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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Engaging Senior Leaders in Organizational Design and Idea Flow: Lessons learned from Corporate & Higher Education Sector Leaders
- Harvard University (MA)
- Swarthmore College (PA)
This session will present key findings from a landmark corporate CEO study along with applied leadership engagement case stories from higher education institutions to help advance our collective efforts to …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Mapping Your Campus Metabolism: Taking a Systems Approach to Understanding Material Flows on Your Campus
- Furman University (SC)
As campuses strive to become increasingly more sustainable, a comprehensive, integrated systems understanding of a university's campus metabolism and key material flows (water, energy, food, and materials) is essential for …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Campus Gardens: Increasing Sustainability and Lowering Food Insecurity
- West Chester University of Pennsylvania (PA)
In this session, we will focus on the role campus gardens can play in educating faculty, students, and staff about sustainable food systems as well as their role in alleviating …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Compost and Collaboration: Reaching Zero Waste at UCI in Dining Commons and Residence Halls
- University of California, Irvine (CA)
- Aramark (PA)
The University of California system and UC Irvine have committed to reaching Zero Waste, or 95% diversion from landfill by 2020. In 2016, UCI reached 83% diversion, the highest rate …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Employee Outreach: Creating a Culture of Sustainability in all Stakeholders at Arizona State University
- Arizona State University (AZ)
- Aramark (PA)
Arizona State University is committed to being a leader in all areas of sustainability in Higher Education. A vital role in accomplishing this is to create awareness, educate, and integrate …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Engaging Partners in Source Reduction
- Aramark (PA)
40% of food produced in the U.S. is lost or wasted each year (FAO, 2014). Through data capture, staff training and guest education, University of California, Irvine (UCI) Hospitality & …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Models for Collaborative and Implementable Pan-Campus Sustainability Plans
- Georgia Institute of Technology (GA)
- North Carolina State University (NC)
Taking sustainability to the next level, for many higher education institutions, requires a strategic, long-range, and comprehensive sustainability plan. The process by which you develop content, engage the campus community …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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How to Expand a Recycling Program for Future Years
- University of Nevada Las Vegas (NV)
With a barren desert, no political will to implement policy nor financial incentive to push Nevadans to recycle, recycling in Nevada is virtually nonexistent. Currently, due to low landfill tipping …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Leveraging Living Building Challenge Standards across Campus Operations
- Georgia Institute of Technology (GA)
- Hampshire College (MA)
How do you show faculty, staff and students that a building is alive and empower them to keep it healthy? As the most stringent green building certification in the world, …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Southwestern University Campus as a Living Laboratory
- Southwestern University (TX)
As a small liberal arts school in the middle of conservative Central Texas, Southwestern provides a unique example of a case study for increasing the sustainability of an institution of …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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The Campus Climate is Heating up!: A Case Study of Student Activism at a Liberal Arts University
- Southwestern University (TX)
Campus communities are a particular type of environment, uniquely affected by the political state of the surrounding area. Just as a politician's constituents should determine her platform, students at a …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Empowering Solidarity Through Shared Sustainability Vision and Leadership
- Iowa State University (IA)
Solidarity unifies diversity, creativity and passion toward a common goal. Through a shared sustainability position, Iowa State University's Office of Sustainability and the City of Ames, Iowa, unite together to …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Plants on the Plate: Meeting Student Demand for Sustainable Plant-Based Dining.
- Cornell University (NY)
- The Humane Society of the United States (MD)
Market forces are shifting the ground beneath institutional food services, and most of them are far beyond what operators have the power to control. While they are hard to predict, …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Green Labs at The University of Texas at Austin
- University of Texas at Austin (TX)
The Office of Sustainability's Green Labs program at The University of Texas at Austin is a student-led initiative that serves as a resource to help researchers run a more sustainable …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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UT Austin Campus Environmental Center: Student-led Environmental Action
- University of Texas at Austin (TX)
Bridging the gap between student interest and administrative support can be challenging in a bureaucratic university, especially when students seek operational changes towards sustainable practices. The UT Austin Campus Environmental …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Nudging commuters, big data and bold partnerships: A research-based approach to impacting commuter mode choice at MIT
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MA)
Researchers at MIT's Transit Lab, alongside MIT's operational decision-makers, have been examining commuter patterns at MIT for years. They helped launch a pilot collaboration between MIT and the Massachusetts Bay …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Benefits for Transitioning to in-House Dining - A Panel Discussion
- Sewanee - The University of the South (TN)
This panel will explore the process, benefits, and challenges of using an in-house dining service. The panel will examine how a switch from an outside provider to an in-house dining …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Building Blocks for Assessing the Impact of Energy Dashboards
- Princeton University (NJ)
Energy Dashboards can be effective tools in communicating about sustainability by providing real-time feedback on campus energy usage. The challenge many schools are faced with is how to use their …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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A study-away experience in Costa Rica through the eyes of students and faculty from Trinity University.
