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.
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UCC Green Campus
- University College Cork - National University of Ireland, Cork (Co. Cork)
University of Sanctuary Status - In 2018, University College Cork - National University of Ireland, Cork was awarded the title of University of Sanctuary by Places of Sanctuary Ireland in …
- Posted Aug. 1, 2019
- Photographs
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Indigenous Strategy
- University of Calgary (AB)
Indigenous Strategy - The University of Calgary shared its Indigenous Strategy in 2017 after collecting input from over 2,200 individuals and engaging with Indigenous communities and community stakeholders. Entitled ii’taa’poh’to’p, …
- Posted July 31, 2019
- Photographs
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The University of Winnipeg's Star Blanket Mural
- University of Winnipeg (MB)
This mural covering the University of Winnipeg’s Helen Betty Osborne Building depicts a Star Blanket, and symbolizes the institution’s commitment to indigenization and reconciliation. The mural was completed in August, …
- Posted July 29, 2019
- Photographs
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Wilfrid Laurier University's social sustainability initiative: International Students Overcoming War
- Wilfrid Laurier University (ON)
International Students Overcoming War - International Students Overcoming War (ISOW) is a student-led and student-funded humanitarian initiative at Wilfrid Laurier University that partners with NGO organizations to provide full scholarships …
- Posted July 29, 2019
- Photographs
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Building an Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge Initiative at a Research University: Decolonization Notes from the Field
- University of Oregon (OR)
In this article, we discuss the importance of Indigenous traditional ecological knowledge as the foundation of sustainability education, and we describe the need for, and successful efforts to, begin building …
- Posted July 19, 2019
- Publications
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Diversifying the U.S. Climate Movement: Four Interviews
- Antioch University, New England (NH)
Climate change is having devastating impacts in the United States, and people of color are disproportionately harmed. In this study, I interviewed four experts on diversity, equity, and inclusion in …
- Posted May 20, 2019
- Publications
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Connecting Artists and Sustainability with the Arts of the Earth Festival at Bemidji State University
- Bemidji State University (MN)
The Arts of the Earth Festival is a fun event to "Celebrate Art, Honor Mother Earth, and Inspire Community". This year's festival was held on Saturday, April 27th and Sunday, …
- Posted May 20, 2019
- Case Studies
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Diversifying the U.S. Climate Movement
- Antioch University, New England (NH)
People of color are poised to reach 50% of the United States population by 2046, yet they continue to be underrepresented in environmental organizations. This report summarizes the barriers for …
- Posted May 17, 2019
- Publications
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Students of Color Environmental Conference
- University of California, Berkeley (CA)
The first ever Students of Color Environmental Conference (SCECon) was intended to bring together students of color from across California to connect and build with local environmental justice activists. This …
- Posted May 17, 2019
- Case Studies
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Reaching Beyond the Green Population
- AASHE (MA)
- Citizens' Climate Lobby (CA)
The world of sustainability offers something for everyone. Sadly many people on campus assume sustainability is just for environmentalists. Sustainability students, faculty, and staff would love to reach a broader …
- Posted May 16, 2019
- Videos & Webinars
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Gender Equality and UN Sustainable Development Goals: Priorities and Correlations in the Top Business Schools’ Communication and Legitimation Strategies
- Universitat Ramon Llull
Gender equality is still an issue in business schools, since women in MBAs classrooms, in faculty and in management teams have low representation. Challenges caused by lack of financial aids, …
- Posted May 10, 2019
- Publications
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Are estimates of food insecurity among college students accurate? Comparison of assessment protocols
- University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (IL)
A growing body of literature suggests that post-secondary students experience food insecurity (FI) at greater rates than the general population. However, these rates vary dramatically across institutions and studies. FI …
- Posted May 6, 2019
- Publications
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University of Vermont Points of Intervention Fair
- University of Vermont (VT)
The theme surrounding the University of Vermont's Earth Week was Points of Intervention (POI). Post Landfill Action Network (PLAN) added UVM to their stops of college on their POI Fair! …
- Posted May 5, 2019
- Photographs
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Keynote Speaker: Corrina Gould - Living on Ohlone Land
- California State University, East Bay (CA)
Corrina Gould is the spokesperson for the Confederated Villages of Lisjan/Ohlone. She was born and raised in Oakland, CA, the territory of Huichuin. She is an activist that has worked …
- Posted May 5, 2019
- Photographs
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Recycolution Fashion Show
- California State University, East Bay (CA)
An Earth Week fashion show in partnership with Pioneers for H.O.P.E, raising awareness on the impacts of fast fashion, conscious consumerism, and resources for clothing needs. All outfits and clothing …
- Posted May 5, 2019
- Photographs
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Aligning Equity, Engagement, and Social Innovation in Anchor Initiatives
- University of San Diego (CA)
Drawing on cultural studies and the practice of engaged learning and scholarship, this paper proposes a cultural approach to institutional transformation, which we argue necessarily follows anchor partnerships. The authors …
- Posted April 30, 2019
- Publications
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Towards a social sustainability in higher education: Enhancing students’ solidarity and togetherness through collaborative projects in racially diverse learning environments
- University of the Free State
One key goal in the mission and vision statement of the University of the Free State is to recruit the best and most diverse students who work in solidarity and …
- Posted April 29, 2019
- Publications
