Curriculum
Introduction
One of the primary functions of colleges and universities is to educate students. By training and educating future leaders, scholars, workers, and professionals; higher education institutions are uniquely positioned to understand and address sustainability challenges. Institutions that offer courses covering sustainability issues help equip their students to lead society to a sustainable future.
Featured Resources
New Resources
Engaging Students, Faculty, and the Curriculum in Research and Creative Activities for Sustainability
- Portland State University (OR)
As a result of national initiatives like the ACU's President's Climate Commitment, higher education is working hard to promote sustainability. Yet, while institutions "green" their campus operations, transformations ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Working Within the World: How The New School brings real-world projects into the classroom
- The New School (NY)
In line with its dedication to interdisciplinary coursework and giving students hands-on experience, The New School presents two recent projects that exemplify working within the world. Empowerhouse brought together students ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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An Assessment of Environmental Knowledge and Worldviews of Incoming Freshmen at a Liberal Arts Institution.
- Albright College (PA)
A 2001 National Wildlife Foundation report found that universities and colleges are not doing an adequate job of producing students who are environmentally literate. In order for students to develop ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Realizing Campus Sustainability: One Student Project at a Time
- Arizona State University (AZ)
In transforming a University campus for a sustainable future, operations staff generate a multitude of project opportunities which have the potential to engage students in sustainability research and problem-solving. Simultaneously ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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If You Build it Right, They Will Come: Creating an Academic Program for Sustainability
- Auburn University (AL)
This session is appropriate for faculty as well as non-faculty directors who are interested in building an academic program. Participants will learn strategies for setting the stage, how to run ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Building Curricular Cohesion: Reaching Across Disciplines
- California State University, Chico (CA)
California State Univerisity Chico recently established a general education pathway in Sustainability culiminating in a minor. This general education curriculum incorporates courses from the Arts, Humanities, Social and Natural Sciences ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Synergy in a Faculty Learning Community: Sustainability & Pedagogy at Cal State East Bay
- California State University, East Bay (CA)
Having joined AASHE in fall 2011, Cal State East Bay established its first Faculty Learning Community (FLC) to focus on Sustainability & Pedagogy during the winter and spring quarters of ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Immersed in the Environment: A Concentrated Weekend Course
- Carnegie Mellon University (PA)
The Environment Today' course at Carnegie Mellon is organized by students held over one intense weekend in the spring semester. Course content is expansive and challenging; such as 'Biodiversity and ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Living & Learning Communities for Sustainability Students Studying Abroad
- Danish Institute for Study Abroad (Hovestaden)
DIS - Danish Institute for Study Abroad has created a unique opportunity for American undergraduate students through their "Living & Learning Communities" in Copenhagen. What originally started as a "Green House ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Global Climate Change: Integrative Curriculum Development for General Chemistry
- Drexel University (PA)
- Green Mountain College (VT)
Global climate change is a timely issue for our students, both now and in their future careers. Furthermore, climate change connects easily to many concepts addressed in the general chemistry ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Setting Ideas into Action: An Example of Student Leadership
- San Diego State University (CA)
- Emerging Technologies Associates, Inc. (CA)
How do we advance sustainability in higher education? How do we tap into the student body to gain ownership of an idea? How do we set ideas in action? A ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Collaborative Research as a Pedagogical Tool: Using Surveys and Interviews as a Way to Teach Sustainability on Campus.
- Emory & Henry College (VA)
Recognizing that campus culture is a primary driving force of energy consumption on a college campus, Emory & Henry College sought to better understand what students and faculty know about ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Harnessing Student Talent to Invigorate, Forge and Sustain Partnerships
- Focus the Nation (OR)
This panel discussion showcases a community college's student-led initiative to create a community renewable energy project and will explore three key components to building strategic partnerships and effective collaborations ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Combining Environmental Literature and Science Across the Campus Landscape
- George Williams College of Aurora University (WI)
Recently, much interest has been paid to the importance of interdisciplinary pedagogical approaches in environmental studies, as viewing the environment from both a scientific and a philosophical perspective can accommodate ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Student Energy Simulations Guiding Facility Retrofits: Connecting Student Learning Outcomes to Facility Efficiency
- Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GA)
- Georgia Perimeter College (GA)
Facilities improvements on existing institutional buildings can support student learning outcomes, inter-institutional collaborations, and industry partner collaboration, especially amidst institutional budgetary challenges. A community college in the Southeastern U.S ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Egyptian Sustainable Urbanism (ESU): An Experimental Study of the Academic Role towards Glocal Challenges
- Mansoura University
This research is about an experiment of creating a stimulating laboratory of innovative concepts and thorough studies based on the national sustainable urban perspective of Egypt. It demonstrates an overview ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Creating an Interdisciplinary Master of Sustainability: Challenges and Opportunities
- Saint Louis University (MO)
A two year Master of Sustainability (MOS) program accepted its first group of students in the fall of 2010, leading to the first graduating class in May of 2012. The ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Compounding Interest: How and Why Southern Connecticut State University Decided to Prioritize Teaching First Year Students about Sustainability
- Southern Connecticut State University (CT)
In Spring 2010, as part of an effort to build a lasting foundation of sustainable practices on campus, Southern Connecticut State University's Sustainable Climate Committee prioritized curriculum development for ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Transforming our Universities into Sustainable Development Labs Opened to the World
- Université de Sherbrooke (QC)
In our universities, any global sustainable development strategy should be woven into teaching, research and management activities altogether. In fact, universities are poised to become efficient sustainable development labs, locally ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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A Multidisciplinary Model For a New Graduate Certificate in Sustainability At a Land Grant University
- University of Arkansas (AR)
