Campus Engagement
Introduction
Engaging in sustainability issues through co-curricular activities allows students to deepen and apply their understandings of sustainability principles. Institution-sponsored co-curricular sustainability offerings, often coordinated by student affairs offices, help integrate sustainability into the campus culture and set a positive tone for the institution. Faculty and staff members’ daily decisions impact an institution’s sustainability performance. Equipping faculty and staff with the tools, knowledge, and motivation to adopt behavior changes that promote sustainability is an essential activity of a sustainable campus.
Featured Resources
Latest News from AASHE Bulletin
New Resources
Closing the Loop: Connecting Education and Operations with a Food Waste Dehydrator Project
- Western Technical College (WI)
In October 2018, in order to meet our sustainability goals and provide relevant connections to coursework in several of our program areas, Western Technical College student government and the facilities …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Pursuing Zero Waste Goals Through Student-Led Projects
- University of California, Berkeley (CA)
Implementing a closed loop waste processing system at University of California, Berkeley is of high priority to achieving the campus' and the larger UC system's goal of reaching Zero Waste …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Piloting a Pay-As-You-Throw Program at an Institution of Higher Education
- Yale University (CT)
In January 2019, Yale University launched a Pay As You Throw (PAYT) pilot program, the first of its kind at an institution of higher education within the United States. PAYT …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Game Changer: How Recyclemania Caused Lasting Change in Facilities
- University of Houston (TX)
Participation in Recyclemania, a yearly recycling competition between campuses, has become fairly standard in the world of higher education sustainability efforts. While the competition itself is great for awareness building, …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Driving Zero Waste Programming with Data in Dorms and Dining at Stanford
- Stanford University (CA)
Stanford is on the path to zero waste by 2030. Stanford's Residential & Dining Enterprises represents one-third of the campus where over 12,000 students live and eat. In this workshop …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Promoting Sustainable Behavior Through the use of Personal Recycling Bins in Residential Halls
- Oklahoma State University (OK)
College campuses provide a unique stage for waste diversion and sustainability efforts, especially in on campus housing. As students from all over the nation and world come and go from …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Small Changes Make a Big Impact: Sustainability Matters with Today's Students
- Boxed Water is Better (MI)
In today's environment, there is more discussion than ever about sustainable alternatives to single-use plastic and single-use aluminium. However, there is even more confusion about what steps each of us …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Breaking the Disposable Mindset: How to Reuse Garment Waste on University Campuses
- University of Louisville (KY)
Textile waste has become one of the leading issues in sustainability. With millions of tons of this waste produced annually, it can begin to seem as if there's no solution …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Help Your Campus POP (Pass on Plastic): An Applied Research Project to Evaluate Behavior Change
- University of Kentucky (KY)
In 2018, the University of Kentucky launched a campaign called 'UK POPs' (Passes on Plastics) as a combined effort of the campus offices of UK Dining, Recycling, and Sustainability. UK …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Learning From Failure: Designing an Accessible Waste Management System
- Humber College (ON)
Along with institutions around the world, Humber College in Toronto Canada (over 31,000 full-time students on two campuses), continues to struggle to reduce and manage waste effectively. In 2017, Humber …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Managing (and Surviving) a Paradigm Shift to Achieve Zero Waste - Infrastructure, Process & Culture
- University of California, Los Angeles (CA)
- CleanRiver Recycling Solutions (ON)
Right-sizing and streamlining waste management infrastructure, while rolling out operational programs is essential in reducing contamination and increasing community engagement. Attendees will hear a case study on UCLA's journey to …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
The Compost Catastrophe: Our Adventure to Residence Hall Composting at Appalachian State University
- Appalachian State University (NC)
Appalachian State University has been composting on campus since 1999 and has grown and developed into one of the most successful programs in the country. Our facility has the ability …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Waste Reduction - Connecting the Student Experience, Academics, and Sustainability
- Wayne State University (MI)
Wayne State University embarked upon an expansive campus-wide waste reduction program to support the goals of the Strategic Plan and Sustainability Plan. These planning documents call for increased operational efficiency …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
The Compost Stewards Program: A Case Study in Campus Composting
- University of Wisconsin-Madison (WI)
This informational session will describe the Compost Stewards Program operated by the Office of Sustainability at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. This program originated from a proposal to our campus Green …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Waste Not, Want Not: How Campus Waste Reduction Becomes Part of the Circular Economy
- University of Washington, Seattle (WA)
- University of Washington, Tacoma (WA)
Rising carbon emissions and the increasing visibility of waste from our linear system of production and consumption have precipitated urgent conversations about how to grow an effective circular economy. Aimed …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Recycling Communications and Behavior Change
- University of Wisconsin-Madison (WI)
- Thompson Rivers University (BC)
At Thompson Rivers University (TRU) and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, much work has been done to reduce waste, divert it from landfills, and improve the integrity of waste streams. Still, …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Diverting Waste, Fostering Community, and Making "Used" Useful
- Earlham College (IN)
In recent years, the Earlham College Student Sustainability Corps has experienced success and growth in their waste diversion programs. These include a permanent Free Store, a yearly Move-Out Program, and …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Good as New: A Discussion on Reducing Waste While Increasing Equity
- The New School (NY)
For the past three years, the Tishman Environment and Design Center at The New School has coordinated and executed a free sale event for students called 'Good as New' in …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
