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
New Resources
Anti-Racism in Higher Education: A Model for Change
- Azusa Pacific University (CA)
Racism continues to persist in higher education and traditional diversity initiatives that focus only on support resources and tolerance training continue to fall short in making lasting change on college ...
- Posted Feb. 22, 2021
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The Power Game: Developing Influence and Negotiation Skills for Sustainable Development
- Virginia Tech (VA)
This paper describes the outcomes of a game designed to teach advanced leadership skills, specifically influence and negotiation strategies, to current and aspiring sustainability professionals at Virginia Tech’s Center ...
- Posted Feb. 10, 2021
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Collegiate athletics environmental sustainability efforts within STARS reporting
- Texas A&M University (TX)
- University of Tennessee at Knoxville (TN)
The purpose of this paper is to examine higher education institutions’ participation in association for the advancement of sustainability in higher education’s (AASHE’s) Green Athletics category in the ...
- Posted Feb. 9, 2021
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Building bridges: overview of an international sustainable tourism education model
- Colorado State University, Pueblo (CO)
The purpose of this paper is to present and explore a sustainable tourism education model that employed Fair-Trade learning principles and experiential learning philosophies. In collaboration with universities in Mexico ...
- Posted Feb. 9, 2021
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Investigation of the attitudes of first-year-students towards sustainability and environmental awareness at Széchenyi István University
- Széchenyi István University
At the Apáczai Csere János Faculty, we have been teaching environmental and sustainability education in teacher training for over 20 years. Trainee teacher are prepared for their future profession - including ...
- Posted Feb. 9, 2021
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University teaching staff and sustainable development: an assessment of competences
- University of Beira Interior
- University of Passo Fundo
- Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro
- University of Southern Maine (ME)
- University of Applied Sciences Zittau/Görlitz
- University of Aveiro
- Universidade federal de Santa Maria
- University of Belgrade
- University of Malta (Northern Harbor District)
- Hamburg University of Applied Sciences
Teaching about matters related to sustainable development requires not only a personal motivation from educators, but also a variety of competences. This paper reports on a multi-country study, which aimed ...
- Posted Feb. 9, 2021
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Internal stakeholders' perspective on lean energy and environmental sustainability: the case of Notre Dame University - Louaize
- Notre Dame University - Louaize
This study will contribute to the understanding of the relationship between Energy and Environmental Sustainability (EES) Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviours in order to recommend actions to be undertaken by the ...
- Posted Feb. 9, 2021
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Campus greening from social sciences: emerging formulas on social responsibility and teaching innovation
- University of A Coruña (a Coruña)
Purpose This paper aims to show how the Green Campus Program has been implemented at the Faculty of Sociology of the University of A Coruña (Spain). It describes the criteria ...
- Posted Feb. 9, 2021
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Sustainability in Higher Education: What More Can Universities Do?
- QS Quacquarelli Symonds
This report details the key findings from the QS Environmental Concerns Survey conducted in August 2019. The survey - which was completed by more than 3,700 prospective international students looking ...
- Posted Feb. 9, 2021
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Walking the Sustainability Talk: If Not Us, Who? If Not Now, When?
- Loyola University Maryland (MD)
- Walden University (MN)
- Western Illinois University (IL)
This essay centers on the personal sustainability behaviors of faculty as related to research, teaching, and service, as well as those behaviors that go far beyond these typical faculty responsibilities ...
- Posted Feb. 9, 2021
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Predictors of public transport use among university students during the winter: A MIMIC modelling approach
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology
The current study aimed to examine attitudinal factors underlying the use of public transport in winter among university students. A self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted among 441 students at the ...
- Posted Feb. 9, 2021
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Impact of personality traits and university green entrepreneurial support on students' green entrepreneurial intentions: the moderating role of environmental values
- Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology
- Mohammad Ali Jinnah University
- Iqra University
Purpose The earth needs to go green as it clarifies that humans should adopt a sustainable lifestyle that will be friendly to the environment and society. The emerging stream of ...
- Posted Feb. 9, 2021
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Environmental knowledge, attitudes and behavior of higher education students: a case study in Portugal
- University of Coimbra
The main purpose of this research study is to explore higher education students’ environmental knowledge, attitudes and behavior. To achieve this goal, a questionnaire was conducted among the students of ...
- Posted Feb. 9, 2021
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Investigating the impact of problem-oriented sustainability education on students’ identity: A comparative study of planning and liberal arts students
- Erasmus University Rotterdam
This study uses a grounded theory lite approach to investigate the changes in identity of planning and liberal arts students who studied sustainability in a problem-oriented environment. It was found ...
- Posted Feb. 9, 2021
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What drives green experiential outcomes in tourism higher education?