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UVA Earth Week 2019
- University of Virginia (VA)
Earth Week is a UVA tradition that celebrates the planet we all share. Students, faculty, staff, and community members were all invited to take part in over 27 events that …
- Posted April 29, 2019
- Photographs
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PCC, Sustain Me! A Higher Education Sustainability & Environmental Justice Podcast
- Portland Community College (OR)
This has been an ongoing project that has blossomed from a local/regional production and has now been promoted, recognized, listened to, and presentations have been given nationally and internationally on …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2019
- Case Studies
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Social Inequality (MS)
- Oklahoma State University (OK)
Social inequality focuses on the structural sources and individual consequences of racism, sexism and economic exploitation in society, as well as the social processes sustaining these inequities. Professional sociologists use …
- Posted Feb. 25, 2019
- Academic Programs
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St. John's University Academic Center for Equity and Inclusion
- St. John's University, New York (NY)
The Academic Center for Equity and Inclusion (or “Academic Center”) organizes scholarly and pedagogical activities that advance St. John's University's commitment to an inclusive and equitable University community. The Academic …
- Posted Dec. 21, 2018
- Research Centers & Institutes
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We Want Black Students, Just Not You: How White Admissions Counselors Screen Black Prospective Students
- Florida Gulf Coast University (FL)
Most historically and predominantly white institutions (HPWIs) now desire some number of black students on their campuses. However, recent theoretical scholarship suggests that HPWIs’ desire for and willingness to embrace …
- Posted Nov. 13, 2018
- Publications
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Everett Community College Sustainability Volunteer Program Gets People Working
- Everett Community College (WA)
Video proposal (20 minutes/10 Minute Q&A) Since 2009, The Everett Community College Sustainability Department has teamed with several local agencies to fund a paid 'volunteer' program on campus. Volunteers from …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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Benefits of Incorporating Well-Being and Diversity Into Sustainability Master Planning
- Verdis Group (NE)
Black Hills State University (BHSU) located in Spearfish, SD recently contracted with Verdis Group to complete a Sustainability Master Plan with goals set for 2030. Along with including robust environmental …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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From Root to STEM: Growing Water Use Awareness Through Visualization
- California State University, Northridge (CA)
The STEM N' Sustainability program offered by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power is designed to give women knowledge, resources and opportunities to pursue STEM-related careers in fields, …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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Living Housed, Healthily and Happily: Conceptualizing Disparaging Circumstances in Queer Communities
- College of Charleston (SC)
The data and implications aim to identify the meaning of social sustainability while highlighting issues within the field. LGBTQ communities are affected by many adverse circumstances and their lives can …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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WEB of Science Database: Sustainable Knowledge of the Hopi A Prototype for the Future Research
- Arizona State University (AZ)
The Hopi tribe of the US Southwest is the carrier of the traditional knowledge (TK) comprising the knowledge of sustainable living. The search of the Web of Science database has …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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Learning from our Future: Engaging Youth in Climate Justice
- University at Buffalo (NY)
How do we build a truly inclusive climate justice movement that values every voice and experience? Engage young people. They have a lot to say, and are eager to say …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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Building Relationships Between Sustainability Offices and Diversity Offices
- Williams College (MA)
Sustainability offices and diversity offices have a lot in common - both in our roles and in our subject matter. Both offices are change agents, frequently struggling against the same …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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Where civil rights fit into sustainability: an environmental justice workshop
- Ithaca College (NY)
An in-depth exploration of how civil rights and environmental justice fit into the global sustainability framework, this presentation will utilize case studies from across the US to exemplify how environmental …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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Think Outside: Educating about Conservation and Race in the Great Outdoors
- Messiah University (PA)
- Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (PA)
We need multi-lateral participation to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined by the UN; however, the narrative of environmental protection, and the subsequent sustainability movement, is dominated by a …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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Engaging Students and Low-Income Community Members: Successes in Conservation and Social Equity
- University of Colorado Boulder (CO)
The FLOWS program (Foundation for Leaders Organizing for Water and Sustainability), is made up of diverse CU Boulder Environmental Center student staff and historically marginalized community members that team up …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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Sustainability Best Practices to Contain the Uncontainable: Lessons Learned From UVA & August 11/12
- University of Virginia (VA)
UVA's responses to the white supremacist rallies at UVA and Charlottesville during the summer of 2017 can serve as an example to other institutions as white supremacy and violence on …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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Anti-Oppressive Youth Facilitation
- Power Shift Network (DC)
From organizing campaigns to coordinating community engagement events. From engaging in political advocacy efforts to training with youth. Wherever your youth engagement falls, there are best practices for working with …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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Addressing Collegiate Basic Needs Through the Sustainability Lens