E-Waste: A Catalyst for Campus Innovation and Collaboration
- Temple University (PA)
- University of Montana (MT)
Electronic waste is increasingly recognized as the fastest growing component of our waste stream and presents a global challenge that will continue to grow as technology advances. So, how do …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Dishing the Dirt: Challenges and Successes with Campus Compost
- Post-Landfill Action Network (NH)
- US Composting Council (MD)
What's the difference between windrows and in-vessel composting? What's the story with PLA? How do you build successful source separation? Whether you're revamping your compost collection system or thinking about …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
A Shareable Economy and the Use of Ride Shares
- University of Louisville (KY)
A 'shareable economy' is where profit is still made, but the environmental impacts are mitigated or reduced. This type relies on the temporary ownership of goods and/or the purchase of …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
How Providing Public Transit Passes Not Only Helps Students Financially, But Empowers Them Too
- Augsburg University (MN)
Environmental Action Committee (EAC) is a student led campus organization working on sustainable initiatives that benefit both the campus and student body at Augsburg University. One of the group's main …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Green Behaviors and Preferences Among College Students
- Manhattan College (NY)
Our article contributes to the literature by investigating college students' environmental preferences and behavior by investigating their recycling attitudes and frequencies, their preference between tap versus bottled water, their willingness …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
The Best Worst Way to Pick a Sustainability Culture Instrument, and How to do Better Next Time
- University of Northern Colorado (CO)
Sustainability culture can't be measured using using meters or gauges, so community members and researchers need a different kind of instrument. The go-to instruments are surveys to support a better …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Outdoor Program Gear Purchasing: Applying Leave No Trace Ethics to Create a Circular Economy
- Auburn University (AL)
- University of North Carolina, Asheville (NC)
This session will explore how outdoor programs can become more sustainable in regard to purchasing, maintenance, and transportation while effectively educating the student population on these topics. Presenters are two …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Leveraging Funding to Provide Student Experience and Community Enrichment
- Furman University (SC)
Would you like to learn how to provide consistent funding for a resilient student fellowship program? We have some thoughts and experiences to share. Furman University, a liberal arts school, …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Breaking the Bubble: Using Video to Demystify Sustainable Living
- University of Kentucky (KY)
This poster presentation details an online video series entitled 'What Can You Do to Live More Sustainably.' Nine videos featuring students, staff and faculty across the University of Kentucky provide …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Challenges, Successes, and Opportunities of Collegiate Farming
- Colgate University (NY)
The Colgate Community Garden was started in 2011 by Green Thumbs, a student group that works to manage and promote the activities of the garden. The purpose of the garden …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
University + Business = Force for Good
- University of Georgia (GA)
Business can be a force for good in our communities and our world. Universities are contributing to a sustainable economy by supporting local businesses to document and expand their sustainability …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Sustainable Energy Education Through Demonstration (SEED) in Secondary Education
- State University of New York at Geneseo (NY)
Sustainable Energy Education through Demonstration (SEED) is a ten-week program that educates students on the mechanics of renewable energy production and the value of these energies in combating climate change. …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Green STEAM: Rocket Fuel for a Sustainable Economy
- Moraine Valley Community College (IL)
- Oakton Community College (IL)
- Joey FineRhyme (IL)
For decades, the environmental movement has been trying to infuse sustainability into the mainstream ethos. While the science is irrefutable, most people are not moved by science alone. One example …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Growing Sustainable Communities Together Through Leadership in Higher Education
- Joliet Junior College (IL)
- Lewis University (IL)
- Prairie State College (IL)
- University of Saint Francis (IN)
The South Metropolitan Higher Education Consortium (SMHEC) is a unique partnership of 10 higher education institutions in the south metropolitan area of Chicago extending west to Joliet, south to Kankakee …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Bringing the Campus Community Together Through Gardening and Gardening Workshops
- University of Louisville (KY)
The Garden Commons is a community garden space on the campus of the University of Louisville, located next to the Cultural Center and the Student Activities Center. It exists as …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Empowering Students and the Community Through Green Chemistry and Sustainable Science Outreach
- Beyond Benign (MA)
- State of Washington (WA)
Sustainable STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) outreach can have a significant impact on youth, empowering students to be problem-solvers and engage in their communities as change makers, and inspiring …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Spreading the Word: Crafting Communications Around Large Campus Sustainability Events
- University of Washington, Seattle (WA)
UW Sustainability works with student groups and other organizations across campus in hosting two large-scale campus-wide sustainability events each year: the Sustainability Fair in October as part of Campus Sustainability …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Creating Positive Energy: Using Utility Rebates to Power Student-led Contributions to Society
- Millersville University (PA)
In the spring of 2019, Millersville University established a Positive Energy Award Program in celebration of the first-year anniversary of the University's positive energy Lombardo Welcome Center. The Positive Energy …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Harvard's Campus Sustainability Innovation Fund: Bringing Students, Faculty, and Staff Together
- Harvard University (MA)
In 2016, Harvard University enhanced its Living Lab Initiative by launching the Campus Sustainability Innovation Fund. This fund supports projects that use Harvard's campus or the neighboring community as a …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Student Approved Projects on Campus: What Could Go Wrong and What Could Go Right?