- National Sun Yat-sen University
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- Ming Chuan University
This paper aims to explore the structural relationships between the dimensions of green experiential outcomes and their four drivers – green experiential learning, green experiential motivation, green experiential value and green ...
- Posted Feb. 9, 2021
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Mapping the intervention of sustainable design studio using multidimensional scaling and pathfinder networks
- Eskişehir Technical University
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate undergraduate industrial design students’ perception of sustainable design concepts and how their conceptualization evolves as a function of their attendance to ...
- Posted Feb. 9, 2021
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SDGs Report 2019
- National University of Sciences and Technology (Federal)
Realizing the importance of United Nations 17 SDGs, National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) , Pakistan has adopted UN SDGs framework to monitor and improve the impact of contribution of ...
- Posted Feb. 9, 2021
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Business students’ value priorities and attitudes towards sustainable development
- Aalto University
Business students of today are future executives in companies and governments. Therefore, their education for sustainability needs to be carefully considered. However, very little is known about business students in ...
- Posted Feb. 9, 2021
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The promotion of sustainable development in higher education institutions: top-down bottom-up or neither?
- Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina
Purpose This paper aims to analyze the sustainability approach within higher education institutions. Universities, as institutions of knowledge, play an important and strategic role in maximizing social and economic benefits ...
- Posted Feb. 9, 2021
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Promoting sustainable development in higher education institutions: the use of the balanced scorecard as a strategic management system in support of green marketing
- Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina
Purpose Sustainability is understood as a complex and integrating area, involving the most diverse areas and fields of knowledge. Because of the innumerable socio-environmental challenges in the current scenario, a ...
- Posted Feb. 9, 2021
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Exploring emerging learning needs: a UK-wide consultation on environmental sustainability learning objectives for medical education
- University of Bristol
- University College London (London)
- University of Hull
- Centre for Sustainable Healthcare (Oxford)
Objectives: This study aimed to engage wide-ranging stakeholders and develop consensus learning objectives for undergraduate and postgraduate medical education.
Methods: A UK-wide consultation garnered opinions of healthcare students, healthcare educators ...
- Posted Feb. 9, 2021
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The use of evidence-informed sustainability scenarios in the nursing curriculum: Development and evaluation of teaching methods
- University of Plymouth (Devon)
Background Climate change and resource scarcity pose challenges for healthcare in the future, yet there is little to raise awareness about these issues in the nursing curriculum and nurses are ...
- Posted Feb. 9, 2021
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Education for sustainable healthcare: Leadership to get from here to there
- University of Northern British Columbia (BC)
- University of British Columbia Okanagan (BC)
- Dalarna University
- Swansea University
- University of North Dakota (ND)
- International Federation of Medical Students' Associations
The current global crises, including climate, COVID-19, and environmental change, requires global collective action at all scales. These broad socio-ecological challenges require the engagement of diverse perspectives and ways of ...
- Posted Feb. 9, 2021
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Implementing AACN's Recommendations for Environmental Sustainability in Colleges of Nursing: From Concept to Impact
- Washington State University, Spokane (WA)
In 2011, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) released a guidance report titled Toward an Environmentally Sustainable Academic Enterprise: An AACN Guide for Nursing Education. The report was ...
- Posted Feb. 9, 2021
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Putting sustainable campuses into force: Empowering students, staff and academics by the self-efficacy Green Office Model
- Leuphana University of Lüneburg
Purpose The lack of change structures can be seen as an important reason why sustainability continues to suffer a niche existence in most higher education organisations. This is a problem ...
- Posted Feb. 9, 2021
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Building new foundations: the future of education from a degrowth perspective
- Konzeptwerk Neue Ökonomie
Considering education in the context of making and unmaking sustainable futures, a growing relevance is attributed to the role of shared beliefs or mental infrastructures which shape the way people ...
- Posted Feb. 8, 2021
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A whole‐person approach to educating for sustainability
- University of Sydney (NSW)
- University of Brighton
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of a whole‐person approach to educating for sustainability (EfS), with a focus on persons' identity, motivation and higher ...
- Posted Feb. 8, 2021
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Designing and Assessing Learning Outcomes: A Framework for Co-Curricular Sustainability Programs
- Portland State University (OR)
In recent years, Co-Curricular Sustainability Programs (CoCSPs) have been established at many higher education institutions. However, few such programs have developed learning outcomes or assessment processes to measure the types ...
- Posted Feb. 8, 2021
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When Legitimacy Shapes Environmentally Responsible Behaviors: Considering Exposure to University Sustainability Initiatives
- Emory University (GA)
- Oberlin College (OH)
- University of Chicago (IL)
This study examines how perceptions of the legitimacy of university sustainability efforts—support by the administration (authorization) or from students’ peers (endorsement)—as well as the physical context in which ...
