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.
Featured Resources
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New Resources
Lightning Talks: Teaching & Learning (Group 1)
- Lipscomb University (TN)
- Thompson Rivers University (BC)
- University of Liverpool
This session consists of 3 15-minute Lightning Talk sessions related to teaching and learning. The Lightning Talks are: Turning Out Graduates Who Can Promote Sustainability Within Organisations - This session …
- Posted May 17, 2023
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Teaching Behavior Change Principles for Sustainability Careers
- Center for Behavior and Climate (FL)
- Behavior Development Solutions (FL)
As sustainability professionals, we know that to address climate change in the short timeframe we have left requires nothing more than transformational systems change. Sustainability programs have an urgent role …
- Posted May 17, 2023
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Integrating Climate Justice and Climate Change Into Curricula Through Community-Based Learning
- Portland Community College (OR)
Portland Community College’s 2021 Climate Action Plan: Resiliency, Equity and Education for a Just Transition calls for the college to support and encourage students to engage with sustainability and climate …
- Posted May 17, 2023
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Shooting for the STARS in Australasia and Helping Improve Global Application
- University of Queensland (QLD)
- University of Tasmania (TAS)
Three Australasian universities recently submitted their first STARS report, each achieving a Silver rating after many lessons learned as new participants in the self-reporting framework. Each university is now working …
- Posted May 17, 2023
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Student Fellowship Programs in Sustainability
- New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (NM)
- University of California, Los Angeles (CA)
- National Wildlife Federation (VA)
- Antioch University (OH)
This live networking and discussion session will be led by current National Wildlife Federation student fellows and program staff and will explore opportunities for meaningful fellowship programs and provide a …
- Posted May 17, 2023
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A Review of an Online International Sustainability Collaboration
- The College of Saint Scholastica (MN)
In spring of 2021, nine Chemistry and Sustainability at The College of St. Scholastica entered into an innovative active learning collaboration with five English-major Russian students at Petrozavodsk State University …
- Posted May 17, 2023
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Advancing the SDGs through Education Abroad
- Pennsylvania State University (PA)
- The Forum on Education Abroad (RI)
It may seem that institutional goals for education abroad are at odds with institutional goals for sustainability. But what if your study abroad programming could actually advance one or more …
- Posted May 17, 2023
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The Break Free From Plastic Pledge
- Post-Landfill Action Network (NH)
This holistic plastic elimination pledge has been signed onto by 19 schools-- Could you school be next? Learn about what our pledge is and how you can use it as …
- Posted May 17, 2023
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Fair Trade and Climate Justice: How People and Planet Benefit From Fair Trade
- Fair Trade Colleges & Universities
Fair Trade Campaigns is a powerful grassroots movement mobilizing thousands of conscious consumers and fair trade advocates on campuses and in communities across the U.S. Our Fair Trade Colleges & …
- Posted May 17, 2023
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Data Visualization Speed Date
- Boston University (MA)
Are you curious how data could be visualized for advancing sustainability in higher education? On our campuses, data visualization is a tool or practice used to summarize a lot of …
- Posted May 17, 2023
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Community College Networking Session
- Johnson County Community College (KS)
This session will encourage community college sustainability staff/faculty/students to network, share their triumphs, and seek advice on challenges.
