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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Launching & Sustaining an Educational Partnership for Innovation in Communities (EPIC): PALS at UMD
- University of Maryland, College Park (MD)
Universities around the country are implementing a powerful learning framework in which students and faculty address local community sustainability issues through adapting current courses to provide real world learning and …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
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Impact beyond the campus: Promoting non-competitive and caring sustainability scholars training through collaborative writing.
- University of Saskatchewan (SK)
This session explores experiences of four doctoral students engaged in a collective project of place exploration at the university of Saskatchewan. Our goals for the project include: contesting the paradigm …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
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Putting the People First: A look at UT Austin's Sustainability Master Plan
- University of Texas at Austin (TX)
Sustainability plans often align with traditional university functions: academics, operations and administration. UT Austin took a different approach to their first ever Sustainability Master Plan, resulting in a people-centric plan. …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
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Fuelling a Place-Based Sustainability Movement
- University at Buffalo (NY)
Building a better future by definition is a collective effort, but often at times throughout higher education we focus inward within our own institutions. While this is a practical and …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
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Black Hills South Dakota Food Hub
- Black Hills State University (SD)
Black Hills State University (BHSU) conducted an assessment of cafeteria needs for local foods in the winter of 2015, and we have specific knowledge of which large-quantity food providers have …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
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Carolina Survivors Initiative: Building Cultures of Inclusivity and Healing in South Carolina
- University of South Carolina (SC)
Launched in Fall 2015, the Carolina Survivors Initiative (CSI) serves the needs of recently resettled survivors of torture in Columbia, SC. With a goal of bringing global health to the …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
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Sustainability Leadership Program at DePauw University
- DePauw University (IN)
DePauw's Sustainability Leadership Program (SLP) is a hands-on, co-curricular initiative that pairs student cohorts with sustainability projects on campus and in the community. Through both paid and volunteer hands-on opportunities, …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
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Is it 'Socially Sustainable' if no one Hears About It?: Living Wage Policies, Practices, and Adoption in Higher Education
- Saint Joseph's University (PA)
Concern for the rights and dignity of workers have fueled growing calls for laws either increasing the minimum wage or adopting a living wage scheme. In lieu of wage legislation, …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
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Advancing Climate Equity: Urban University-Community Networks
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (WI)
- Urban Serving Universities Coalition (DC)
Our presentation will focus on the urban serving university as a critical stakeholder in local sustainability efforts, and in addressing environmental equity as a critical cornerstone of urban sustainability efforts. …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
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Sustainability Education in Northern Appalachia: Connecting Gender, Race and Class in Interdisciplinary Sustainability Studies
- Indiana University of Pennsylvania (PA)
This case study will address our efforts to connect gender, race and class in an interdisciplinary sustainability program at a university historically tied to the fossil fuel industry. Our efforts …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
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How Higher Education Can Engage International Students to Achieve Sustainability, Social Justice, and Equity
- University of Saskatchewan (SK)
This session explores how higher education can address international students issues around recruitment, funding, research, intercultural connections and other support venues to facilitate social and environmental sustainability. As institutions across …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
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Beyond Campus: Does Student Leadership Translate to Professional Success?