- Posted Feb. 8, 2021
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“Just Sustainability” Environmental Justice Campaign Case Study
- University of Vermont (VT)
The UVM Eco-Reps have long existed to encourage sustainable behaviors in UVM students, faculty, and community members. After a summer of Black Lives Matter protests, six months of a global ...
- Posted Feb. 8, 2021
- Case Studies
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The use of the theory of planned behaviour to assess graduate attributes for sustainability
- RMIT University
Higher Education plays an influential role in societal transformation towards sustainability. An understanding of the application of sustainability learning from degree programs in a graduate’s professional practice can serve ...
- Posted Feb. 8, 2021
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Willingness to pay for green buildings: A survey on students’ perception in higher education
- University of Delaware (DE)
- University of New Haven (CT)
- TED University
For most students in higher education, a green residence hall could form their first impressions regarding green buildings. As these students may be expected to make decisions regarding their place ...
- Posted Jan. 12, 2021
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Assessing General Attitudes Towards Sustainability Policies Among Key Stakeholders in Higher Education
- Appalachian School of Law (VA)
- Appalachian State University (NC)
This study investigated, through the use of semi-structured interviews, the general attitudes and perceptions held by key stakeholders at Appalachian State University (AppState) towards sustainability policies. Key stakeholders were determined ...
- Posted Jan. 12, 2021
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AASHE Award Winnner Ceremony 2020
- Lehigh University (PA)
- Lafayette College (PA)
- Smith College (MA)
- University of Central Florida (FL)
- University of Coimbra
- Dickinson College (PA)
- Georgia Institute of Technology (GA)
- Muhlenberg College (PA)
- Southwestern University (TX)
- University of Strathclyde
- Carlos III University of Madrid
- Palo Alto College (TX)
- University of Dayton (OH)
- University of Sydney (NSW)
The AASHE Sustainability Awards provide global recognition to the individuals and organizations leading the higher education sustainability movement. On Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020 a virtual ceremony honored the 11 winners ...
- Posted Jan. 12, 2021
- Videos & Webinars
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Desktop Printer Removal and the Transition to Managed Multi-Function Printers: Benefits and Case Studies
- Root Solutions (CA)
This document was designed to introduce higher ed staff to the topic of printer consolidation, with an emphasis on the many sustainability and other benefits (especially cost savings) of replacing ...
- Posted Dec. 29, 2020
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Piloting Styrofoam Recycling in Research Facilities at Georgia Institute of Technology
- Georgia Institute of Technology (GA)
Georgia Tech has systems in place to collect and recycle everything from cardboard and office paper, to plastic and glass. But until 2019, there was no established process for recycling ...
- Posted Dec. 1, 2020
- Case Studies
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Fall 2020 Virtual DIY Fair
- San Diego State University (CA)
With students being stuck at home due to COVID, I thought that a smart idea to keep students engaged in sustainability would be to have a week-long virtual DIY fair ...
- Posted Dec. 1, 2020
- Case Studies
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Reusable to-go Program at Northwestern Dining During a Global Pandemic
- Northwestern University (IL)
- Chartwells Higher Education (NY)
- Compass Group (NC)
Northwestern University opened its dining commons during the COVID-19 pandemic in the fall of 2020 with an emphasis on reusable to-go service ware. This program used the O2GO OZZI containers ...
- Posted Dec. 1, 2020
- Case Studies
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Approaches to SDG-Based Curricular Pathways and Research Communities
- AASHE (PA)
- University of Toronto (ON)
- Sustainability Curriculum Consortium (MD)
Universities are increasingly being called to develop integrative approaches toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in their research, educational, and operational capacities. This webinar will present on ...
- Posted Nov. 5, 2020
- Videos & Webinars
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University of Oregon GrowPod Tomato Harvest
- University of Oregon (OR)
University of Oregon students and staff harvesting tomatoes in the experimental GrowPod.
- Posted Oct. 30, 2020
- Photographs
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Lafayette College Sustainable Food Loop
- Lafayette College (PA)
LaFarm is a sustainability initiative at the College and the cornerstone of the Lafayette College Sustainable Food Loop.
Our mission is to integrate curriculum and practice in sustainable food and ...
- Posted Oct. 20, 2020
- Photographs
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Lafayette College Sustainable Food Loop
- Lafayette College (PA)
LaFarm is a sustainability initiative at the College and the cornerstone of the Lafayette College Sustainable Food Loop.
Our mission is to integrate curriculum and practice in sustainable food and ...
