Diversity & Affordability
Introduction
Higher education opens doors to opportunities that can help create a more equitable world, and those doors must be open through affordable programs accessible to all regardless of race, gender, religion, socio-economic status and other differences. In addition, a diverse student body, faculty, and staff provide rich resources for learning and collaboration.
Featured Resources
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Diversity & Inclusion in Campus Sustainability - A Networking Meeting to Explore Intersections
- University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (MN)
For sustainability projects to engage people across diverse identities, it is crucial for people who work on sustainability to commit to developing an atmosphere that is welcoming, respectful and in …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Sustainable Change through Systemic Thinking & Resilient Practices
- Co3 Consulting (WA)
The juxtaposition of the Iceberg Method by Peter Senge and the Domains of Resilience created by the Institute of HeartMath is a great way to introduce systemic thinking and resilient …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Our Story of Stuff: Sharing “waste” with a campus Free Store
- University of Louisville (KY)
Like many large, urban universities with a residential population, the University of Louisville (UofL) has faced two major challenges at the heart of sustainability: an over-abundance of discarded, useful items …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Advancing Student-Led Community-Based Health Equity Research: CPHE
- Portland State University (OR)
Since 2009, the Community Partnership for Health and Equity (CPHE), an interdisciplinary group of students, faculty, and community leaders, has focused on promoting social sustainability in the Portland, OR metropolitan …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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The Wisdom Project: The Native American Youth Leadership Initiative
- Portland Community College (OR)
- Wisdom of the Elders, Inc. (OR)
America needs the talents and perspectives of Native Americans, America’s first scientists, to enhance innovation and diversity across disciplines. However, the lack of Native representation in programs, particularly STEM, has …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Aha- Yes We Can! Engaging Diverse Student Groups at Community Colleges
- Moraine Valley Community College (IL)
Aha- Yes We Can! Engaging Diverse Student Groups at Community Colleges Practiced and Proven. It is widely understood that engaging students in sustainability within a community college is incredibly and …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Canadian On-Campus Sustainability and Social Justice Initiatives
- York University
Canadian On-Campus Sustainability and Social Justice Initiatives: Findings from a national research project Students are often the initial driver of new community-benefit initiatives on campuses. Regenesis, a Canadian on-campus sustainability …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Liberate your Literacy: How Sustainability & Social Justice Interact
- Portland State University (OR)
Ecoliteracy pioneers Stone & Barlow (2014) emphasize that creating social change requires resilient relationships within the larger ecological and social community. However, we are born into a society in the …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Portland State University - Cultural Sustainability Walking Tour Map
- Portland State University (OR)
Portland State University is situated on a large urban campus in downtown Portland, Oregon. Disseminating information about cultural and resource centers as well as other services on campus to the …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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The Downtown Fitchburg Urban Revitalization Development Plan
- Fitchburg State University (MA)
This research project is a multi-tier economic development plan to revitalize downtown Fitchburg by establishing affordable student housing for Fitchburg State University (FSU) students in historic mill buildings which utilize …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Sustainability, aging, and human rights: Interconnections and inclusion for the classroom and beyond
- Indiana State University (IN)
The idea that the future is in the hands of our young people has become somewhat of a truism in sustainability dialogue. As a society, we are fortunate that our …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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The “Three Es” of Sustainability Portland Style
- Portland State University (OR)
This is a three-part poster presentation with each poster (24” x 36”) representing one of the “three Es” of sustainability: Environmental, Economic, and Equity, as can be viewed locally in …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Plenary Session 2: Indigenous Practices for Sustainability with Judy Bluehorse Skelton
- Portland State University (OR)
In a post 20th century industrialized world many may wonder, how are Indigenous ways informing regional strategies for a sustainable future and what role can colleges and universities play in …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Lower Socioeconomic Status and Sustainable Campus Housing Access
- University of Arizona (AZ)
In 2011, The University of Arizona (UA) took two huge leaps towards a more sustainable future through the erection of two Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) platinum buildings, …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Sanctity of Sanctuary: Paul Strauss and the Equinox Farm
- Xavier University (OH)
The Sanctity of Sanctuary: Paul Strauss and the Equinox Farm, is an Appalachian love affair between a man, his farm, and his desire to make the world a better place. …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Establishing Sustainable Urban Communities: HBCU Experiences as Learning Models
- Clark Atlanta University (GA)
Sustainable Community Development
“Sustainable development meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."
