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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Developing a Green Office Program at your Institution
- Harvey Mudd College (CA)
Much of our work as sustainability officers is to encourage the campus community to embrace and live an environmentally sustainable lifestyle, While oftentimes initiatives will target students, eco-conscious purchasing and …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Using Internet of Things to Track and Curb Energy Use in Dorms at Harvard University
- Harvard University (MA)
How can we use data to inform and accelerate energy savings in undergraduate dorms? A Harvard student-led project called Networked Energy-saving Temperature Sensors (NETS) sought to answer this question by …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Successful Sustainability in Trumplandia: None of This New Reality is New to Me
- Baylor University (TX)
This presentation will seek to demonstrate the ways in which a sustainability program at a mid-sized private faith based university in Texas has not only sustained, but grown successfully, its …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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STARS Scoring as Metrics for a University Strategic Plan
- Appalachian State University (NC)
The Appalachian Experience: Envisioning a Just and Sustainable Future, provides direction for the Appalachian State University campus over the course of the next five years. The authors of the plan, …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Sustainability and Agricultural Science - A Practical and Combined Effort to Engage and Educate
- Central Community College (NE)
Agriculture is the foundation of all sustainability efforts, many don't understand the true connection to our food and fiber systems and how sustainable agriculture production systems are. Being an active …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Upper Midwest Association for Campus Sustainability (UMACS) Networking Session
- Central College (IA)
Upper Midwest Association for Campus Sustainability (UMACS) Networking Session
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Campus and Community Partnership: The Results of a Feasibility Study on a Nature Prescription Network
- James Madison University (VA)
Emerging research continues to support the notion that exposure to or interaction with nature enhances creativity and vitality, attention and focus, and an overall sense of well being. Nisbet, Zelenski, …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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The Psychology of Sustainability and Social Movement: Student Ecological Citizenship Through a Study Abroad to Malta
- James Madison University (VA)
For the past three years, a multidisciplinary group of first and second year honors students have participated in a month-long Psychology of Sustainability trip to Malta. The pre-departure curriculum includes …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Sonified Sustainability: Building Deeper Green Coalitions
- University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (IL)
A key to creating truly sustainable institutions is engaging with stakeholders across disciplines and organizations. Some groups - utility services, natural sciences, and environmentally conscious student organizations to name a …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Ecotourism as an Economic Development Driver
- Dallas College (TX)
All college and university campuses are imbedded in a local community. All communities have the potential to offer ecotourism opportunities to residents and visitors. Ecotourism is now defined as 'responsible …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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A Year of Devotion, Thought and Photographs: A Recycling Blog
- Brigham Young University (UT)
This poster seeks to engage attendees in the whys of recycling, the motivations behind sustainability efforts, and the internal and external results of a devotion to stewardship. Utilizing posts on …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Building Community through Intergroup Dialogue
- Lewis & Clark College (OR)
Intergroup dialogue (IGD) is a facilitated discussion between two or more identity groups that explores conflict and tension around issues of social justice, power, privilege, and bias. IGD is designed …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Defining Sustainability: An Innovative, Employee Online Training to Reach Beyond the Choir
- Pennsylvania State University (PA)
Universities and organizations across the world are integrating sustainability into their services and operations and see sustainability literacy across their workforce as a key step in the integration process. Penn …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Student Intern Program Managers
- Colgate University (NY)
People who manage student intern programs can come together to share challenges, successes and best practices. Attendees will discuss management and communication tools and techniques to ensure a successful and …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Leading High-Functioning and Resilient Sustainability Offices - Making a difference via practical and effective leadership
- Stanford University (CA)
This workshop will focus on one of the key leadership and professional development skills - building/leading the most effective and resilient sustainability organization possible. This workshop will cover the best …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Motivating and Quantifying the Impacts of Behavior Change
- Stanford University (CA)
In today's increasingly technological and personalized world, how do sustainability professionals provide opportunities to engage their audience in a way that is relevant to them? Stanford has taken the next …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Readdressing Environmental Thinking in Residence Hall Design
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (WI)
This presentation will examine the role of architectural design in promoting an ecological citizenship. By comparing traditional residence hall designs with contemporary residence halls as well as a LEED certified …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Green Lab and Green Office Programs at the University of Washington
- University of Washington, Seattle (WA)
The Green Office and Green Lab programs at the University of Washington are an integral part of reaching our campus sustainability goals. These posters showcase offices and labs environmental impact …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Campus Connections
- University of Washington, Seattle (WA)