- Posted Oct. 20, 2020
- Photographs
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Loyola Marymount University Sustainability Students for Water Refill Challenge
- Loyola Marymount University (CA)
Fill it Forward Reusable water Bottle challenge co-hosted over 20 events creating $400,000 in value, reached 50,000 people, activated 7,000 people to forgo single use plastic water ...
- Posted Oct. 19, 2020
- Photographs
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University of Cincinnati Environmental Literacy Certificate Program Poster
- University of Cincinnati - Clermont (OH)
Recognizing that environmental literacy is integral to the University of Cincinnati's mission of serving the world and enriching our global community, UC provides students the opportunity to earn an ...
- Posted Oct. 19, 2020
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University of Cincinnati Students on a Tour of Fernald Nature Preserve
- University of Cincinnati (OH)
University of Cincinnati students on a tour o as part of one of the requirements for the Environmental Literacy Certificate Program, where experiential learning collides with real world experience.
Fernald ...
- Posted Oct. 19, 2020
- Photographs
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Universite Laval - Aerial view photograph
- Universite Laval (QC)
Aerial view of the campus.
- Posted Oct. 19, 2020
- Photographs
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Humber College - Learning by Leading
- Humber College (ON)
Learning by Leading™ Program is based on the idea that students learn best by taking leadership in helping to solve real-world problems. The Humber Arboretum was selected as the only ...
- Posted Oct. 19, 2020
- Photographs
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University of Minnesota, Duluth - Pollinator Pledge
- University of Minnesota, Duluth (MN)
Three students -- Rachel Hopwood, Michael Purtell, and Dave Herrera -- pioneered the passing of an operational policy that protects the University of Minnesota Duluth's campus pollinators in perpetuity. Referred to ...
- Posted Oct. 19, 2020
- Photographs
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Washington and Lee University Individualized Energy Dashboard for Students
- Washington and Lee University (VA)
2020 Sustainable Campus Index submission - Washington and Lee
Individualized energy dashboards for students - Following the installation of Lucid Energy Dashboards and submeters on upper division housing, Washington & Lee University ...
- Posted Oct. 15, 2020
- Photographs
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IUPUI Day of Caring
- Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) (IN)
IUPUI partners with the United Way to host a Day of Caring to support local social organizations across Indianapolis. This year, the IUPUI community volunteered with Growing Places Indy, a ...
- Posted Oct. 15, 2020
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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. Additional content and advanced benchmarking tools will be added to this tab over time.
Programs and Initiatives
The following links connect to specific Content Displays on the STARS website (AASHE membership and log-in required).
- Central campus sustainability websites
- Co-curricular programs and initiatives
- Active student groups focused on sustainability
- Gardens, farms and co-curricular programs where students are able to gain experience in organic agriculture and sustainable food systems
- Student-run enterprises that include sustainability
- Sustainable investment funds and initiatives through which students can develop socially, environmentally and fiscally responsible investment and financial skills
- Cultural arts events, installations or performances related to sustainability that have students as the intended audience
- Wilderness or outdoors programs for sudents that follow Leave No Trace principles
- Sustainability-related themes chosen for themed semesters, years, or first-year experiences
- Programs through which students learn sustainable life skills
- Sustainability-focused student employment opportunities
- Graduation pledges through which students pledge to consider social and environmental responsibility in future job and other decisions
- Student orientation activities that feature sustainability
- Employee orientation activities that feature sustainability
- Sustainability trainings and professional development opportunities available to staff
Scores
The following link connects to the Score Display on the STARS website (AASHE membership and log-in required).
Campus Engagement Partners
ACPA - College Student Educators International
Washington, DCBound International
San Antonio, TXBusiness Affiliate
Campus Safety, Health, and Environmental Management Association
Bloomington, INCouncil for Christian Colleges and Universities
Washington, DCDot Cup
Evanston, ILBusiness Affiliate
EcoChallenge.org
Portland, ORBusiness Affiliate
Fair Labor Association
Washington, DCBusiness Affiliate
Fairware Promotional Products Ltd
Vancouver, BCBusiness Affiliate
GreenerU
Waltham, MABusiness Affiliate
Herbicide Free Campus
San Francisco, CABusiness Affiliate
Korean Association for Green Campus Initiative
Seoul, SeoulBusiness Affiliate
NIRSA: Leaders in Collegiate Recreation
Corvallis, ORPost-Landfill Action Network
Dover, NHBusiness Affiliate
Rivanna Natural Designs
Richmond, VABusiness Affiliate
RRS
Ann Arbor, MIBusiness Affiliate
Strategic Energy Innovations
San Rafael, CABusiness Affiliate
Sunbolt
Willow Grove, PABusiness Affiliate
The Campus Kitchens Project
Washington, DCBusiness Affiliate
The GREEN Program
Philadelphia, PABusiness Affiliate