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Public Engagement

Introduction

Engagement in community problem-solving is fundamental to sustainability. By engaging with community members and organizations in the governmental, non-profit and for-profit sectors, institutions can help solve sustainability challenges. Community engagement can help students develop leadership skills while deepening their understandings of practical, real-world problems and the process of creating solutions.

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Interview with Senator Bernie Sanders on Federal Support for Campus Sustainability

  • AASHE (MA)

In late December, the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 was signed into law. The Act included language introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders (VT) that authorizes $250 million annually ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
  • Publications
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AASHE Digest 2007

  • AASHE (MA)

Includes over 800 stories about higher education institutions that are leading the way to a sustainable future. It is organized into 24 chapters spanning education, research, campus operations, administration, and ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
  • Publications
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AASHE Digest 2006

  • AASHE (MA)

Includes over 600 stories about higher education institutions that are leading the way to a sustainable future. It is organized into 8 chapters covering: 1) institutional change, 2) education and ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
  • Publications
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Community partner indicators of engagement: An action research study on campus-community partnership

  • Antioch University (OH)

The central purpose of this research study was to develop common indicators of engagement for civic initiatives between institutions of higher education and their community organization partners. The unique aspect ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
  • Publications
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AASHE Digest 2005

  • AASHE (MA)

Includes almost 250 stories about higher education institutions that are leading the way to a sustainable future. It is organized into 8 chapters covering: Institutional Change; Education & Outreach; Social ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
  • Publications
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Planet U: Sustaining the World, Reinventing the University

  • University of Victoria (BC)

Planet U places the university at the forefront of the sustainability movement. Questioning the university’s ability to equip society to deal with today’s serious challenges such as economic ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
  • Publications
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The Critical Role of Higher Education in Creating a Sustainable Future

  • Second Nature (MA)

For the first time in history, humans are pervasive and dominant forces in the health and well-being of the earth and its inhabitants. We are the first generation capable of ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
  • Publications
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Community organization staff perceptions about the importance of selected practices in building effective community-university service and learning partnerships

  • Louisiana State University (LA)

The purpose of this study was to explore community organization staff perceptions about the importance of selected practices in building effective community-university service and learning partnerships. The target population was ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
  • Publications
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Green Destiny: Universities Leading the Way to a Sustainable Future

  • Pennsylvania State University (PA)

Even as universities teach their students that the vital signs of the Earth are in decline, graduates leave college to begin lives that generally contribute to, rather than mitigate, a ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
  • Publications
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Civic Responsibility and Higher Education

The essays in this volume center around John Dewey's mandate that American democracy requires civic engagement to realize the potential of its citizens and its communities, and that education ...

  • Posted Feb. 24, 2016
  • Publications
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The Reinvention Fund: Project Evaluation & Case Studies for Living Labs for Sustainability

  • Pennsylvania State University (PA)

The Penn State Sustainability Institute created the Reinvention Fund to start an innovative "whitespace" to further transform Penn State into a Living Laboratory for Sustainability. At a time when living ...

  • Posted June 19, 2015
  • Case Studies
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The Partnership for Action Learning in Sustainability

  • University of Maryland, College Park (MD)

The Partnership for Action Learning in Sustainability, or PALS, is an innovative program at the University of Maryland that pairs faculty expertise and student ingenuity to tackle sustainability challenges facing ...

  • Posted June 11, 2015
  • Case Studies
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The Sage Project at San Diego State University

  • San Diego State University (CA)

The Sage Project is a partnership between San Diego State University (SDSU) and a local government in the San Diego region, connecting students and faculty with high-priority, high-need community projects ...

  • Posted June 11, 2015
  • Case Studies
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Ucalgarycares Sustainable Cities Service Learning Program

  • University of Calgary (AB)

Sustainable Cities launched in 2014-2015 as an addition to a suite of "ucalgarycares" service-learning programs focusing on social justice issues. This program aims for students to become engaged with urban ...

