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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Student Leadership Institute for Climate Resilience: A Just Transition Introductory Curriculum
- University of California, Irvine (CA)
Developed at UC Irvine and in its ninth year, the Student Leadership Institute for Climate Resilience (SLICR) is an annual three-day residential program that provides a select cohort of incoming …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Student Voices in Sustainability: Incorporating Student Interns In Sustainability Communications
- University of Wisconsin-Madison (WI)
Student interns play a critical role in communications initiatives at the UW-Madison Office of Sustainability (OS). In this informational session, attendees will learn how the OS incorporates student voices into …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Mentoring Underrepresented Students in Sustainability: Preparing the Next Generation of Leaders!
- University of Iowa (IA)
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential in the field of environmental sustainability. However, it's often the people most impacted by unsustainable practices and climate change who have the least representation …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Building a Comprehensive Internship Program for Personal, Professional, and Leadership Development
- University of Denver (CO)
Internships can provide students with deep experiential learning that supports and enhances their curricular pathways. Managing internships can be complex and time consuming for both student and supervisor. At the …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Student Peer Educators as the Primary Communication and Outreach Strategy for Campus Sustainability
- University of North Carolina, Charlotte (NC)
A programming methodology was developed for applying student peer educators (EcoReps) for campus-wide communications and outreach. The idea was to emphasize direct, face-to-face engagement with students and staff in place …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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We Can Submit: An Authentic Discussion of a First Time STARS Submission
- Oklahoma State University (OK)
- University of Mississippi (MS)
Calling all STARS wannabes! Do you feel overwhelmed when you think about starting the STARS process? Has your office tried to submit and is yet to be successful? Are other …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Creating a Green Allies Coalition to Address Social Sustainability: Lessons Learned and Future Goals
- University of Wisconsin-Madison (WI)
This session will describe the efforts of the Green Allies Coalition within the Office of Sustainability at UW-Madison. Our office has teams focused on improving environmental sustainability, yet no team …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Bail on Balloons: Institutionalizing a Green Events Standard
- New York University (NY)
NYU hosts thousands of events each year. Whether they're massive conferences or office parties, events are integral to our community. But they notoriously result in unnecessary waste, both material and …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Meeting Campus Sustainability Goals by Showcasing Them in College Sports
- University of Colorado Boulder (CO)
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette (LA)
The University of Colorado Boulder is the nation's first NCAA Div 1 sports sustainability program-and has compiled lessons learned about how to use the sports platform to elevate campus sustainability …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Green Events Ambassadors: Student Interns Share Zero Waste Knowledge Across Institutions
- University of Wisconsin-Madison (WI)
This informational session will provide attendees with an in-depth look at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Office of Sustainability's intern-run Green Events Program, its zero waste planning, and how this programming …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Move Out Programs: Finding the Solution for your Campus
- Post-Landfill Action Network (NH)
Every year when students move out of their dorms and apartments, tons of useful stuff is left behind or discarded. Over the past decade or so, campuses all across the …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Successful Transitions: Guiding Student Groups Through Leadership Changes
- University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (MN)
As second year students ourselves, we understand that student groups are empowered to create bold impacts in higher education. They benefit from peer connections in a way that departmental or …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Stay Rad Post Grad!
- Post-Landfill Action Network (NH)
Are you graduating? Are you panicking? Or maybe you know exactly what you want to do, but it's just a matter of making it happen. Join the PLAN staff (with …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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A Zero Waste Campus is Possible!