This poster highlights campus connections at the University of Washington and showcases where linkages occur between departments. These connections are useful for information sharing among students and departments, data collection, …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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A Working Model: The Synergy Between UW Sustainability and Student-led Campus Sustainability Fund
- University of Washington, Seattle (WA)
Green fee funds are managed in different ways on college campuses. For this panel, we will be sharing the ways that University of Washington, Seattle Sustainability department and the Campus …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Campus All-STARS: a model for streamlining reporting, improving performance, and creating synergies to advance sustainability
- University of Washington, Seattle (WA)
The University of Washington is a globally recognized leader in sustainability. That leadership is only possible through the dedication and work of our many and diverse campus partners ranging from …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Towards a Broader Conceptualization of Education for Sustainability
- Teachers College, Columbia University (NY)
Formal teaching and learning devoted to sustainability is referred to as Education for Sustainability (EfS). EfS is the study of humans' relationship with the resources that support life on this …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Integrating Sustainability Learning Outcomes Into a University Curriculum - A Case Study of Institutional Dynamics
- University of Vermont (VT)
The University of Vermont (UVM) adopted a learning-outcomes-based general education sustainability requirement in Fall 2015. The requirement is unique because sustainability is a non-traditional general education theme, and general education …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Creating a Multi-Institution Food Task Force
- University of Utah (UT)
In 2016 I co-created a 'Higher Education Food Task Force' with the seven major institutions along what is known as the Wasatch Front in Utah, which is the major population …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Arkansas Tech University Campus Master Plan: Embedding Resiliency in the Design Process
- Perkins+Will (NY)
For campuses looking to take a strategic long-term view of their future, strengthen stewardship of their facilities, and reinforce community integrity, resiliency is more than just a question of preparing …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Solar PV and Interactive Education
- North Central College (IL)
Solar PV technology is decreasing in cost and increasing in popularity worldwide. However, there are still many individuals who do not understand this technology, even on college campuses. Education plays …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Building Sustainable Food Systems Programming and Community-University Partnerships: A Case Study of the UNC Student Farm
- University of Northern Colorado (CO)
Institutions of higher education with programs focused on sustainability are increasingly integrating curriculum and experiential learning opportunities related to agriculture and food systems. The Environmental and Sustainability Studies (ENST) program …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Implementation of Pre-Consumer Composting in University Student Union: Obstacles and Lessons learned
- University of Nebraska - Lincoln (NE)
As an institution with over 25,000 students, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) produces an overwhelming amount of waste. UNL has successfully achieved a campus-wide diversion rate of nearly 50 percent, …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Developing a Green Fund
- University of Nebraska - Lincoln (NE)
The Green Fund at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln (UNL) is a pool of money that is available to all students to do projects on campus that relate to …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Sustainability in the World of Print and Mail
- Messiah University (PA)
Dwayne Magee, President of IPMA, is also the Director for Print and Mail at Messiah College near Harrisburg, PA. Messiah College and other CCCU schools spend about $15 million every …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Campus EcoChallenge: Driving a Culture of Sustainability on Campus
- EcoChallenge.org (OR)
This 30 minute workshop is designed for faculty and staff looking for tangible tools that will help drive a culture of sustainability on campus. The workshop will highlight the new …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Unifying Campus Audiences in Co-Curricular Sustainability Programming to Create Action-Oriented Projects
- Dickinson College (PA)
Dickinson College has innovatively reformed its student and employee peer-to-peer sustainability outreach and education programs to create co-curricular learning experiences aimed at building solidarity with campus stakeholders. This session will …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Infrastructure, Audits, and Education: A Three-Pronged Approach to Waste Reduction
- Luther College (IA)
This poster will demonstrate how Luther College is working to achieve its zero waste goals by investing in infrastructure, conducting waste audits and creatively educating the campus community. Under the …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Energy Monitoring as a Tool for Community Engagement
- Luther College (IA)
This poster will detail the process and results of electricity monitoring for behavior change in the Luther College Sustainability House, a residence focused on discovering what it means to live …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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The Climate Commitment: Getting the President to Move From 'no' to 'yes' -- and Then Maximizing the Impact of the Signature
- Concordia College (NY)
At many colleges and universities, the president is highly reluctant to sign the Climate Commitment (of Second Nature), with its pledge to achieve carbon neutrality and increase community resilience. At …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Building Bridges to Conservative Students to Build Support for Climate Action and Enrich Campus Conversations
- Concordia College (NY)
As the conference Call for Proposals noted, the broader political and cultural environment in the U.S. today makes it more difficult than ever to prevent sustainability efforts on campuses from …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Building a Public Institution Sustainability Program from the Ground Up: Ethics, Accolades and Advertising.