  • Posted June 11, 2015
  • Case Studies
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Hayward Promise Neighborhood Service Learning Solutions

  • California State University, East Bay (CA)

Hayward Project Neighborhood (HPN) is a place-based initiative lead by California State University East Bay (CSUEB). The purpose of HPN is to significantly improve the educational and developmental outcomes of ...

  • Posted June 11, 2015
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UBC Sustainability Scholars Program

  • University of British Columbia (BC)

Offered in collaboration with both on and off-campus sustainability partners, the UBC Sustainability Scholars Program is designed to provide UBC graduate level students - regardless of their academic discipline - practical sustainability ...

  • Posted June 11, 2015
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Smart Communities Initiative at UTK

  • University of Tennessee at Knoxville (TN)

The Smart Communities Initiative (SCI) is a new interdisciplinary program at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville which partners faculty and students across campus with one city, county, special district, or ...

  • Posted June 11, 2015
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Prioritizing Energy Conservation and Efficiency with the Help of New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)

  • University of Rochester (NY)

The University of Rochester has many competing demands for funding. Unfortunately, energy conservation projects often fall to the bottom of the priority list. By designating a point-person within the University ...

  • Posted June 11, 2015
  • Case Studies
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Transforming a Rust Belt Community: The Sustainability Campus

  • Indiana State University (IN)

Indiana State University and community partners collaborate on the development and implementation of a visionary comprehensive plan for the development of a Sustainability Campus, which transforms abandoned, formerly residential blocks ...

  • Posted June 11, 2015
  • Case Studies
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Game Day Recycling at UTK

  • University of Tennessee at Knoxville (TN)

UT Recycling is working in partnership with UT Athletics, Aramark, Office of Sustainability, and Good Sports Always Recycle to eliminate at least 90% of waste created during athletic events through ...

  • Posted June 11, 2015
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Capital Partners Solar Project

  • American University (DC)
  • George Washington University (DC)
  • Coho Climate Advisors (MD)

Capital Partners Solar Project (CPSP) is a solar energy project contracted by the George Washington University (GW), American University (AU), and the George Washington University Hospital (GWUH). Comprised of 52 ...

  • Posted June 11, 2015
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Beyond Campus Roofs: Solar for the Community

  • University of Utah (UT)

U Community Solar is an innovative program to give the University of Utah a local, tangible way to offset its carbon footprint over the next 20 years. The one-time program ...

  • Posted June 10, 2015
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Duke University Carbon Offsets Initiative - Working with students, staff, and faculty to reduce GHG emissions through rooftop solar

  • Duke University (NC)

In Spring 2015, Duke University launched a pioneering, renewable energy discount program for University employees. This program, developed by the Duke Carbon Offsets Initiative (DCOI) and its partners, helps reduce ...

  • Posted June 10, 2015
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AC Climate Aware

  • Algonquin College (ON)

AC Climate Aware is a collaborative grassroots effort designed to promote sustainability and internationalization. Under the leadership of SEATS, the campaign encourages dialogue within the Algonquin College community about these ...

  • Posted June 10, 2015
  • Case Studies
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The University of Arizona Pac-12 Zero Waste Event

  • University of Arizona (AZ)

With inspiration and participation from the Green Sports Alliance, all Pac-12 universities participated in a friendly competition to see who could achieve a zero-waste home basketball game during the 2014-15 ...

  • Posted June 10, 2015
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Building Green Communities: The UA Undergraduate Off-Campus Housing Sustainability Coordinator

  • University of Arizona (AZ)

The Undergraduate Off-Campus Housing Sustainability Coordinator (OCHSC) position was created at the University of Arizona (UA) two years ago. The OCHSC serves as a sustainability consultant to 28 apartment complexes ...