- Posted May 17, 2023
- Conference Presentations
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Ask Me Anything About How to Start an "Ask Me Anything Series
- University of California, Merced (CA)
In May 2020, the University of California, Merced launched a monthly “Ask Me Anything” (AMA) Series where an expert guest is featured for an hour long session answering attendees’ questions …
- Posted May 17, 2023
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Engage Your Campus Community Through Social Media
- University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (WI)
Have you ever wondered how to connect to students using social media as a tool to spread awareness of your sustainability initiatives? Are you struggling to grab students’ attention online? …
- Posted May 17, 2023
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Stay Rad, Post Grad
- Post-Landfill Action Network (NH)
Are you graduating? Are you panicking? Or maybe you know exactly what you want to do, but it’s just a matter of making it happen. Join the PLAN staff (with …
- Posted May 17, 2023
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Bringing Out the Change-Maker in All of Us
- City University of New York, Hunter College (NY)
- PIPS Education Fund (NY)
Can you think of any games that use some form of currency (coins, tokens, etc.) to encourage people to keep playing? Have you ever gotten hooked on such a game, …
- Posted May 17, 2023
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Texas Regional Alliance for Campus Sustainability (TRACS) Networking Session
- Rice University (TX)
- Texas A&M University (TX)
This is a networking meeting for Texans and other parties interested in the Texas Regional Alliance for Campus Sustainability (TRACS) to connect and discuss campus sustainability topics unique to the …
- Posted May 17, 2023
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Green Bamboo Ceiling - The State of APIs in Higher Education and Sustainability
- Mount Holyoke College (MA)
- University of California, Santa Barbara (CA)
- Western Washington University (WA)
In sustainability there is a green ceiling that is a challenge to get people of diversity into leadership roles. In addition, if you are Asian Pacific Islander (API), you have …
- Posted May 17, 2023
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Alumni & Student Engagement: Building Relationships and Career Pathways
- Elon University (NC)
- University of Virginia (VA)
- Green LMN LLC (NJ)
Now, more than ever, students need support finding professional development opportunities and career pathways. Connecting alumni to students expands opportunities for students to engage in meaningful sustainability work and can …
- Posted May 17, 2023
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Composting: Community Based Solutions to Food Waste & Climate Challenges
- University of Arizona (AZ)
Food loss and food waste are global challenges; an estimated 40% of food in the U.S. is wasted. Food waste is directly related to food insecurity, poverty, and the climate …
- Posted May 17, 2023
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EarthFest 2023
- Cleveland State University (OH)
EarthFest is an annual event thrown by Cleveland State's Office of Sustainability. The mission of EarthFest is to celebrate Earth Day by engaging students, faculty and staff to create a …
- Posted May 17, 2023
- Photographs
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The Working Farms Fund: Partnership to Build a Sustainable Local Food System and Support a Diverse New Generation of Farmers
- Emory University (GA)
- The Conservation Fund (GA)
Emory University has partnering with the national non-profit The Conservation Fund (TCF) to support a diverse new generation of farmers in rural Georgia and help build the local food supply …
- Posted May 16, 2023
- Case Studies
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Ava Brewer uses student-athletes as sustainability advocates for CMU
- Central Michigan University (MI)
Central Sustainability coordinator Ava Brewer created a video promoting sustainability at CMU using student-athletes as sustainability advocates. The video will play at football, men’s and women’s basketball, wrestling, volleyball and …
- Posted May 15, 2023
- Case Studies
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Central Sustainability, CMU Professor Hope May and Cora di Brazza Foundation lead Peace Flag Raising at CMU
- Central Michigan University (MI)
On April 21, 2023, Central Sustainability, Central Michigan University Professor Hope May and the Cora di Brazza Foundation collaborated to present CMU’s annual Peace Flag Raising ceremony. This year, CMU …
- Posted May 15, 2023
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Creation of a Pollinator Garden at Farmingdale State College
- State University of New York at Farmingdale (NY)
In the Spring of 2023 Farmingdale State College's Office for Sustainability partnered with the college's Horticulture department to design an on-campus pollinator garden. The site is currently a 100 square …
- Posted May 8, 2023
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USC Office of Sustainability tabling
- University of Southern California (CA)
Staff from the USC Office of Sustainability table at an Earth Month event on campus.
- Posted May 8, 2023
- Photographs
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WashU Earth Day Festival
- Washington University in St. Louis (MO)
WashU School of Medicine held the 2023 Earth Day Festival, which included a free bike tune up for all employees and students, a farmers market, and sustainable vendor showcase. The …
- Posted May 5, 2023
- Photographs
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Earth Day Summit at Franklin University Switzerland
- Franklin University Switzerland (Ticino)
The Green Office Sustainability Programs at Franklin University Switzerland hosted an Earth Day Summit showcasing multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches to sustainability. By bringing together a wide diversity of academic and …
- Posted May 3, 2023
- Photographs
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Hope College Students and Holland State Park Beach Cleanup Event
- Hope College (MI)
Hope College students partnered with local high school student leaders to host their annual (spring and fall) community cleanup event at Holland State Park. Together they collected nearly 102 pounds …
- Posted May 3, 2023
- Photographs
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Enhancing Students’ Environmental Skills Through A Solid Waste Sustainability Hub
- University of South Alabama (AL)
The objective of this project is to establish a solid waste sustainability hub that promotes environmental stewardship and education by focusing on waste reduction, recycling, reuse, and rethinking. A team …
- Posted May 2, 2023
- Case Studies
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Climate in the Classroom: Bell Tower Takeover
- Temple University (PA)
Climate in the Classroom: Bell Tower Takeover was a special Earth Month event hosted by the Temple University Office of Sustainability, the Office of the Provost and select student and …
- Posted May 2, 2023
- Photographs
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2023 Iowa State University Earth Day Celebration
- Iowa State University (IA)
Iowa State University celebrated the 53rd anniversary of Earth Day with the theme of, “The Opportunity is NOW! The Urgency is NOW!” This year, more than 400 students, faculty, staff …
- Posted May 2, 2023
- Photographs
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Zero Waste Visioning – Campus Wide Solutions to Zero Waste
- California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (CA)
- University of Arizona (AZ)
- Williams College (MA)
- AASHE (MA)
- Post-Landfill Action Network (NH)
In this webinar we will hear from Sustainability Staff at 3 Universities who recently published Strategic Visions for Achieving Zero Waste on their campuses.