- Central Michigan University (MI)
This session will describe the challenges, successes and issues in developing a sustainability program for a large, public institution. The issues resolved in 8 years of successful program growth will …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Most Likely to Succeed: Tips for Students when Developing Sustainability Initiative Proposals
- Trinity University (TX)
This poster will share practical suggestions for students for furthering their initiatives on campus. The poster will cover areas often overlooked in student proposals: day-to-day operations, risk management, alignment with …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Sustainable Food and Dining at Trinity University: Barriers and Success
- Trinity University (TX)
Beginning with food and dining is the most effective way for students to engage in sustainability movements because students engage with the dining hall as many as three times a …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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A Multidisciplinary Approach to Sustainability Education for Public Two-Year Colleges
- Seminole State College of Florida (FL)
Even as an increasing number of employers seek personnel skilled in renewable energy technologies and sustainable design, companies overwhelmingly hire individuals for 'green jobs' who possess that knowledge within the …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Helping Students Gain Sustainability Project-Based Leadership Skills to be Competitive in the Job Market
- National Wildlife Federation (VA)
EcoLeaders is National Wildlife Federation's sustainability career and leadership development program for college students and young professionals. This workshop will guide students through the plan, do, communicate and sustain process …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Student Affairs Networking Presentation
- The Ohio State University (OH)
This networking session is designed to give sustainability professionals that work in student affairs departments an opportunity to interact in a structured environment. The session will begin with introductions and …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Light Up With LED
- The Ohio State University (OH)
Light Up With LED was a semester long, student-led project at the Ohio State University to educate our off-campus student population about energy efficient behaviors. Sponsored by a Coca-cola Sustainability …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Multiple Ways of Knowing in Sustainability Education: Stretching the Boundaries of Transformative Sustainability Learning
- Goucher College (MD)
This session focuses on how teaching for multiple ways of knowing can contribute to sustainability education by highlighting work done at the University of Saskatchewan which is encapsulated within two …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Transforming a Campus for Zero Waste by Focusing on People
- Aquinas College (MI)
Change is difficult; changing people's habits and shifting organizational priorities is an even bigger challenge. Yet, we are all faced with a global imperative to take action to protect our …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Better Together: Using an S Designation to Create Visible, Coherent, Trans-disciplinary Curriculum Out of What You Already Have
- University of Hawaii System Office (HI)
How the University of Hawaii ten campus system is using AASHE STARS curriculum designation criteria to transform courses across the curriculum. This session will cover all aspects of creating sustainability …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Building an Intersectionality Coalition: Listen, Organize, Act.
- Gonzaga University (WA)
Come learn the three steps of listening, organizing, and acting that built a student-led Intersectionality Coalition at Gonzaga University. Inspired by sessions from AASHE 2016, students from Gonzaga University felt …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Canadian Networking Session
- University of Calgary (AB)
Initiated by the Canadian Alliance of College and University Sustainability Professionals (CUSP), this informal networking session presents an opportunity to meet, share lunch and ideas with others working in the …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Sustainability in Sports: Paving the Way to Zero Waste
- University of Denver (CO)
Since 2012, the University of Denver has been creating a space for sustainability in Athletics. The Zero Waste Athletics program began with hockey in 2012, and now currently averages a …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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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.