UA Compost Cats: Students Creating Community Partnerships to Turn Garbage into Gardens and Foster Local Food Security

  • University of Arizona (AZ)

Located 60 miles from the largest, landlocked port for food in North America, the student-run Compost Cats program has now forged partnerships with the City of Tucson, San Xavier Co-op ...

  • Posted April 12, 2014
  • Case Studies
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Turning Trash Into Cash- Sustainable Social Entrepreneurship

  • University of San Diego (CA)

In April 2011, the University of San Diego (USD) opened the Electronics Recycling Center (ERC), San Diego's first full-time e-waste collection facility for the public, with the intention of ...

  • Posted April 12, 2014
  • Case Studies
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Green Impact Goes International

  • MacEwan University (AB)
  • National Union of Students

Recognizing that staff and student engagement is vital to successfully creating a sustainable campus, MacEwan University sought innovative ways to enable, encourage and empower people to achieve practical, tangible behavioural ...

  • Posted April 11, 2014
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Sustainability Now and Powerful (SNAP!) International Program to Restore Landscapes, Recharge Educators, and Replenish Learning Systems

  • Prescott College (AZ)

Students in Prescott College's Doctoral Program in Sustainability Education developed a program to honor and share the stories of outstanding programs across the planet in sustainability education. The program ...

  • Posted April 11, 2014
  • Case Studies
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Neutral Gator

  • University of Florida (FL)

Neutral Gator provides UF with high-impact, local carbon offsets by performing energy efficiency upgrades of low-income families' homes and planting indigenous trees on conservation land in Gainesville, FL. Through this ...

  • Posted April 10, 2014
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Envisioning Sustainability: Implementing a Campus Community Food System at Virginia Tech

  • Virginia Tech (VA)

Virginia Tech, founded in 1872 as a land grant institution, has not lost its local roots. With a nationally recognized college of Agriculture & Life Sciences, the campus has its ...

  • Posted April 10, 2014
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Green Book: Creative Sustainable Action

  • Delta College (MI)

Green Book: Creative Sustainable Action is a joint venture of the Sustainability Office and Humanities Department. Focusing on the triple bottom line—people, planet, profit—the publication is a collection ...

  • Posted March 31, 2014
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A Unique Hawaiian Learning Approach to Sustainable Living, Island-wide

  • University of Hawaii Kauai Community College (HI)

A three prong approach to providing students with campus and community-wide learning at the UH Kauai Community College encompasses and concurrently implements:

1) Curriculum review ongoing, applying the General Electric ...

  • Posted March 28, 2014
  • Case Studies
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Sustainability@FIE ~ What can YOU do?' Holistic embedding and communication for maximum impact and engagement

  • Loyola Marymount University (CA)
  • FIE: Foundation for International Education (London)

Sustainability@FIE ~ What can YOU do?' - a holistic embedding and communication project, implemented in the 2013-2014 academic year in order to fully engage all Foundation for International Education (FIE) stakeholders ...

  • Posted March 28, 2014
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GreenHouse Food Buying Club

  • University of Vermont (VT)
  • Sodexo USA (MD)

A student initiated program that allows on-campus students from a specific Residential Learning Community (RLC) to use a portion of their mandated meal plans to purchase a "CSA". The "CSA ...

  • Posted March 28, 2014
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Green Leadership Program

  • University of South Carolina (SC)

Sustainable Carolina's Green Leadership Program allows students to graduate with Leadership Distinction in "Professional and Civic Engagement." This comprehensive, interdisciplinary program broadens students' understanding of leadership and sustainability. During ...

  • Posted March 28, 2014
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Strategic Sustainability Planning to Synergistic Results

  • Lake Superior College (MN)

The purpose of the project was to engage primary campus stakeholders in a community training based on the internationally recognized Natural Step framework. Locally, Sustainable Twin Ports has been leading ...

  • Posted March 18, 2014
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Saving Iowa's Remaining Natural Jewels - an ecological restoration and renewable energy partnership

  • University of Iowa (IA)

The University of Iowa (UI) will convert 40 percent of its energy portfolio to renewable energy by or before 2020. Central to this effort is developing regional and sustainable biomass ...