Developing a Strategic Vision is a …
- Posted May 1, 2023
- Videos & Webinars
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Endicott College's Environmental Justice Working Group
- Endicott College (MA)
The Environmental Justice Working Group at Endicott College was established in 2023 by Sophia Gosselin-Smoske, a student at Endicott College and a Fellow in the Office of Sustainability. The group …
- Posted April 27, 2023
- Case Studies
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Colaboration with Community garden in San Juan District
- EARTH University
With the support of a resident of the San Juan District in the Union of Cartago, Costa Rica. We have come together to develop a community garden. With the contribution …
- Posted April 24, 2023
- Photographs
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Earth Day Spring Fling at UConn
- University of Connecticut (CT)
Students at the University of Connecticut hosted their annual Earth Day Spring Fling on April 19, 2023.
- Posted April 21, 2023
- Photographs
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2018-22 Progress Report on the Pitt Sustainability Plan
- University of Pittsburgh (PA)
The University of Pittsburgh’s sustainability journey dates back to 1990, with commitments, activities, and engagement deepening and increasing over the past three decades. In 2018, the Pitt Sustainability Plan set …
- Posted April 18, 2023
- Publications
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Adopt-a-Plant sponsored by ArtCenter College of Design Community Food Garden
- ArtCenter College of Design (CA)
The ArtCenter College of Design Community Garden remained active throughout the Pandemic through the tremendous care of two Photography Department staff. With students, staff, and faculty back on campus, we …
- Posted April 18, 2023
- Photographs
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ReWear It Marquette
- Marquette University (WI)
Student-led monthly clothing swap organization on Marquette University's campus.
- Posted April 18, 2023
- Case Studies
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DEI Legislation Tracker
- Chronicle of Higher Education (DC)
The Chronicle is tracking legislation that would prohibit colleges from having diversity, equity, and inclusion offices or staff; ban mandatory diversity training; prohibit institutions from using diversity statements in hiring …
- Posted March 31, 2023
- Tools
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Renewable Energy Trends in Higher Ed: Different Solutions for Different Institutions
- Brown University (RI)
- Loyola University Chicago (IL)
- Michigan State University (MI)
- AASHE (MA)
- Coho Climate Advisors (MD)
Colleges and universities are buying more renewable energy than ever. Their strategies are evolving and increasing, including: onsite, offsite, PPAs, Utility Green Tariffs, Retail Renewables, unbundled RECs, and emerging approaches. …
- Posted March 23, 2023
- Videos & Webinars
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Academic Collaborations that Achieve Sustainable Operations
- The Ohio State University (OH)
- AASHE (MA)
- ENGIE (TX)
This webinar will explore how innovative universities are leveraging comprehensive energy management partnerships to collaborate with private industry, research and deploy new technologies, and meet sustainability goals.