This paper provides the theoretical framework for the multidisciplinary curriculum design of the newly approved graduate certificate in sustainability at a Land Grant University. A hallmark of a graduate education ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Sustainability Beyond and On the Campus
- University of British Columbia (BC)
- H&A Columbus-UBC
Our paper focuses on a course we have developed and teach that connects Engineering students at our university with rural artisans in India. In the course, students propose solutions to ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Mindfulness in Energy Use: Course Participants Driving Conservation
- University of Louisville (KY)
Universities face an increasingly challenging financial landscape. In our state, government officials have cut funding for higher education for 12 years running. This budgetary crisis, combined with increasing enrollment, has ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Habitat for Humanity Eco-Village: A Living-Learning Laboratory for Sustainable Campus-Community Development
- University of Wisconsin-River Falls (WI)
The St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity Eco-Village is one, if not the most progressive low to moderate income housing project in the country. Through a holistic systems approach to ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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How to Create a Student Sustainability Office at Your University
- Utah State University (UT)
Universities across the nation are looking into renewable-funding initiatives to support their efforts to be more sustainable. Utah State University's (USU) Blue Goes Green initiative's success has set ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Infusing and Integrating Sustainability Across Research and Teaching
- Western Michigan University (MI)
A public university that is learner-centered and research oriented needs support in its mission and sustainability commitments. Since 2008, our University has made major strides toward building a campus culture ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Academic Working Groups - Infusing Sustainability into Curriculum
- Alliance to Save Energy (CA)
Faculty members and other curriculum developers will converge to learn about the recently formed academic working groups, and existing group members will report out on their progress.
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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The Green First Year Experience: A Holistic Approach to Learning about Sustainability
- Appalachian State University (NC)
During this presentation a sustainability themed first year experience model is described as a way to provide transformational learning opportunities. Students who participate in this model live together in a ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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A Solar Bus Stop Rises in Student Learning Opportunity
- Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (NC)
The project started in 2004 when a faculty member from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (AB Tech), filled out a purchase order and sent away for an aluminum frame bus stop ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Who Knew Becoming NABCEP Certified Could Have a Social Justice Component?
- Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (NC)
Who knew becoming NABCEP Certified Could Have a Social Justice Component?
This presentation will outline the procedures of how to become NABCEP certified for the entry Level PV and Solar ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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WaterShed: the University of Maryland's Winning Solar Decathlon 2011 Entry
- Ayers Saint Gross (MD)
WaterShed is the net-zero home inspired by the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem that won the U.S. Department of Energy's Solar Decathlon 2011. The student-designed, student-built home features constructed wetlands ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Shaping Perceptions of Sustainability: The Role of Post-secondary Coursework
- College of Charleston (SC)
This paper will gauge the role post-secondary academic instructions play in shaping student perceptions of the concept of sustainability. A comprehensive, web-based survey of College of Charleston students asked respondents ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Exploring Faculty Conceptualizations of Sustainable Universities Through the Use of Q Methodology
- Dalhousie University (NS)
The Sustainability in Higher Education literature reveals the highly subjective nature of thinking about what it means to be a sustainable university. We used Q methodology to explore how faculty ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Transitioning To Impact: From Classrooms To Careers In Sustainability
- Davidson College (NC)
This presentation introduces Davidson College's new Sustainability Scholars program and examines how it successfully transitions students from the classroom into sustainability careers. Sustainability Scholars are undergraduate students who address ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Inspiring Undergraduate Excellence with Direct and Meaningful Engagement
- Evergreen State College, The (WA)
This presentation demonstrates the power of significant engagement in conservation, sustainability, and social justice, as a motivator for undergraduate excellence. Two courses at The Evergreen State College will serve as ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Environmental studentship program as strategy to reach Sustainable University objective
- Universidade Federal de Uberlândia
One of the most important challenges of sustainable universities is to incorporate the environmental issues in education curriculum and research and in campus design. Federal University of Uberlândia, in Brazil ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Empowering Students to Build a Pipeline of Sustainable Solutions
- Focus the Nation (OR)
This session will examine successful strategies to meaningfully engage students that harnesses their youthful idealism in a pragmatic way, promotes campus and community sustainability goals, and develops the skills they ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Building Green Bridges: Sustainability Career Paths for Students in Higher Education
- Green Training Associates LLC
Students seeking sustainability careers need supporting processes, tools and resources to enable them to follow appropriate educational paths and prepare them with the competencies, qualifications and relevant degrees/certificates to ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Teaching Business Sustainability Through Student-Led Corporate Sustainability Audits
- Ithaca College (NY)
Universities and colleges around the globe are beginning to offer more courses to teach students about environmentally responsible business practices. These courses often offer important theoretical foundations for students who ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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No Campus Is An Island: College Sustainability As Interdependence vs. Self-Sufficiency
- Lewis & Clark College (OR)
Definitions of sustainability at institutions of higher education often hearken back to the 1987 Brundtland Commission report, Our Common Future, yet many fail to capture its global scope, resulting in ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Flying our Talk: Sustainability Standards for Education Abroad
- Living Routes, Inc. (MA)
International Education exposes students to the world. It also exposes the world to the environmental, economic, and social impacts of travel and program activities. With over a quarter-million U.S ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Learning Outcomes for Teaching Sustainability in the Humanities
- Luther College (IA)
This paper explores the question of what we expect students to know and be able to do as the result of successful education for sustainability. I start by defending the ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Universal Design and Sustainability: an Appealing Synchronicity of Concepts for the 21st Century Campus Accessibility Audit.
