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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New Resources
A Multi-Perspective Reflection on How Indigenous Knowledge and Related Ideas Can Improve Science Education for Sustainability
- Universität Bremen
- Malmö University
Indigenous knowledge provides specific views of the world held by various indigenous peoples. It offers different views on nature and science that generally differ from traditional Western science. Futhermore, it …
- Posted May 13, 2020
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Diversity Content in STEM? How Faculty Values Translate into Curricular Inclusion Unevenly for Different Subjects in Environmental and Sustainability Programs
- University of California, Los Angeles (CA)
- University of Virginia (VA)
- Vincent Evaluation Consulting (OK)
While addressing racial inequality in the higher education curriculum and promoting an inclusive curriculum in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) remain contentious issues, little is known about the processes …
- Posted May 11, 2020
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Digging In: Specific Examples of Diversity in Sustainability Work
- Bemidji State University (MN)
- Central College (IA)
- AASHE (MA)
We all have to make sure the sustainability movement is not a white, elitist movement. Join two Sustainability Directors as they share their successes, challenges, and lessons learned through integrating …
- Posted March 11, 2020
- Videos & Webinars
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Evaluating the prevalence and quality of conference codes of conduct
- Northwestern University (IL)
- University of Southern California (CA)
- Chicago Botanic Gardens (IL)
Efforts to increase inclusion in science face multiple barriers, including cultural and social behaviors in settings such as academic conferences. Conferences are beneficial, but the culture can promote inequities and …
- Posted March 6, 2020
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College students’ understanding of social justice as sustainability
- Indiana State University (IN)
- Saint Louis University (MO)
Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore college students’ understanding of sustainability and, specifically, the extent to which students see social justice as being integral to sustainability.
Design/methodology/approach …
- Posted March 5, 2020
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The role of gender, race, and ethnicity in environmental identity development in undergraduate student narratives
- Duke University (NC)
Recent work in environmental psychology and education emphasizes environmental identity as important in predicting a broad array of environmental behaviors. However, there are gaps in understanding how other social identities …
- Posted March 5, 2020
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Weaving Equity and Sustainability into the Fabric of Higher Education: The University of Utah Experience
- University of Utah (UT)
Sustainability is an idea that is celebrated, loathed, or deemed entirely useless given its many meanings and approaches. While scholars broadly agree it must include merging ecology, economy, and equity, …
- Posted March 4, 2020
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Intersectional sustainability and student activism: A framework for achieving social sustainability on university campuses
- Southwestern University (TX)
- University of Sydney (NSW)
In recent decades, universities have made significant progress toward environmental sustainability and have likewise tightened their budgets and restructured economic models in the name of financial sustainability. However, institutions of …
- Posted March 4, 2020
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Institutionalizing Environmental Justice
- University of California, Berkeley (CA)
- AASHE (MA)
Over the past few years, the Student Environmental Resource Center (SERC) at the University of California, Berkeley (UCB) has been working to institutionalize environmental justice operations, programs, and projects for …
- Posted Feb. 27, 2020
- Videos & Webinars
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The Partial Deinstitutionalization of Affirmative Action in U.S. Higher Education, 1988 to 2014
- Brown University (RI)
- University of Toronto (ON)
Since the 1990s, affirmative action opponents have targeted colleges’ and universities’ race-conscious admissions policies and secured bans on the practice in eight states. Although scholarly and media attention has focused …
- Posted Feb. 7, 2020
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A Key to Co-Creation: The Development and Utilization of a Social Justice Lens
- Hackman Consulting Group
As evidenced by this national moment, a lack of critical understanding of social justice issues makes co-creating real sustainability goals near impossible. Conversely, thoughtful attention to social justice issues affords …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
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Feminist Fight Club: An Office Survival Workshop
- University of California, Berkeley (CA)
Are you ever the only womxn in a room of men? Have you ever had a male colleague take credit for your work? Have you ever been spoken over by …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Can a Campus Become a Cornucopia?