In 2017, The …
- Posted Feb. 16, 2023
- Videos & Webinars
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Eddy at New Paltz: Centering Racial Equity as we Co-create a Sustainable Culture
- State University of New York at New Paltz (NY)
- AASHE (MA)
Sustainability has expanded to include issues of racial equity in a way that also embraces the interdisciplinarity of academic study. This webinar will introduce Eddy at New Paltz, a co-creative, …
- Posted Feb. 8, 2023
- Videos & Webinars
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Bucknell 10-Years Sustainability Plan
- Bucknell University (PA)
January 18th 2023, President John Bravman formally announced the release of the 10-year Sustainability Plan for Bucknell University. According to President Brvaman,
"Caring for the environment and reducing waste remains …
- Posted Feb. 2, 2023
- Publications
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Citrus College Educational Development Center
- Citrus College (CA)
Citrus College was recognized with an excellence in Energy & Sustainability Award for the Educational Development Center modernization project:
"Best innovative project -Medium size District" Award
- Posted Feb. 2, 2023
- Photographs
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Introduction to the Regional Center of Expertise as a Model for ESD Integration
- Georgia Institute of Technology (GA)
- University of Texas at Arlington (TX)
- AASHE (MA)
- University of Regina (SK)
Universities and colleges around the world are making commitments to advance the UN SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) through their teaching, research, operations, and partnerships. One proven model for making good …
- Posted Jan. 19, 2023
- Videos & Webinars
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Summer REU in Urban Ecology and the Environment (2024 enrollment)
- City University of New York, Baruch College (NY)
- The City University of New York (NY)
- City University of New York, Brooklyn College (NY)
The Brooklyn Urban Ecology and Environment Program (BUEE) is a NSF-sponsored Research Experiences for Undergraduates hosted at Brooklyn College of the City University of New York. BUEE supports the training …
- Posted Jan. 10, 2023
- Academic Programs
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Webinar #2: Inner Development Goals: A Three-part Exploration
- University of Massachusetts Amherst (MA)
- AASHE (MA)
Many of us are familiar with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This three-part Community of Practice (Nov. 15, Nov. 29, Dec. 13) will allow us to space to explore the …
- Posted Dec. 5, 2022
- Videos & Webinars
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Webinar: Guidance for the Sustainable Procurement of Laboratory Supplies
- University of Georgia (GA)
- AASHE (MA)
- Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council (MA)
Laboratories often represent a “hot spot” within organizations for environmental waste, toxins, and even supply chain labor issues. Until now, comprehensive guidance wasn’t available for purchasers seeking to address these …
- Posted Dec. 2, 2022
- Videos & Webinars
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Solving Climate Change Problems: CSUF Presents Energy and Sustainability Summit
- California State University, Fullerton (CA)
More than 100 people packed the room at Cal State Fullerton’s first Energy and Sustainability Summit, held Oct. 26.
The summit, sponsored by Edison International, featured three panels of industry …
- Posted Nov. 21, 2022
- Photographs
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Webinar: An Accessible Roadmap to Healthy Indoor Air Quality
- University of Georgia (GA)
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (DC)
- AASHE Test Campus
- Healthy Schools Campaign (IL)
Two years ago it was a struggle to generate interest in topics like ventilation and HVAC maintenance, but the COVID pandemic has highlighted just how much the air we breathe …
- Posted Nov. 18, 2022
- Videos & Webinars
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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.
EN 10: Community Partnerships
- Description of a formal community partnership to advance sustainability (first partnership)
- Description of a formal community partnership to advance sustainability (second partnership)
- Description of a formal community partnership to advance sustainability (third partnership)
- Website URL - Community partnerships to advance sustainability
EN 11: Inter-campus Collaboration
- The national or international sustainability network(s)
- The regional, state/provincial or local sustainability network(s)
- Description of sustainability conference(s) and presentation(s)
- Description of sustainability resource center or awards program and submission(s)
- Description of sustainability board or committee appointment(s)
- Description of sustainability-related mentoring relationship and activities
- Description of sustainability-related peer review activities
- Website URL - Sustainability-related inter-campus collaborations
EN 12: Continuing Education
- Percentage of continuing education courses that are sustainability course offerings
- Inventory of continuing education sustainability course offerings (upload)
- Inventory of continuing education sustainability course offerings (description)
- Description of sustainability-related continuing education certificate program(s)
- Website URL - Continuing education courses and programs in sustainability
EN 13: Community Service
- Percentage of students engaged in community service
- Number of annual community service hours contributed per student
- Description of program(s) to support employee volunteering
- Website URL- Community service programs
EN 14: Participation in Public Policy
- Description of sustainability public policy advocacy at the municipal/local level
- Description of sustainability public policy advocacy at the state/provincial/regional level
- Description of sustainability public policy advocacy at the national level
- Description of sustainability public policy advocacy at the international level
- Website URL - Sustainability advocacy efforts
EN 15: Trademark Licensing
- Description of the independent trademark monitoring and verification organization
- The labor rights code of conduct for licensees (upload)
- The labor rights code of conduct for licensees (description)
- Website URL - Trademark licensing initiatives
Additional analysis on scores and quantitative fields can be conducted using the STARS Benchmarking Tool.