- Post-Landfill Action Network (NH)
In this workshop we will facilitate a discussion around how students can lead specific efforts to solve waste issues on their campuses. We start with a short presentation on the …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Is Anybody Listening!? How to Reach Students on a Message Saturated Campus
- Concordia College - Moorhead (MN)
When you decided to become a sustainability professional, you may not have realized how much time and effort you would spend trying to engage students in sustainability events, programs, or …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Cultivating Student and Staff Leaders through Campus Food Recovery Programs
- University of California, Berkeley (CA)
As the awareness of food insecurity on college campuses increases, campus dining services are referred to as potential emergency relief for student food insecurity. Through food recovery programs, dining services …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Rethinking Your Campus: Creative Curriculum, Programs, and Policies that Address a Just Transition
- California State University, Chico (CA)
- Skyline College (CA)
- Strategic Energy Innovations (CA)
- University of California, Merced (CA)
Adapting to climate change and interrelated social crises is no easy feat, especially for campus systems with longstanding institutional frameworks. Key to this shift is to encourage broad student, campus, …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Lessons From the Field of Education: Bridging Social Justice and Environmental Sustainability
- Chatham University (PA)
- University of Michigan (MI)
Social justice (i.e. equity) is one of sustainability's '3Es,' alongside the economy and environment. Yet too often, these 'Es' are framed with shaky connections or as separate spheres. This has …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Go DefaultVeg: Using Behavioral Nudges to Reduce Food-Related GHG Emissions at Your Institution
- Harvard University (MA)
- Better Food Foundation (DC)
Colleges and universities are increasingly attempting to measure and reduce their Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions. Among the largest contributors of Scope 3 emissions are transportation and food. In 2019, …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Beyond Likes and Followers: How to Create Meaningful Real-Life Engagement via Instagram
- Elon University (NC)
- University of Virginia (VA)
How do sustainability offices engage students beyond social media metrics to create real-life engagement? In this session, three institutions-one small private liberal arts college, one medium-sized private university and one …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Interdisciplinary Approach to Environmental Education Through Service-Learning
- Husson University (ME)
- Saint Joseph's College - ME (ME)
- Maine Campus Compact (ME)
In 2017, in partnership with Campus Compact offices throughout Southern New England, Maine Campus Compact (MCC) awarded subgrants to 14 interdisciplinary faculty teams across four states (CT, MA, ME, NH) …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Staying Green While Staying Woke: Creating Inclusive Sustainability Communities in Higher Education
- University of California, Los Angeles (CA)
Equity is one of the pillars of sustainability. While there is more attention to climate and environmental justice in our field today, much of the work in sustainability spaces tends …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Organics for Everyone: Lessons Learned from a Large-Scale Campus-wide Organics Rollout
- University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (MN)
- University of Minnesota System Office (MN)
Implementing post-consumer organics collection on campus is a big step. But it can be done! The University of Minnesota has confronted the challenges associated with front-of-house organics collection head-on with …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Michigan State University Brody Neighborhood Re-design and Innovative Future
- Michigan State University (MI)
The Michigan State University (MSU) Division of Residential and Hospitality Services (RHS) is committed to ensuring long-term sustainability by recognizing and reducing our impacts on the planet. Through our programs, …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Creating Intersectionality with Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Sustainability with UC Berkeley
- University of California, Berkeley (CA)
In the realm of establishing a sustainable campus, a clear understanding and commitment from leaders (staff and students) are necessary to execute those goals. Often times, communities who are underrepresented …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Student Support 101: A Guide for Sustainability Professionals
- Florida State University (FL)
Across the country, universities are solidifying their commitment to a more sustainable future through the creation of sustainability offices. Often times, these offices are located within facilities departments with professionals …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Issues Don't Move People; Stories do - Using Films to Catalyze Student and Community Engagement
- Pennsylvania State University (PA)
- University of California, Santa Barbara (CA)
When it comes to films, too often our focus is on what appears on the screen when the projector turns on. But our focus really needs to be on action--what …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Sustainability Action Funds - Starting, Maintaining, Evolving student-led support for sustainability
- Arizona State University (AZ)
- Southwestern University (TX)
- University of California, Los Angeles (CA)
- University of Illinois Chicago (IL)
- University of Texas at Austin (TX)
Green Funds have been historically used by many universities to advance student sustainability initiatives and empower student leadership. This workshop will explore Green Funds at four (4) different universities, expand …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Sustainable Behavior Lab - An interdisciplinary approach for Student Affairs
- Arizona State University (AZ)
Discovering ways to generate sustainable behaviors on campus can be a daunting challenge for students, faculty, and staff. Efforts to promote activities that foster individual actions for collective sustainability impact …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Building Energy Quotient, A Fresh Perspective on Sustainability and Engagement in Universities
- ASHRAE (OR)
- Hanson Professional Services (FL)
The ASHRAE Building Energy Quotient (Building EQ) program empowers facility owners to understand their building's energy performance in comparison to facilities of the same type in the same climate zone. …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Engaging Employees on Sustainability at Small Institutions
- Southwestern University (TX)
From Green Office Certifications to Green Teams, from EcoAmbassadors to Green Lunch & Learns, the possibilities for engaging faculty and staff on sustainability topics are endless! But which one is …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Going Zero Waste: It's not Just Business, it's Personal