- United Nations World Commission on Environment and …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Conversations on Equity & Resilience
- Cornell University (NY)
- University of Vermont (VT)
The ongoing national dialogue about "Just Sustainability" on our campuses is a critical component of social resiliency and adaptability. Without thoughtful attention to the inequities and social divisions in our …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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The Social Life of Smartphones
- Texas A&M University (TX)
Our institution has taken a unique approach to education and outreach initiatives by deliberately highlighting the social aspects of sustainability, fostering the power of storytelling to elicit emotional responses in …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Stronger Together: Collaboration Opportunities for Campus Diversity Officers and Campus Sustainability Officers
- Cornell University (NY)
- University of California, Office of the President (CA)
- Yale University (CT)
- McGill University (QC)
Campus diversity and inclusion departments educate and engage students, staff and faculty to promote inclusion, diversity and equity. Campus sustainability departments educate and engage students, staff and faculty about how …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Sustainable Spelman: HBCU Climate Action Planning
- Spelman College (GA)
- O'Brien & Gere (NY)
The Vision of a Sustainable Spelman requires all of us to adopt an ethic of conservation. In January of 2013, Spelman College completed its Climate Action Plan (CAP) and submitted …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Plenary: MSI Panel
- Clark Atlanta University (GA)
- United Negro College Fund (GA)
Plenary Panel including Clark Atlanta University President, Dr. Carlton Brown, and Felicia M. Davis, UNCF.
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Building an Inclusive Climate Justice Movement on Campus across Race, Class, and Gender Lines
- Second Nature (MA)
- United Negro College Fund (GA)
The climate isn’t just for the 1%. How can students ensure their climate planning and action are gender, race, and economically inclusive? The American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Inclusion, Coalitions, Fun, and Parties: Adapting Approaches to Encourage Student Involvement and Awareness of Sustainability.
- Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (IL)
Student’s participation in community outreach and educational activities outside of those required by classes is decreasing. Sustainability has become an increasingly popular subject among university students in online blogs, petitions, …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Gardening with Neighbors: Community Gardening and Food Security in West Louisville
- University of Louisville (KY)
The “West End” of Louisville is characterized by many low-income neighborhoods that are disproportionately affected by high levels of food insecurity and poor health conditions. Still, community groups and neighborhoods …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Cultivating Grassroots: Emerging Platforms for a Sustainable Food System and Economy in Blue Ridge Appalachia
- Appalachian State University (NC)
Appalachian scholar and activist Helen Matthews Lewis writes that “It is important to talk and plan together for the future, to have dreams and hopes and visions.” Lewis believes in …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Regional Cultures and Campus Sustainability: The Quebec Case
- Sierra Youth Coalition (QC)
While no one would argue that many issues related to sustainability can only be understood on a global level, international negotiations confront us with the fact that cultural differences can …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Biodiversity Of Humans And Agriculture
- The University of New Mexico (NM)
The University Of New Mexico has worked to build local food hubs in and around the University as demonstration gardens for students and local residents. As SouthWest native tribes have …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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50 Shades of Green: An Examination of Sustainability Policy on Canadian Campuses
- University of Saskatchewan (SK)
While there is an abundance of literature on sustainability in higher education emerging within academic journals, there has been a paucity of research examining the uptake and implementation of sustainability …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Aggie Blue Bikes; How AmeriCorps Grants Can Bring Bicycle Lending to Your Campus
- Utah State University (UT)
Aggie Blue Bikes (ABB) is Utah State University’s (USU) premier bicycle lending, education and advocacy program; its mission is to get more people on more bikes, more often. Throughout this …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Waste and Access: Communicating about sustainability between universities in developed and developing countries
- Yale University (CT)
Sustainability initiatives in the United States are largely focused on reducing waste in terms of materials, water, energy, fuel, and even time and money. In less economically developed countries, however, …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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The Eco-Reps' Sister Organization: Including Social Justice Peer Educators on Your Campus
- University of Arizona (AZ)
Research shows peer education is one of the most effective ways to reach students today. Many campuses host an Eco-Rep program, often as paid positions. These programs tend to focus …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Equity, Well-Being, and the Environment: Building New Programmatic Bridges
- Cornell University (NY)
- Washington State University, Pullman (WA)
Healthy people working together across differences are critical to building a sustainable campus and community. Today there are new approaches on our campuses that simultaneously enhance the well-being and equity …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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The Yale Community Carbon Fund; Reducing Emissions and Increasing Economic Security in Local Communities
- Yale University (CT)
The Yale Community Carbon Fund seeks both to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to increase economic security for low-income people living in New Haven. Funds are raised through a combination …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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A Roadmap Toward a Future Where Social Equity, Diversity, Multiculturalism, and Inclusion Promotes Student Success
- Kentucky Community and Technical College System Office (KY)
Based on the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) initiative to facilitate cultural change and diversity across the system of 16 colleges, the presentation will use open space technologies …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Social Sustainability Month: Creating Campus-wide Networks to Build a More Holistic Sustainability Movement
- Portland State University (OR)
By institutionalizing an annual designated time for dialogue between students, staff, faculty, and community, projects like Social Sustainability Month (SSM) can increase capacity for university collaboration and partnerships. This session …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Visualizing and Modeling the Drivers in a Holistic Built Environment: Social Justice through Spatial Tools