- Trinity University (TX)
Few places in the world are as biologically diverse as Costa Rica and as such it is a captivating and educational place to visit for students interested in sustainability. Trinity …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Visual Art and Poetry in Environmental Education
- Trinity University (TX)
The presenters, an artist and a poet, have co-taught several courses incorporating student production of art and poetry in environmental education. The presentation will describe and show how specific experiences …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Sustainability Council-- Collaboration Among Student Organizations Is Key to Sustainable Success at Ohio State
- The Ohio State University (OH)
As a major land-grant institution, The Ohio State University offers many opportunities for student involvement in sustainability. The University has over 100 sustainability-oriented organizations-- each with is own mission. Recently, …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Leveraging Student Activity Fees to Catalyze High Impact Sustainability Projects
- Bowling Green State University (OH)
- Gordian (SC)
According to the AASHE Campus Sustainability Revolving Loan Funds Database, the growth of Green Revolving Funds (GRFs) has exploded to include over 80 institutions representing over $100 Million. Techniques behind …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Sustainable Collaboration: Solving the Commuter Crisis
- University of Houston (TX)
Minimizing the number of vehicles traveling to and parking on campus, while also reducing Houston's carbon footprint and improving the region's air quality is a critical goal of the University …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Sustainability Ambassadors: Modeling a Culture of Sustainability at New Student Orientation
- Boston University (MA)
The mission of the Sustainability Ambassadors program is to motivate, inspire, and lead Boston University's efforts in supporting a culture of sustainability during new student orientation. The approach to incorporating …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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It's not just Earth Day, it's Every Day! Building a Sustainability Movement
- New York University (NY)
With the new administration in the White House it is imperative that sustainability offices and clubs build a strong, effective movement to act on climate change by unifying with other …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Needed: Systemic Change and Collaboration to Confront Shared Challenges - PepsiCo, UC Boulder, and other Universities break new
- University of Colorado Boulder (CO)
- PepsiCo (IL)
Sustainability leaders are no longer asking themselves 'how can we do better,' and instead are asking, 'how can we do enough?' To answer that question we are partnering with universities …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Students Put Their Money Where Their Values Are: The JCCC Sustainability Initiatives Fund
- Johnson County Community College (KS)
This poster describes Johnson County Community College's Student Sustainability Committee. The Committee, formed in 2011 as part of a student-led initiative for a dollar-per-credit hour fee to fund sustainable initiatives …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Introducing Students to Campus Sustainability through Interactive Tree Labeling
- Frostburg State University (MD)
Frostburg State University, recognized as Tree Campus USA for five years, has recently introduced an interactive tree labeling system. The labeled trees directly connect to a customizable webpage through smartphones …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Peruse the Used; Campus Thrift Shop and Move out Program
- Western Colorado University (CO)
At the beginning of the year students come to campus with carloads of excessive 'must have' college products. These items often have a short lifespan with their student as space …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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High Priests of Sustainability?! The Promise and Perils of Becoming Your School's Moral Compass
- University of Louisville (KY)
It began as a joke. When I first arrived, colleagues introduced me as the university's 'Green Guru.' Later I got a surprising compliment: 'You are the conscience of this university.' …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Student-Led Pollinator Habitat Restoration Project: Low-Cost Implementation and Potential Applications
- University of Kentucky (KY)
Even at its outset, the new presidential administration has made it clear to the public that it is unwilling to support environmental protection at the federal level. In particular, the …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Gathering at the Table: Cultivating Future Leaders of a Thriving Community Food System
- University of Kentucky (KY)
Gathering at the Table brings together passionate student leaders, community food justice advocates, and eaters of all kinds to grow a sustainable, community food system. It is an innovative program …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Advancing Sustainability Through Health and Wellness Partnerships
- Indiana University South Bend (IN)
- Washington University in St. Louis (MO)
Thomas will highlight key partnerships between the Office of Sustainability and Human Resources at Washington University (WashU): the expansion of a Community Supported Agriculture program that encourages students and employees …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Promoting Sustainability Through Partnerships - A Collection of Case Studies
- Colorado State University (CO)
Colorado State University has achieved some remarkable successes through a variety of partnerships across campus. These range in scale from a single researcher purchasing a piece of efficient lab equipment …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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The High Touch Approach: Making Inclusivity and Social Sustainability Core to Mission
- Dartmouth College (NH)