- College of Charleston (SC)
As an urban campus in a food desert, the College of Charleston (CofC), lacks accessible produce. The only grocery store within a mile of campus caters to a high-income area, …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Illuminating the Invisible: How Institutions Address and Afford Social Sustainability
- Saint Joseph's University (PA)
Rising income inequality, compounded by the eroding purchasing power of low and minimum-wage jobs, make social sustainability a subject of increasing urgency and importance to the most vulnerable members of …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Women in Sustainability Education - Networking Meeting
- Prescott College (AZ)
Come join us to build a collaborative network, share synergy, and catalyze collaboration. Who this session is for: administrators, faculty, and program leaders concerned with innovation, gender equity, and social …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Social Sustainability at NAU: Implementing Menstrual Cups on Campus
- Northern Arizona University (AZ)
This presentation describes an initiative carried out in Spring of 2019 at Northern Arizona University (NAU) that made free menstrual cups available to the NAU student body. The NAU Green …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Good as New: A Discussion on Reducing Waste While Increasing Equity
- The New School (NY)
For the past three years, the Tishman Environment and Design Center at The New School has coordinated and executed a free sale event for students called 'Good as New' in …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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The Importance of Community, Culture, History, and Education for Sustainability
- Colorado State University (CO)
In this presentation I will share the story of Keokuk, Iowa - my hometown - a river town community along the Mississippi River, which is considered the most dangerous town …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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A Collaborative Approach to Sustainability and Inclusion at the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games
- Playback Sports (WA)
- Elysium Events LLC
This bright, colorful presentation and discussion will cover the value and importance of a cross-functional team and holistic sustainability strategy for large-scale events. We will share the story of how …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Recipes for Effective Campus-Community Partnerships: Perspectives on Food Security & Justice
- College of Charleston (SC)
- University of Utah (UT)
This combined session will present two cases of campus-community partnerships centered on food. The Stone Soup Collective College of Charleston Chapter is comprised of dozens of collectivists and volunteers who …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Sustainable and Local Food Diversity and Affordability: Successful Procurement Case Studies
- Aramark (PA)
- FarmLogix, LLC (IL)
Sustainable and local sourcing was once a movement of privilege used by high-end chefs to delight dining patrons. In this informative session, you will be taken into several case studies …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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We Have POWER: Building a Movement for Food Justice on Campus
- Western Washington University (WA)
- Real Food Challenge (MA)
Our food system is in crisis. From the fields to the factories, people who work in the food chain face low wages, sexual harassment, and dangerous working conditions. Food insecurity …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Creating a Student-Led Campaign for a Self-Operated Dining System: How to get Started at Your School
- Western Washington University (WA)
At Western Washington University, students have been leading a multi-year effort to implement a self-operated dining system after the decade long contract with Aramark expires in 2021. Currently, WWU is …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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An Introduction to the Role of Race, Class and Gender Issues on Campus Sustainability Work
- Hackman Consulting Group
This introductory session explores the powerfully important ways that dynamics of race, class and gender (RCG) impact the efficacy of our campus sustainability work, and then suggests how a racial …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Social Justice Connections: Mapping Sustainability, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion on Campus and in the Community
- Georgia Institute of Technology (GA)
- Portland Community College (OR)
- University of Illinois Chicago (IL)
- University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (WI)
Examining connections between sustainability and diversity, equity and inclusion efforts is essential for advancing environmental sustainability and social justice together. The AASHE Advisory Council's Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Committee invites …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Exploring Allyship and Connections Between Sustainability, Diversity & Inclusion & Social Justice
- Bentley University (MA)
- Green Mountain College (VT)
- Portland Community College (OR)
- University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (WI)
- Universidad de Monterrey
- Fair Trade Colleges & Universities
No one inherently knows everything about diversity and inclusion work, but this work can also be a challenging place to experiment, because mistakes hurt others and in this space, impact …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Niizhoo-gwayakochigewin: Two Ways of Making Things Right
- Bemidji State University (MN)
Named for an Ojibwe phrase which translates to 'two ways of making things right,' Niizhoo-gwayakochigewin draws from Bemidji State University's (BSU) Sustainability Office, Department of Languages and Indigenous Studies, Department …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Institutionalizing Environmental Justice
- University of California, Berkeley (CA)
Are you looking to implement environmental justice at your campus but unsure how to start? How can environmental justice programs and services be institutionalized in higher education? Over the past …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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The State of Race: Unpacking Racism in America Today
- Texas A&M University (TX)
As overt racism has intensified across America in recent years, it is important to have meaningful conversations that center race at AASHE. Diversity, inclusion, and equity initiatives are becoming popular …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Gender Pay Assessments Ensure Co-Created Economic Empowerment for Women Too
- Emory University (GA)
- Wake Forest University (NC)
No matter how you define it, women are generally paid less than men. In the United States, for example, the unadjusted average female's annual salary has commonly been cited as …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Infusing Equity into the Future We Create
- University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (MN)