- University of Pittsburgh (PA)
Addressing the basic needs of student populations is a fast growing and important topic on College and University campuses. Collegiate basic needs encompasses food and housing security, financial education and …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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What About Accessibility? The Intersection of Sustainability and Accessibility on College Campuses
- University of Illinois Chicago (IL)
In 2013, the United Nations defined accessibility as '... an inherent right that benefits all. It is not derived from special legislation; nor is it a concern solely to persons …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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Increasing Diversity in a Sustainability Internship Program
- University of California, Santa Barbara (CA)
Institutionalized forms of oppression such as racism, sexism, and homophobia are embedded throughout our society. One of the many ways that this materializes is in the hiring process and in …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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Moving Past Tokenization: Integrating Social Equity Internally and Programmatically
- University of California, Berkeley (CA)
What does environmental justice programming really look like in higher education? How do we avoid tokenization of marginalized groups within the environmental movement and move beyond buzzwords such as diversity …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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A New Hope: Training Social Sustainabilistas
- Texas A&M University (TX)
In past AASHE presentations, our office highlighted how we weave social sustainability into our hiring, training, outreach, and planning efforts. This time, our focus will be the ways we implement …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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Food and Housing Security Among NC State Students
- North Carolina State University (NC)
The UN Sustainable Development Goals provide a comprehensive framework for approaching sustainability from a global perspective. The goals are also incredibly relevant for higher education not only in teaching, research …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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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 Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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Developing and Utilizing a Social Justice Lens in Order to Achieve Global Goals for Sustainability
- Hackman Consulting Group
As evidenced by this national moment, a lack of critical understanding of social justice (SJ) issues makes achieving global sustainability goals near impossible. Conversely, thoughtful attention to SJ issues affords …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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Integrating Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Into Higher Ed Sustainability Work
- Bucknell University (PA)
- University of Vermont (VT)
Better understanding, supporting, and addressing social sustainability work in higher ed is paramount in creating institutions that welcome and nurture intellectual and personal growth among a diverse campus community. The …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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Turbulent Winds: Addressing 'Climate' at the Intersections of Diversity and Sustainability
- California State University, East Bay (CA)
- California State University, San Marcos (CA)
This session explores the intersection between diversity and sustainability efforts within two California State University campuses. Beginning with a focus on the forces that divide the sustainability and diversity communities, …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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Environmental Social Justice's Role in the Sustainable Development Goals
- University of Arizona (AZ)
At the University of Arizona campus, the Environmental Social Justice (SoJo) committee of the student government-sponsored program Students for Sustainability works on projects that raise awareness for environmental justice issues; …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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Decolonizing a College's Farm-to-Table Dinner
- University of North Carolina, Asheville (NC)
This interactive workshop will explore how Whiteness and other form of dominant social power structures can be inadvertently reproduced within farm-to-table events when embedded assumptions in regards to the program, …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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Integration of the SDG's as a Targeted Educational Alternative...A Story of Successful Collaboration
- University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (TX)
Join us as we share a Story of Success: UTRGV and Buell Central High School's Transformative integration of SDG's to engage and motivate our most vulnerable and marginalized youth. Buell …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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Sustainable Justice in Wisconsin: Strategies for Program Growth in Harsh Climates
- University of Wisconsin-River Falls (WI)
As evidenced by AASHE's recent Keynote presenters--from Julian Agyeman (2010) on 'Just Sustainabilities' to Marsha Chatelain's creation of the #fergusonsyllabus (2016)--AASHE's present and future directions foreground strengthening connections between environmental …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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Green Chemistry: Meeting the Challenge of Equity and Environmental Justice for a Sustainable Future
- Bridgewater State University (MA)
- American Chemical Society (DC)
Chemistry is an inherently creative yet reductionist approach to understanding how the world works at the most fundamental levels. Chemists are trained to create molecules to fill a given need …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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Latin Flavor in AASHE: Contributions to Sustainability Offices
- University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (TX)
- Universidad EAN
- Dallas College (TX)
In many institutions of higher education and universities around the world, there are offices that manage the issue of sustainability for years. AASHE is a multicultural space where many of …
- Posted Nov. 5, 2018
- Conference Presentations
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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.