- Los Angeles Community College District (CA)
- Los Angeles Trade Technical College (CA)
Through years of teaching real projects in architecture and environmental design to a diverse mix of urban Los Angeles students, a new innovative model was born. The model drives change …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Creating Hubs of Indigenous Innovation through Public/Private Partnerships: the Collaboration between MA`O Organic Farms and University of Hawai`i West O`ahu
- University of Hawaii Kapiolani Community College (HI)
- University of Hawaii - West Oahu (HI)
This panel will present an innovative partnership between Ma'o Organic Farms, Leeward Community College (LCC), and the University of Hawaii West O'ahu (UHWO). MAO is a non-profit youth leadership development …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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A World Café on the professional challenges of working at the intersections of equity, environment, and economy
- Cornell University (NY)
- Yale University (CT)
- McGill University (QC)
At the AASHE 2010 Conference, Julian Agyeman urged the audience to begin an important conversation about "Just Sustainability" on our campuses. He made a compelling case for the need to …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Sustainability & Social Justice; How College Students Engage with Subjugated Populations in the Community
- Northern Arizona University (AZ)
What is social sustainability and why is it important? Master's students and undergrads join together to work with subjugated groups in the community to combat the powerful forces of colonization …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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How Sustainability Shapes Pedagogical Approaches to Building Equity and Diversity Competencies at McGill University
- McGill University (QC)
This presentation will examine lessons about the relationship between social justice and sustainability that the staff at McGill University's SEDE (Social Equity and Diversity Education) Office have learned through many …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Free Sustainability! From Theory to Action in the Poverty Class
- Portland Community College (OR)
Sustainability has become one of our cultures most popular virtues. Often sustainability is seen as something to be purchased whether it's higher priced organic vegetables or a carbon offset on …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Partnering Social Justice with Sustainability: A Challenge to Expand Our Understanding of Inclusivity
- Prescott College (AZ)
As humans are the one animal responsible for (and capable of mitigating) the conditions, which make the work of sustainability a pressing necessity, we have a tremendous responsibility to embrace …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Getting a Handle on Your Campus Carbon Footprint: A Workshop for Minority-Serving Institutions
- Clean Air-Cool Planet (NH)
Attendees (up to 12) will be asked to come with data from on their campuses and will be walked through the process of putting that data into the new, online …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Incorporating Sustainability into the Phonetics Classroom
- San Diego State University (CA)
This presentation illustrates how concepts of sustainability were introduced into a course on phonetics for students pursuing degrees in speech-language pathology and audiology. This course, which is required by our …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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WKU-Habitat for Humanity Integrated Green Infrastructure Statewide Demonstration Project
- Western Kentucky University (KY)
This session will demonstrate a grant-funded University partnership statewide demonstration project that will use low impact development (LID) and Light Imprint techniques as part of a planned medium density green …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Can We Be Sustainable Without Being Utopian?
- Philadelphia University (PA)
When introducing students or colleagues to the concept of sustainability, we frequently use a three-dimensional model that includes not only environmental concerns, but also economic and equity considerations. This is …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Creating Sustainable Social Change: Student Engagement on Environmental Justice at Campuses
- University of Colorado Boulder (CO)
A series of panelists sharing the ways in which Environmental Justice is addressed on campuses as an opportunity for education, engagement and sustainable change in both the campus community and …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Educating for Sustainability: Liberal Arts, Social Justice, and Environment
- Northland College (WI)
Within sustainability education it is important to create the conditions for a transformative experience for students. In order to offer a holistic education for sustainability in the truest sense, we …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Equity and Ecology: Incorporating Environmental Justice into Campus Sustainability
- Pomona College (CA)
Equity is as important an aspect of sustainability as ecology - so why have campuses had such difficulty including these concepts in sustainability programming and planning? This session provides an …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Are Green Campuses Walking the Talk? Providing Underrepresented Students with Access to Sustainability
- State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (NY)
Have you had a difficult time articulating why sustainability assessments such as STARS include diversity as an indicator? This presentation will offer a few explanations through a brief review of …
- 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.
PA 5: Diversity & Equity Coordination
- Description of the institution’s cultural competence, anti-oppression, anti-racism, and/or social inclusion trainings and activities
- Description of the diversity and equity committee, office and/or officer
- Website URL - Diversity & equity coordination
PA 6: Assessing Diversity & Equity
- Description of the diversity and equity assessment process
- Description of recent diversity and equity assessment findings
- Diversity and equity assessment report or summary (upload)
- Website URL - diversity and equity assessment report or summary
- Website URL - Diversity & equity assessment
PA 7: Support for Underrepresented Groups
- Non-discrimination statement
- Discrimination response policy or protocol
- Programs to recruit students, academic staff, and/or non-academic staff from underrepresented groups
- Programs to support students, academic staff, and/or non-academic staff from underrepresented groups
- Programs to prepare students from underrepresented groups for careers as faculty members
- Website URL - Support for underrepresented groups
PA 8: Affordability & Access
- Percent of need met, on average, for students who were awarded need-based aid
- Percent of students graduating without student loan debt
- Percent of entering students that are low-income
- Graduation/success-rate for low-income students
- Website URL - Affordability and access programs
Additional analysis on scores and quantitative fields can be conducted using the STARS Benchmarking Tool.