- California State University, Northridge (CA)
There are many long-established zero waste best practices addressing bins, signage, reusables and more. Unlike LED retrofits, low-flow faucets or other infrastructure projects, a zero waste initiative requires the participation …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Developing a culture of trust, feedback, and growth in the workplace
- Duke University (NC)
- Trust (MA)
Change moves at the speed of trust.' -Stephen Covey To be intentional in creating change, we need to have enough data points. One essential data point for our own personal …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Archiving the campus as a living laboratory: preserving a long memory for transformative change
- University of Utah (UT)
Sustainable change on campus is often driven by student-led projects, project-oriented courses and co-curricular activities associated with the Sustainability Office. However, aside from dissertations and theses, student work is seldom …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Sustaining the Mainstreaming of Climate Change Frameworks/Knowledge as University Core Curriculum
- University of Buea
Education and learning have powerful potential in fostering knowledge, skills and competences for action towards climate change mitigation. This study focuses on examining the role of mainstreaming and sustaining climate …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Menstruation Conversation : The intersection of sustainability, inclusivity, and empowerment
- Dot Cup (IL)
Menstruation is having a moment. 2019 brought us the first ever Menstruation-Focused Oscar Winner - Period End of Sentence, as well as the first annual National Period Day. At Dot …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Boxes to Farm to Compost'- A Paradigm Shift from an Extractive Culture to Regenerative Culture
- Iowa State University (IA)
As a land grant university with a student population of over 30,000 students and about 6000 faculty and staff, there is a multitude of packaged items delivered to the Iowa …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Sustainability Rankings: Comparing STARS with Times Higher Education University Impact Ranking
- University of Calgary (AB)
STARS has long been the key performance indicator for sustainability in UCalgary's Eyes High strategic vision. It is also the most broadly used sustainability assessment tool in higher education in …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Student Employment and Internships as the Foundation of a Sustainability Program
- University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (WI)
The Sustainability Office at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is focused on student engagement through several High-Impact Practices to support co-curricular education, but the core of this activity is centered on …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Protect the Roots: Promoting Sustainability with Policy and Planning that Prioritizes Campus Trees
- University of Kentucky (KY)
- University of Louisville (KY)
As the popularity of programs like Tree Campus USA demonstrate, there is widespread agreement that trees provide tremendous value to our campuses across a broad spectrum of key campus metrics …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Engaging Alumni in Sustainability: Working with Development & Alumni Relations
- Lehigh University (PA)
Alumni are one of a college or university's greatest assets and their contributions back to an institution do not go unnoticed. Many sustainability professionals want to engage alumni in various …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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College & University Recycling Coalition (CURC) Campus Recycling Session
- Appalachian State University (NC)
The College and University Recycling Coalition (CURC), in partnership with the United States Composting Council and Elevate Packaging, recently administered a survey to colleges and universities to understand how their …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Inspiring Green Fashion in a Fast Fashion Landscape
- University of the Pacific (CA)
The fast fashion industry encourages buying cheap clothes with a short lifespan which need to be constantly disposed of and replaced. College students can be especially vulnerable to fast fashion …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Power Dialogs: Coordinated Civic Education on Climate Solutions and Justice
- Bard College (NY)
Power Dialogs are a tool to mobilize educators across the planet to provide young people with realistic optimism that for fundamental economic reasons, the world is heading towards an energy …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Graduate Student Opportunities for Innovative Pedagogy & Institutional Leverage: How We Can Plug In
- Princeton University (NJ)
Graduate students often serve as educators-in-training with an ear to the ground of the undergraduate experience. What role can we uniquely play in expanding sustainability curricula at our institutions? How …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Harnessing Student Enthusiasm to Create Institutional Change
- University of Virginia (VA)
Universities are filled with students who are eager and excited to create sustainable change. Oftentimes, that enthusiasm helps put on grand events that gather large crowds and spark important conversations …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Sustainability in Universities: way to STARS
- Universidad EAN
Several universities that have been implementing sustainability on their campuses are not yet part of the STARS system, but they can follow other indicators and sustainability management systems. The idea …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Come Help Shape the Sustainability Strategy of the Largest Higher Ed System in the Nation
- San Mateo County Community College District Office (CA)
In May of 2019 the largest post secondary system in the nation unveiled a new Climate Action and Sustainability Policy. Some might consider this policy to be advanced, others may …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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The Staff Engagement Escalator: A Facilitated Discussion on Developing Human Potential
- University of Virginia (VA)
- McGill University (QC)
What are the clever ways we meet new staff members and pull them into the fold? --- Why do some staff members attend events but not engage beyond that? --- …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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Let's Be Real: An Honest Conversation on Student Engagement Programs
- Fort Lewis College (CO)
- University of Denver (CO)
Co-curricular and extra-curricular student engagement stands as a primary focus of sustainability work in higher education. Furthermore, institutions are continuing to grow and explore various delivery models for applied learning …
- Posted Nov. 15, 2021
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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.