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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Education for sustainable healthcare: Leadership to get from here to there
- University of North Dakota (ND)
- University of Northern British Columbia (BC)
- University of British Columbia Okanagan (BC)
- Dalarna University
- Swansea University
- 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 order …
- 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 students live, …
- 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 as …
- 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 (MA)
- 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
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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 bottles, initiated 60,000 …
- Posted Oct. 19, 2020
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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 Environmental …
- 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
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Universite Laval - Aerial view photograph
- Université Laval (QC)
Aerial view of the campus.
- Posted Oct. 19, 2020
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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 …
- Posted Oct. 19, 2020
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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 & …
- Posted Oct. 15, 2020
- Photographs
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IUPUI Day of Caring
- Indiana University Indianapolis (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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Santa Clara University Waste Characterization with Campus Residents
- Santa Clara University (CA)
Center for Sustainability interns Nate Redinbo ('20), Ali Deambrosio ('20), and Amanda Eason ('20) teamed up with Dunne Hall residents for a Waste Characterization event. These events involve gathering waste …
- Posted Oct. 15, 2020
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Santa Clara University - Gathering Fruit with the Glean Team
- Santa Clara University (CA)
SCU's Glean Team is a volunteer-based group that gathers fruit from the hundreds of fruit-bearing trees on campus and surrounding area. Harvested fruit is donated to on-campus food pantries and …
- Posted Oct. 15, 2020
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University of Alabama at Birmingham Solar Community and Microgrid
- University of Alabama at Birmingham (AL)
In 2019, the University of Alabama at Birmingham opened its Solar House and Sustainable Neighborhood, featuring the Urban Multisource Microgrid and the the UAB Surviv(AL) house, built for the 2017 …
- Posted Oct. 14, 2020
- Photographs
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Colorado State University SCI 2020 Pictures
- Colorado State University (CO)
Several photos are attached that highlight sustainability initiatives at Colorado State University for the 2020 CSI including food recovery, student engagement, solar arrays, and a living wall.
- Posted Oct. 14, 2020
- Photographs
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Colorado State University Photo for 2020 SCI
- Colorado State University (CO)
Photo attached for use in 2020 SCI
- Posted Oct. 14, 2020
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Humber College - Anthropocene Art Installation
- Humber College (ON)
Sustainability and art collide at Humber's North Campus
Humberthropocene (a play on the term "Anthropocene") is a mural assemblage led by Toronto-based environmental artist Anya Mielniczek and co-created by Humber …
- Posted Oct. 14, 2020
- Photographs
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Cornell University Campus
- Cornell University (NY)
Cornell University in Ithaca, NY is a public land-grant institution taking bold leadership action to ensure a climate-resilient and sustainable future for our campus, New York State, and the world. …
- Posted Oct. 13, 2020
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Appalachian State University Campus
- Appalachian State University (NC)
Appalachian State's wind turbine overlooks the Boone, NC campus.
- Posted Oct. 8, 2020
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Aquinas College Photos for 2020 SCI
- Aquinas College (MI)
Pictures for Aquinas' recognition in the waste category of the 2020 SCI.
- Posted Oct. 8, 2020
- Photographs
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Colorado College Carbon Neutral 2020
- Colorado College (CO)
Colorado College's Office of Sustainability Interns display the college's carbon neutrality banner on Autrey Field.
- Posted Oct. 8, 2020
- Photographs
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Environmental Justice Toolkit - American University
- American University (DC)
This toolkit can be utilized by students to learn more about environmental justice and share with others. Students are encouraged to engage with campus departments and organizations who host events …
- Posted Oct. 8, 2020
- Tools
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Warren Wilson College Civic Identity Framework
- Warren Wilson College (NC)
Civic Identity serves as the overarching educational framework at Warren Wilson College, and it prioritizes civic responsibility and sustainability as the core ethos for each graduate. There are explicit …
- Posted Oct. 5, 2020
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College of Lake County Living Lab Trail
- College of Lake County (IL)
Visitors to the College of Lake County are welcomed with a sign that introduces them to the Living Lab Trail on campus.
- Posted Oct. 5, 2020
- Photographs
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Central Community College, NE Katy Ayers Myconoe eBadge project for SCI 2020
- Central Community College (NE)
eBadges - Students at Central Community College can earn eBadges to demonstrate skills and knowledge in environmental stewardship. eBadge opportunities are available at no additional cost for all fields of …
- Posted Oct. 5, 2020
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Polytechnique Montreal - PolyCarbone climate activist group
- Polytechnique Montréal (QC)
The PolyCarbone program was founded by a group of Engineering graduate students at Polytechnique Montreal. Since 2017, PolyCarbone has helped the Polytechnique Montreal community fight climate change by organizing a …
- Posted Sept. 29, 2020
- Photographs
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Scaling the Ladder: Engagement Programs as Tools for Sustainability
- McGill University (QC)
- AASHE (MA)
There is often tension between the focus on individual behavioral action and systemic change in sustainability circles. How do we encourage the small steps that engage community members on a …
- Posted Sept. 17, 2020
- Videos & Webinars
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Arrive as Intern, Depart Further on the Path to Sustainabilista
- Auburn University (AL)
- AASHE (MA)
Change will not happen because we care about or understand sustainability issues. Change will happen because we are equipped and empowered to act on what we care and know about. …
- Posted Aug. 20, 2020
- Videos & Webinars
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#MakeClimateaClass: Resources for Online Education on Climate Solutions and Justice
- Bard College (NY)
- AASHE (MA)
- Higher Education Associations Sustainability Consortium (HEASC) (PA)
Solve Climate by 2030 is mobilizing US educators of any discipline to engage their students in dialog about ambitious stabilizing the climate over the next decade. This project offers a …
- Posted Aug. 13, 2020
- Videos & Webinars
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Restoring College Sports Amid COVID-19: Leveraging Climate Action
- The Ohio State University (OH)
- University of Colorado Boulder (CO)
- University of Miami (FL)
- Wake Forest University (NC)
- AASHE (MA)
As college sports programs plan their recovery from Covid-19 impacts, leveraging existing campus assets and fan preferences opens up sports sustainability operations that generate revenues, cost savings, and significant campus/community …
- Posted Aug. 4, 2020
- Videos & Webinars
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Reaching Your Collaborators: Communicating for Connection & Education
- College & University Recycling Coalition (DC)
Welcome to the CURC 2020 Webinar Series!
Trying to implement a campus-wide waste initiative with limited time, influence and staff is a barrier we've all faced. How do we collaborate …
- Posted Aug. 4, 2020
- Videos & Webinars
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Reframing the Climate Conversation: Telling the Story to Bring About Productive Climate Action
- Ramapo College of New Jersey (NJ)
- New Jersey Higher Education Partnership for Sustainability (NJ)
- AASHE (MA)
- Higher Education Associations Sustainability Consortium (HEASC) (PA)
This webinar is is brought to you by the New Jersey Higher Education Partnership for Sustainability (NJHEPS), the FrameWorks Institute and the National Network for Ocean and Climate Change Interpretation …
- Posted July 30, 2020
- Videos & Webinars
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Sustainability Advocates Guide
- University of New Hampshire (NH)
This guide details how to create and implement a vibrant peer-to-peer volunteer program. Learn from University of New Hampshire sustainability interns best practices for building your volunteer base.
- Posted July 17, 2020
- Outreach Materials
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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.