- Western Michigan University (MI)
Like many universities, Western Michigan University has instituted a grant to fund student-led sustainable change on campus. What sets Western Michigan University apart, however, is that the allocations of these …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Creating a Strong Alumni Base for Meaningful Engagement and Mutual Economic Benefit
- Lafayette College (PA)
Many sustainability practitioners seek to engage alumni in various ways: fundraising, expertise, guest speakers, jobs/internships and mentorship for students. Learn from Lehigh University and the University of Virginia about how …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Bridge Building: Translating Green Fund Ideas into Practice
- University of Wisconsin-Madison (WI)
This networking session offers opportunities for Green Fund project partners to share experiences, ask questions, and connect with others engaged in campus Green Fund efforts. We welcome educators, students, facilities …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Monetizing Campus Sustainability: Converting Operations Into Assets to Increase Revenues
- University of Colorado Boulder (CO)
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette (LA)
- Learfield IMG College (TX)
During the first couple of decades of growth in campus sustainability, 'green' operations were perceived as causing additional costs with limited direct paybacks. However, as sustainability has grown in college …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Creating Living Laboratories Through Campus Ecological Restoration
- Eastern Washington University (WA)
At Eastern Washington University we are currently working to restore 120 acres of campus farmland back to native habitat with the goal to preserve natural landscapes, sequester carbon, promote sustainable …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Creating a Buzz Across America: Supporting a Healthy Food Economy with Beekeeping
- Central Community College (NE)
- Delta College (MI)
- Portland Community College, Rock Creek Campus (OR)
Higher education is an ideal platform to champion environmental practices toward a sustainable economy. Community colleges are at the forefront of raising awareness of the role pollinators have on their …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Apiculture: A Case for Producing Local Honey
- Winthrop University (SC)
Humans have been harvesting honey from honeybees since prehistoric times. Raw honey is a natural food with many nutritional benefits, contains powerful antioxidants, counters pollen allergies and is a natural …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
How to Start an Herbicide-Free Campaign on Your Campus!
- University of California, Berkeley (CA)
Herbicide-Free UC's mission is to stop the use of toxic herbicides across all University of California campuses. We are currently at four UC campuses, but the UC system is just …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Meatless to Mindful Monday: The Progression of Promoting Less and Better Meat at UNC Asheville
- University of North Carolina, Asheville (NC)
In this presentation, we will review the evolution of one school's efforts to promote less and better meat eating on campus. In 2015, UNC Asheville Dining Services began hosting monthly …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Combating Food Insecurity Through Sustainable Student-Led Initiatives
- Baldwin Wallace University (OH)
This case study will include information on the efforts of staff, faculty, and students to eliminate food insecurity among students on Baldwin Wallace's campus. The project began about three years …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
The Pursuit of Delicious, Carbon-Friendly Food
- University of California, Berkeley (CA)
This year, with customer health and the environment in mind, Cal Dining defined their vision statement as 'serving delicious food that happens to be nutritious and sustainable', understanding that serving …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Implementing Experiential Education to Change Food Culture in Non-Land Grant Universities
- Indiana University Bloomington (IN)
This presentation will cover lessons learned in creating and adapting an experiential sustainable agriculture program as it applies to a non-land grant university, without a dedicated agriculture program. Indiana University …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Big Red Eats Green: Empowering Students to Engage in their University Food System
- Indiana University Bloomington (IN)
This presentation will share the details of an established, multi-year endeavor that focuses on the relationship between students and the university food system. An event that celebrates and showcases that …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
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.