- McGill University (QC)
Triggering organic change in Higher Education institutions towards widened access and the implementation of Universal, on the one hand, or sustainable development, on the other, is an arduous task which ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Activism that Pays: How Student Social Entrepreneurship Can Revitalize Your Campus
- New York University (NY)
Student clubs and organizations can be a useful platform for getting students involved, but is this traditional model of engagement limiting student capacity? This workshop, aimed at students and sustainability ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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SustaiNAITability
- Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (AB)
As members of a Bachelor of Technology in Technology Management capstone applied research team, we were able to establish NAIT as the first member of Polytechnics Canada to receive a ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Campus Environmental Caucus: Connecting Students, Faculty and Staff Across Disciplines and Departments
- Northern Arizona University (AZ)
The mission of the Environmental Caucus is to facilitate creative and strategic communication across campus to advance the institutional commitment to sustainability and to promote education, research, and collaboration on ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Campus to Community Engagement through Action Research Teams
- Northern Arizona University (AZ)
How do university students engage with local communities to actually create meaningful action that brings everyone together toward common sustainability goals? The Weatherization & Community Building Action Team, which is ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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A Case Study on a Residential Energy Efficiency Service Learning Education Program
- Pennsylvania State University (PA)
The mission of the National Energy Leadership Corps (NELC) education program is to train (STEM discipline) students in partner universities to complete energy assessments and to perform home energy assessments ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Sustainable University IdeaLab: Engaging Students Through Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- Rochester Institute of Technology (NY)
Universities have big budgets, big energy bills, and large carbon and waste footprints. They also waste a major resource: large numbers of students with great entrepreneurial, technological, and innovative potential ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Students as Key Stakeholders in Advancing Sustainability in Higher Education
- Thompson Rivers University (BC)
This research project attempted to gauge the "culture of sustainability" among students at Thompson Rivers University (TRU) and to determine whether students are key stakeholders in advancing sustainability by contributing ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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UBC Solar: An Example of Student Directed Faculty-Student Research Partnerships
- University of British Columbia (BC)
The research interests of faculty members direct most of the academic output in university environments. While there are opportunities for students to suggest research topics, these are largely limited to ...
- Posted Feb. 26, 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.
AC 1: Academic Courses
- Percentage of courses that are sustainability course offerings
- Percentage of academic departments with sustainability course offerings
- Inventory of sustainability course offerings (upload)
- Website URL - Sustainability course offerings
AC 2: Learning Outcomes
- Description of institution level sustainability learning outcomes
- List of degree programs that require an understanding of the concept of sustainability
- Percentage of students who graduate from programs that require an understanding of sustainability
- Website URL - Sustainability learning outcomes
AC 3: Undergraduate Program
- First sustainability-focused undergraduate degree program
- Second sustainability-focused undergraduate degree program
- Third sustainability-focused undergraduate degree program
- First sustainability-focused undergraduate minor or concentration
- Second sustainability-focused undergraduate minor or concentration
- Third sustainability-focused undergraduate minor or concentration
AC 4: Graduate Program
- First sustainability-focused graduate-level degree program
- Second sustainability-focused graduate-level degree program
- Third sustainability-focused graduate-level degree program
- First sustainability-focused graduate-level minor or concentration
- Second sustainability-focused graduate-level minor or concentration
- Third sustainability-focused graduate-level minor or concentration
AC 5: Immersive Experience
- Description of the sustainability-focused immersive program(s)
- Second sustainability-focused graduate-level degree program
- Third sustainability-focused graduate-level degree program
AC 6: Sustainability Literacy Assessment
- Copy of the sustainability literacy assessment (upload)
- Copy of the sustainability literacy assessment (description)
- Website URL - Assessment of sustainability literacy
AC 7: Incentives for Developing Courses
- Description of the course development incentives
- Website URL - Incentives for developing sustainability courses
AC 8: Campus as a Living Laboratory
Additional analysis on scores and quantitative fields can be conducted using the STARS Benchmarking Tool.