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Kaua'i Community College - Ho'ouluwehi: The Sustainable Living Institute of Kaua'i

  • University of Hawaii Kauai Community College (HI)

Kaua'i Community College ("KCC") created Ho'ouluwehi: The Sustainable Living Institute of Kaua'i to bring the college and island community together in a place-based approach to cultural, economic ...

  • Posted July 11, 2012
  • Case Studies
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Energizing the Community for Water Sustainability

  • Stetson University (FL)

The project was designed to energize Stetson students and the broader community around water sustainability on and off campus. Most domestic, agricultural, and industrial water used in Florida originates in ...

WE Over ME Farm

  • Paul Quinn College (TX)

Surrounded by a food desert, Paul Quinn College has assumed the responsibility to provide the residents of Highland Hills/southern Dallas within the zip code of 75241, access to healthy ...

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Culture Clash: Art, Electrons, Teaching, Research, and Engagement Meet at the Solar Strand

  • University at Buffalo (NY)

The University at Buffalo's 750 kilowatt Solar Strand, brought to life by world-renowned artist Walter Hood, reflects a transformative vision that defines the future of sustainability. Its approach moves ...

  • Posted June 29, 2012
  • Case Studies
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Wisconsin's Green Future Campaign

  • Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College (WI)

Project Overview: The WTCS Presidents' Association Green Initiative Committee requested assistance by the Statewide Marketing Consortium (SMC) to develop communications tools on sustainability. Given the vast number of students educated ...

  • Posted June 29, 2012
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Owens Community College HARVEST Project

  • Owens Community College (OH)

The Owens Community College Harvest Project seeks to "Help all People Reap the Value of Education through Service and working Together." Our on campus food pantry and community garden serve ...

  • Posted June 22, 2012
  • Case Studies
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Pratt Institute - Myrtle Hall

  • Pratt Institute (NY)

Pratt Institute partnered to obtain a vacant lot at the northern boundary of our campus in Brooklyn , that had been a Kentucky Fried Chicken. The lot is part of the ...

  • Posted June 30, 2011
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Marcellus Monitoring: Helping communities turn fear into data collection.

  • Dickinson College (PA)

In 2010, the Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring (ALLARM) set out to develop a community-based monitoring protocol that could help communities answer the question "is my local stream being adversely ...

  • Posted June 24, 2011
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The Green Line Park-n-Ride: A Community Transportation Collaborative

  • Delta College (MI)

When it comes to public transportation, Delta College is challenged by its location which serves three main counties functioning under three separate transit authorities. To reduce commuting emissions and to ...

  • Posted June 21, 2011
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Sustainable Cities Initiative at the University of Oregon

  • University of Oregon (OR)

Sustainable Cities Initiative (SCI) is a cross-disciplinary organization at the University of Oregon that seeks to promote education, service, public outreach and research on the development and design of sustainable ...

DukeEngage Carbon Offsets Pilot Project at Duke University

  • Duke University (NC)

In May 2010, DukeEngage collaborated with Sustainable Duke and the Duke Carbon Offsets Initiative to offer the students, faculty and staff of DukeEngage the opportunity to go "carbon neutral" with ...

This tab provides access to data collected through AASHE’s Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System™ (STARS). STARS is a transparent, self-reporting framework for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance. STARS enables meaningful comparisons over time and across institutions using a common set of measurements developed with broad participation from the campus sustainability community.

All responses reference content from reports under the latest version of STARS, version 2.2. AASHE membership and log-in is required.

EN 10: Community Partnerships

EN 11: Inter-campus Collaboration

EN 12: Continuing Education

EN 13: Community Service

EN 14: Participation in Public Policy

EN 15: Trademark Licensing

Additional analysis on scores and quantitative fields can be conducted using the STARS Benchmarking Tool.

Public Engagement Partners

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