted May 11, 2022
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Institute for Constructive Advocacy and Dialogue (ICAD): Community conversations for a sustainable and equitable future
- James Madison University (VA)
With a mission to “inspire dialogue and deliberation that shapes engaged and inclusive communities and informs sound policies,” the Institute for Constructive Advocacy and Dialogue (ICAD) at James Madison University …
- Posted May 11, 2022
- Case Studies
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Creating a Winning Collegiate Sports Sustainability Program
- Green Sports Alliance (OR)
Over the past decade, a growing number of collegiate athletic programs have initiated or expanded their sustainability systems. With athletics traditionally recognized as "The front porch of the campus," campus …
- Posted May 9, 2022
- Videos & Webinars
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A Discussion About Environmental Justice in Vermont
- University of Vermont (VT)
Project Green Schools was delighted to host A Discussion About Environmental Justice in Vermont in partnership with Vermont House Speaker, Conor Kennedy, Shelburne Farms, VT FEED, Hunger Free Vermont, VEEP, …
- Posted May 9, 2022
- Videos & Webinars
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Nebraska State Fair Sustainability Pavilion
- Central Community College (NE)
In partnership with the Nebraska State Fair, students are invited to develop sustainability projects and present them at the Sustainability Pavilion. 2021 student projects include a kayak made from mushroom …
- Posted May 5, 2022
- Case Studies
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Boston College Green Week: BC Dining Hosts Events to Promote Sustainability Initiatives
- Boston College (MA)
Each year, to celebrate Earth Day, Boston College clubs and organizations collaborate to host Green Week. With different events, pop-ups, and educational resources, students are able to see all of …
- Posted May 4, 2022
- Photographs
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CSU Celebrates EarthDay at EarthFest 2022
- Cleveland State University (OH)
Cleveland State University's Office of Sustainability and Student Environmental Movement collaborate to celebrate EarthDay!
Over 35 exhibitors, 20 volunteers, 16 amazing prize donations, clothing swap all contributed to making EarthFest …
- Posted May 4, 2022
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sustainNU Holds Soundwalk
- Northwestern University (IL)
Teaching artists from the Midwest Society for Acoustical Ecology led participants in an exploration of Northwestern University's Evanston campus soundscape. Attendees focused on specific sounds of their environment that they …
- Posted May 4, 2022
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sustainNU Hosts Reuse & Repair Fair
- Northwestern University (IL)
Northwestern's Office of Sustainability hosted a Repair and Reuse Fair featuring a variety of on-campus and local vendors, including a local bike shop, clothing mending organization, tool library, zero-waste small …
- Posted May 4, 2022
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CLIMATE CRISIS ANTHEM Music Video
- AASHE (MA)
The CLIMATE CRISIS ANTHEM is a visually and musically engaging 6:20 minute video that portrays the dire situation we all face in the current environmental breakdown.
Musical styles range from …
- Posted May 4, 2022
- Videos & Webinars
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Earth Conscious Menu at JMU Senior Symposium Event
- James Madison University (VA)
On Earth Day, students in JMU's School of Integrated Sciences presented their work at the annual Senior Symposium. This year, the SIS Senior Symposium was recognized by JMU's Institute for …
- Posted May 2, 2022
- 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.