How do we use our power within our institutions to help create a sustainable future for all, not just for some? Recognizing that climate change and economic transformation affects communities …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Tokenism versus authentic inclusion: Evaluating equity efforts within sustainability programs
- University of North Carolina, Asheville (NC)
Colleges and universities can be key players in increasing DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) in traditional environmental careers and pathways. But how well are we serving our students of color …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Social Incubators in Sustainability Projects for Stronger Diversity, Inclusion, and Innovation
- Prescott College (AZ)
Social incubators are an effective inclusion practice for sustainability initiatives, building social capital and social networks that can raise up submerged voices and counter hidden entitlement networks. Through research over …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Inside/Outside: Advancing a Socially Just Campus Sustainability Agenda from All Sides
- Auburn University (AL)
- Hackman Consulting Group
This session addresses the ways campus sustainability offices can utilize 'inside' partners and 'outside' experts to further its socially just sustainability work. Far from being a perfect formula, this session …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Considering Low-Income Students in Sustainability
- Central Community College (NE)
Lower-income students are more likely to feel the impacts of climate change and are less likely to be major contributors of carbon emissions. Despite this, many climate change solutions focus …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Digging In: Specific Examples of Including Diversity in Sustainability Work
- Bemidji State University (MN)
- Central College (IA)
We all have to make sure the sustainability movement is not a white, elitist movement. Join two Sustainability Directors as they share their successes, challenges, and lessons learned through integrating …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
- Conference Presentations
- View more
Document & Web Accessibility: Making Content Available to All
- Cornell University (NY)
Most sustainability offices use websites and other online resources as a low-impact way share information - but common design choices and technology flaws make many websites, PDFs, videos, and other …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Diversity, and Inclusion on Campus: Designing Student Engagement
- DLR Group (WA)
The presentation will create a dialogue of how the built environment intersects with minority student groups on campus and how planning and visioning helped bring to life two institutes at …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Integrating Contemplative Practice, Social Justice and Sustainability as a Unified Model
- Naropa University (CO)
Humanity is at a crisis point. Numerous indicators across a plurality of domains - including skyrocketing depression and substance abuse, economic inequality, climate change, and fisheries collapse - demonstrate that …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Values-Education and Inequity: Complicating Sustainability Education with a Justice Lens
- Oregon State University (OR)
Nearly 40 years ago, Wendell Berry (1981) issued a call to educators to re-invent our colleges and universities, to move away from the mechanized framework of specialization and instead offer …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Surfacing Unheard Voices: Expressive Invitations for Encouraging Diversity and Creativity in Circles of Innovation
- Prescott College (AZ)
Social incubators, writing circles, and college sustainability curricula all benefit from vibrant diversity for greater innovative power. What are effective ways to invite and liberate expressive diversities? Experience a set …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Award Winner Session: Cultivating Environmental Education for Students of Color
- University of California, Berkeley (CA)
The Students of Color Environmental Conference is the first ever conference for students of color that was also created and run by students of color. When traditional environmental spaces are …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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A Novel Approach to Green Office Certification: Prioritizing Accessibility as Key Component
- College of Charleston (SC)
The Office of Sustainability (OoS) at the College of Charleston (CofC) in South Carolina is launching the Green Office Certification Program in Fall 2019 after a one-year collaborative development period. …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Avoiding Attitude Polarization in Conversations on Campus
- Indiana State University (IN)
One of the largest opportunities in the sustainability movement is the access to growing minds in our student populations. Therefore, sustainability offices and partners constantly create opportunities on campuses and …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Building Sustainability Student Leaders with Campus Collaborations
- University of Oregon (OR)
Through a collaborative model, the University of Oregon nurtures environmental leadership in students. With scaffolded opportunities, students learn how to impact the culture, economy, and functioning of the 'mini city' …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Equity Drafting Table & Living Community Challenge: Tools for Engaging the Campus Community
- Williams College (MA)
- International Living Future Institute (WA)
Higher Education Campuses have been leaders in the creation of Living Buildings. Now they are becoming leaders in the creation of Living Campuses. By optimizing lessons learned from the Living …
- Posted Dec. 4, 2019
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Toward critical environmental education: a standpoint analysis of race in the American environmental context
- University of Oregon (OR)
This article advocates for critical environmental education that is responsive to power inequities. Standpoint theory is used to help explain why environmental education has been slow to become race-conscious/responsive. Standpoint …
- Posted Sept. 24, 2019
- Publications
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Diversity in Higher Education Information Technology: From Today's Workforce to Tomorrow's Leaders
- University of Richmond (VA)
The information technology (IT) workforce serves many vital functions in higher education, supporting campus computing needs ranging from advanced research and business and administrative operations to student learning and technology …
- Posted Sept. 5, 2019
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Celebrating Diversity is not Enough: Teaching Social Justice
- University of Michigan (MI)
- AASHE (MA)
Social justice and equity are a prominent dimensions of sustainability that can be overlooked or under-taught across the curriculum. Well-meaning instructors may focus on “celebrating diversity” or exception individuals rather …
- Posted Sept. 5, 2019
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People of Color Sustainability Collective
- University of California, Santa Cruz (CA)
People of Color Sustainability Collective
- Posted Aug. 2, 2019
- Photographs
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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.