A pressing issue facing university campuses is concern about social community. Dartmouth College and its peers is being held accountable for high-risk behavior and a lack of inclusivity. How can …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Oscar is grouchy for a reason! Campus recycling behavior research and action
- Colorado Mountain College (CO)
Presents findings from phase one of a multi-phase study on recycling behavior at Colorado Mountain College. Findings are based on surveys of trash and recycling bin contents completed in spring …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Engaging Students in Sustainability through High-Impact Teaching Practices: Two Case Studies
- Saint Joseph's College - ME (ME)
- University of North Carolina, Pembroke (NC)
This session (1) describes activities at diverse institutions to involve and instruct students in sustainability and (2) engages audience members in sharing experiences, identifying barriers to success, brainstorming solutions, and …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Elevating Your Campus Sustainability Month
- Saint Louis University (MO)
- University of Washington, Seattle (WA)
This combined session will be split into two parts. The first half of the session will be conducted by Toren Elste of University of Washington. Both the UW sustainability office …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Effects on Associate Faculty Engagement through Initiating PLCs
- Ashford University (IA)
Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) are created when groups of teaching professionals meet to achieve together what they cannot achieve individually. However, in our ever changing educational environment, we must consider …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Gompei's Gears: Implementing and Sustaining a Free Campus Bike-sharing Program
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute (MA)
Even with hilly terrain and long winters, bicycling is popular in Worcester, Massachusetts, and in particular among the many college students. At WPI in 2014 a student group researched transportation …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Re-generation: Regenerate, Renew, and Refresh - Preparing Our Students to Lead
- Montana State University (MT)
Our graduates, coined the Re-Generation, has the responsibility to lead the world to a economical and ecological balance. To do this, they will draw on their campus experience to help …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Welcome to College! Focusing on Identity + Justice + Sustainability in a First-Year Orientation Program
- Williams College (MA)
Root is a first-year orientation program that welcomes students to the Williams College campus and explores the intersection of justice, identity, and sustainability. The program is a collaboration between the …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Art, Science, Ways of Knowing and Agency in Place: Backyard Phenology as a Tool
- University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (MN)
We are inspired by a successful art-science collaboration featuring an adorable silver camper (the 'Climate Chaser') serving as a tiny natural history museum and recording studio to capture stories of …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Lead your school to carbon neutrality and 100% renewable energy.
- Second Nature (MA)
- Environment America (MA)
The Climate Leadership Network comprises more than 600 colleges and universities in every state and the District of Columbia who have committed to take action on climate and prepare students …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Best Practices for Minimizing Waste on College and University Campuses
- Johnson County Community College (KS)
- Texas State University, San Marcos (TX)
- Staples Business Advantage (MA)
With institutions scoring an average score of 1 point in waste reduction and diversion, there is tremendous room for improvement and institutions across the country are looking for ways to …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Transforming Sustainability at Texas A&M University
- Texas A&M University (TX)
- Ayers Saint Gross (MD)
Prior to the master plan update, Texas A&M had a series of district plans to direct campus development. These plans supported various campus districts, but where the plan boundaries met …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Promoting Sustainability & Sustainable Behaviors: Real-World Challenges
- Florida State University (FL)
- University of Denver (CO)
Sustainability professionals are usually tasked with creating pro-environmental behavior change, but come to this work with a variety of backgrounds and knowledge on how to make that happen on our …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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Galvanizing Student Power for Intersectional Sustainability Efforts
- Post-Landfill Action Network (NH)
A diversity of perspectives leads to more effective problem-solving. So when we talk about Zero Waste on college campuses, how do we bring different perspectives to the decision-making table? It …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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St. Louis Higher Education Sustainability Consortium (and regional friends!) Meeting
- University of Missouri-St. Louis (MO)
- Washington University in St. Louis (MO)
- Missouri Botanical Garden (MO)
The Saint Louis Higher Education Sustainability Consortium would like to invite members and regional friends to this informal meet-up time to compare notes, discuss ideas, and share inspirations from the …
- Posted Dec. 1, 2017
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AASHE STARS as a Framework for Sustainability Master Planning: Purdue University
- Heapy Engineering (OH)
- Purdue University (IN)
Alignment and integration are two of the key concepts driving Purdue University Office of Campus Master Planning and Sustainability's effort to develop a five year Sustainability Plan for Purdue Physical …
- 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.