- American University (DC)
Many students join peer-to-peer education programs to promote campus sustainability while building their resume. Serving in these leadership roles alongside faculty and staff enables students to gain valuable project management, …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
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Car sharing on Campuses: What We've Learned
- Zipcar (MA)
Car sharing, once the domain of only big urban cities is now a fixture on college campuses across the country. It's a great fit for dollar-conscious students that don't need …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
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Two Sides of the Same Coin: An Integrative Education Model for Sustainability and Global Citizenship
- Dallas College (TX)
Two Sides of the Same Coin' is a case study of curricular and co-curricular education programs at North Lake College in Irving, Texas, part of the Dallas County Community College …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
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Carbon On-Setting: Community Impact Through Home Weatherizations in Greenville, SC
- Furman University (SC)
This case study will tell the story of the Community Conservation Corps (CCC), the program highlighted by Second Nature in Furman University's selection as a Climate Leadership Finalist in 2014. …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
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Experiential Sustainability Certificates - Connecting the Classroom to the Real World
- Duke University (NC)
- University of Kansas (KS)
The 'living lab' concept is not new in the higher ed. sustainability world. However, developing robust programs that allow students, across disciplines, to study these complex issues while linking curricular …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
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Infusing Sustainability Across the Campus: Sustainability Learning in Expected and Unexpected Places at Beloit College
- Beloit College (WI)
Beloit College's Pathways to Sustainability Leadership Program engages students in sustainability learning and leadership development through its 'Liberal Arts in Practice' curriculum. Students develop expertise and capacity for action in …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
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Finding Heart: Generating and Maintaining Hope and Agency through Sustainability Education
- Colorado Mountain College (CO)
Indigenous educator Gregory Cajete (2000) articulates the motivations and questions that drive the presenter's research. For Cajete, effective education entails 'finding heart,' an active process within and beyond the person …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
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Preparing Students for Life Beyond the Campus through Integrative Learning and Employability Coaching
- University of South Carolina (SC)
Pressure is mounting for colleges to graduate students in four years with jobs. As professionals in higher education, how do we help students turn content into currency? The answer: integrative …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
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Green Meets Brown: University of Louisville Eco-Reps and Community Composting
- University of Louisville (KY)
The University of Louisville Eco-Reps are a sustainability training & networking group offering certifications, hosting monthly lunches, local speakers, & field trips, and organizing volunteer projects. Our longest-running project was …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
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Student Activism with Sustainability in Higher Education across Canada
- University of Saskatchewan (SK)
The purpose of this case study is to share the results of the Sustainability and Education Policy Network's research with student sustainability leaders from six higher education institutions in Canada. …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
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A Zero Net Energy Teaching Laboratory
- Sasaki Associates, Inc. (MA)
- BR+A (MA)
The ACUPCC and the 2030 Challenge set the trajectory for a carbon-neutral future in the building industry. This goal may seem out of reach for laboratory buildings with high plug-loads …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
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Sustaining the Memory of Enslaved Laborers at the University of Virginia: a Participatory and Collaborative Public Art Project
- University of Virginia (VA)
The University of Virginia's Rotunda and Lawn are majestic institutional symbols of the only US campus recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site. Yet Jefferson's architectural masterpiece harbor a painful …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
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The integration of Sustainability Practices in College Athletics
- University of Florida (FL)
This three-part case study explores large-scale college athletic programs tackling the challenges of becoming zero waste & carbon neutral with a range of internal and campus-wide goals. Focused mainly on …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
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Tackling the PAC-12: a Zero Waste Challenge
- University of Arizona (AZ)
Here at the University of Arizona, there is a strong fan base towards the athletic events, from our large-scale football games to our famous and impressive basketball games. The amount …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
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RIT FoodShare: Collaboration Across Campus to Address Food Insecurity and Sustainability
- Rochester Institute of Technology (NY)
RIT FoodShare was conceived by students in the Fall of 2014 who were challenged in a class to research food insecurity and reduce food waste. Their initiative, combined with an …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
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Charting the Path to Zero Waste at a Liberal Arts University: A Student Led Model
- Furman University (SC)
The generation and management of waste on college campuses have presented challenges to pursuing institutional sustainability. This case study looks at the use of undergraduate students in the visioning, data …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
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Sustainability as a Lifestyle from Campus to the Community
- Grand Valley State University (MI)
Grand Valley State University piloted an introductory course called 'Sustainability as a Lifestyle.' This 1-credit course was designed to examine sustainability through an academic lens and use the campus as …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
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Catalyzing a Culture of Sustainability on Campus: the Sustainability Projects Fund (SPF) of McGill University
- McGill University (QC)
The Sustainability Projects Fund (SPF) of McGill University was created in 2010 to catalyze a culture of sustainability on its campuses. The SPF is one of the largest dedicated sustainability …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
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Finding the Hidden Gems While Building Community: Place-based Pre-orientation Programs at Earlham College
- Earlham College (IN)
Earlham College's PLACE (Perspectives on Living and Community Engagement) Program, first offered in 2015, aims to connect incoming students with the local community, student and faculty leaders, and one another. …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
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Global Collaboration, Local Action: Insights and Ideas from two International Networks
- Yale University (CT)
- International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN) (MA)
Comprised of 11 members, the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU) established a campus sustainability initiative in 2009.This group's outputs to-date include a student exchange program, conferences, and a co-authored …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
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Assessing Effectiveness of Sending Students to AASHE Conference
- The Ohio State University (OH)
Having brought several students to AASHE over the years, Ohio State's Office of Student Life was challenged to determine if spending 'all that money' has been 'worth it.' How does …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
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Energy Feedback Sculpture: Using Public Art to Motivate Sustainable Behavior
- Iconic Energy Consulting
Public art, particularly interactive art, is uniquely positioned to communicate and engage. How might universities, institutions, and cities take advantage of public art to motivate sustainable behaviors among their constituencies? …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
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The University of Baltimore Know Your Bay Learning Community
- University of Baltimore (MD)
The University of Baltimore Know Your Bay Learning Community involved 3 courses: Urban Solutions, First Year Seminar, and Great Issues in History. Students in the learning community explored the historical …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
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Engage, Steward, Discover: Aligning Global Sustainability Curriculum with Strategic Student-Led On-Campus Projects
- University of Virginia (VA)
The University of Virginia's interdisciplinary Global Sustainability course prepares students to understand, innovate and lead efforts to confront challenging sustainability issues. The course provides foundational knowledge on the multifaceted aspects …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
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Pop Quiz, What Does Sustainability Mean? A Training Certificate Program
- Saint Louis University (MO)
How can you develop a basic knowledge of what sustainability means on your campus without required coursework integrated into the curriculum or reach large audiences at the same time? This …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
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Formalizing Sustainability Education as an Opportunity for Faculty and Staff Development
- University of Denver (CO)
The University of Denver has identified employee professional development as a focal point of human resources. The Colorado 14ers People Development Program provides a platform for centralizing many opportunities offered …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
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Plastic-Free Campuses
- Post-Landfill Action Network (NH)
From bottles and bags to polypropylene microbeads, we discuss tangible alternatives to single-use disposable plastics on a college or university campus. We use campus-specific programs to highlight success stories of …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
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Sustainability Reporting Built on Stakeholder Engagement
- University of Calgary (AB)
Sustainability reports span the spectrum from powerful education and engagement tools to promotional 'greenwash'. What differentiates the good, the bad and the ugly? In this case study we will look …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
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The University of Texas at Austin Green Tours Program
- University of Texas at Austin (TX)
UT Green Tours began in 2014 as an effort to connect all of the sustainability efforts on campus with the University and wider community. Initially all of the information regarding …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
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Strategic Sustainability Planning for a Community College District
- San Mateo County Community College District Office (CA)
The San Mateo County Community College District, located just south of San Francisco, consists of three colleges, Cañada College, College of San Mateo, and Skyline College. Sustainability is the underlying …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
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The power of perception: evaluating sustainability contradictions as a tool for culture change
- Princeton University (NJ)
For a variety of reasons, behind the scenes operational dimensions of sustainability are often prioritized on campuses above the more challenging social and cultural dimensions. But arguably the most important …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
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Ecological Restoration on a Liberal Arts Campus: On-site and Community Development
- Drew University (NJ)
Situated on a small suburban campus in Madison, New Jersey, in a densely populated region of the US, Drew University attracts students to come live in the 'forest,' while accessing …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
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Employing Urban Ecology in Grounds Management at New York University
- New York University (NY)
The emerging field of urban ecology has taken on a new urgency in recent years as most of the world's population now lives in cities where open spaces are fundamental …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
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Homestead Campus to Cure Higher Ed's Hang-Ups: Affordability, Access, & Sustainability Lip-Service
- University of Mount Union (OH)
Students and families complain that college is too expensive and exclusive. Employers complain that college graduates lack practical skills and critical thinking abilities. Sustainability educators call it systems thinking but …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
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Arbor Day Event Trains Environmental Stewards
- Southern Oregon University (OR)
Since 2014, SOU's Landscape Services Dept has hosted an annual Arbor Day Celebration inviting local K-12 schools, members of the surrounding community, our own student body, faculty, staff, and admin …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
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Developing a Customizable Offset Program for Off Campus Travel
- Appalachian State University (NC)
During the spring semester of 2016, The Office of Sustainability at Appalachian State University capitalized on the growing momentum of a voluntary Carbon Neutral Commuter offset program by expanding beyond …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
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Revitalizing Sustainability in a Large, Urban Research Institution
- New York University (NY)
In 2007, New York University made a public commitment to reduce emissions by 30% by 2017. This goal was reached in 2012. In 2015, NYU made another commitment to reduce …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
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Engaging Students in Sustainable Behaviors: Reflection and Action in the UW Carbon Challenge
- University of Washington, Tacoma (WA)
Many sustainability educators hope to provide students with not only information, but also opportunities to reflect on, and perhaps change, their own attitudes, values, and beliefs leading to pro-environmental behaviors. …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
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Higher Education Food Task Force: Institutional Cooperation Addressing Food Security and Sustainability Issues
- University of Utah (UT)
We 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 center for …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2016
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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.