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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Green Art + Environmental Design: Collaborations through Research Service Learning
- University of Virginia (VA)
Art and environmental design should be powerful and integral aspects of sustainability education, though they are often excluded from comprehensive discussions that include science, technology, economics, society and politics. Successful, …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Safety and Sustainability through Student-Contracted Mass Transit
- University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh (WI)
In 2008, the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh student governance body, the Oshkosh Student Association (OSA), created a contracted mass transit service. "Titan Transit" extended the current city service from 6pm …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Pushing energy sustainability through innovative partnerships
- University of Wyoming (WY)
We will share the challenges and rewards of working toward energy sustainability through an innovative partnership. In April 2010, we began working with the Jackson Hole Energy Sustainability Project (JHESP). …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Service-Learning in the Classroom
- Ursinus College (PA)
One pedagogical method of integrating sustainability into the classroom is through service-learning. A service-learning partnership was created between an upper-level environmental studies climate change class at Ursinus College (UC) and …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Heifer International's Alternative Spring Break: Experiential Immersion Course
- Virginia Tech (VA)
Heifer International (HI) facilitates an Alternative Spring Break (ASB) in Perryville, Arkansas, teaching individuals across the country about the organization's mission to "work with communities to end hunger and poverty …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Redefining the possible: Community engagement, operational congruency and curriculum integration at York University
- York University
York University, one of Canada's largest post-secondary institutions, is set in a rapidly changing region of urban Toronto. York has a deep commitment to social justice and environmental sustainability, enshrined …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Building Sustainability & Community in a Student-Led, Service-Learning Environment
- Truman State University (MO)
Often, there is a perceived divide between a campus and the greater community and an actual divide between university practices and sustainable ones. We seek to break down both barriers …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Innovative Programs from UNC's Center for Sustainable Enterprise
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (NC)
UNC's Center for Sustainable Enterprise at the Kenan-Flagler School of Business has developed two innovative sustainability programs: 1) CSE Consulting is a one of a kind, award-winning program that leverages …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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The Role of Higher Education in the Climate Policy Debate
- The Student PIRGs (OR)
Comprehensive climate policies have already passed in California and New Jersey. A dozen other states are currently debating similar policies. Congress will likely adopt some kind of climate policy in …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Two Paths to Integration: Developing Formal and Informal Networks for Campus Sustainability
- Arizona State University (AZ)
- University of Florida (FL)
The University of Florida and Arizona State University both enjoy grassroots support and top level leadership for sustainability. With 50 and 60 thousand students respectively, the development of a sustainable …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Building Collaborations Leading to Campus Sustainability: Bridgewater State University Center for Sustainability
- Bridgewater State University (MA)
The Center for Sustainability at Bridgewater State University (BSC) fosters the study and application of sustainable practices both on campus and throughout the region. The Center was developed as a …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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The Illinois Community College Sustainability Network
- Kankakee Community College (IL)
The estimated 9.6 million Illinois residents over the age of 18 will directly benefit from an organized effort led by community colleges to learn about, and be encouraged to implement, …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Sustainable Agriculture on a Community College Campus
- College of DuPage (IL)
This presentation discusses work at a community college in Chicago's western suburbs, where we combine the interdisciplinary (English and Biology) academic study of food and agriculture with hands-on experience in …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Framing Sustainability using a Range of "Traditionally Conservative" approaches
- Auburn University (AL)
Given the relatively short time frame needed to gather support for sustainability and pressing concerns such as climate change, rapid buy-in from many sectors of society is needed, not just …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Sustainable Societies
- Environic Foundation International, Inc. (MD)
Developing Education for Sustainable Development that includes a balanced examination of social, economic and environmental issues is a challenge. The Environic Foundation International (EFI), in partnership with the United Nations …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Impacting Campus & Community Sustainablility Initiatives Through the Scholarship of Engagement
- Florida State University (FL)
Higher education plays a pivotal role to ensure the world in which we exist is sustainable. We nurture individuals who will live their personal and professional lives based, largely, on …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Higher Education Partnerships for Sustainability: Building Collaborative Networks
- Michigan State University (MI)
- Oakland Community College (MI)
- University of California, Office of the President (CA)
- Yale University (CT)
- National Wildlife Federation (VA)
Many of the challenges campuses face in becoming more sustainable are systemic - the ability to purchase renewable energy, opportunities to finance major infrastructure upgrades, and mandatory construction and purchasing …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Appropedia and Sustainable Development for Improved Service Learning
- Queen's University
By labeling this the "Decade of Education for Sustainable Development" (2005-2014), the United Nations, representing the global community, has emphasized both the urgent need to promote sustainable development and the …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Boldly Sustainable: Developing a Town-Gown Climate Action Plan in Ithaca, NY
- Cornell University (NY)
- Ithaca College (NY)
- Second Nature (MA)
- Affiliated Engineers, Inc. (WI)
- Performance Systems Development (NY)
The success of the ACUPCC depends to a large extent on whether higher education institutions can not only move forward on their own campuses, but also build support for greenhouse …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Working Beyond the Campus with Government to Promote Sustainability
- Eastern Connecticut State University (CT)
Eastern Connecticut State University's Institute for Sustainable Energy (ISE) exemplifies the expanding role of Sustainability Research Centers as it leverages the impartial academic discipline of the University to promote sustainability …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Campus Sustainability Films in a General Education Science Course
- Furman University (SC)
Making students aware of and peaking their interests in campus environmental and sustainability initiatives can be difficult, given students wide range of interests and competing demands for their time. I …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Sustainability in Education Abroad
- Keene State College (NH)
- Living Routes, Inc. (MA)
- CIEE (ME)
International Education exposes students to the world. It also exposes the world to the environmental, economic, and social impacts of travel and program activities. Program decisions about transportation, accommodations, food, …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Together, We Can Do More: Examples of Campus-Community Sustainability Partnership in NH's Monadnock Region
- Antioch University, New England (NH)
- Keene State College (NH)
- City of Keene (NH)
Achieving community sustainability requires striking a balance between social, environmental, and economic costs and benefits. Because no one entity or sector can achieve solutions on its own, sustainability requires collaboration …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Sustainability Education in the Developing World
- Oakland Community College (MI)
- University of Vermont (VT)
- SolarQuest (VT)
Of the more than 3 billion people currently living in the world's urban areas, over 2 billion are in less-developed regions. By 2015, these regions will include an estimated 3.2 …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Chico and Butte: Working Together for Sustainability On Campus and Beyond
- Butte College (CA)
- California State University, Chico (CA)
Butte Community College and California State University, Chico have embraced the concept of sustainable development as part of their individual strategic plans, and as a way of connecting to and …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Partnering for Sustainable Transportation in Greensboro, NC
- Martin-Alexiou-Bryson PLLC (NC)
- City of Greensboro (NC)
Fall 2006 marked the beginning of Higher Education Area Transit (HEAT) service in Greensboro, NC. Initiated by the Greensboro Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (GUAMPO) and the Greensboro Transit Authority …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Lighten Up Caroline - A Community Project For Energy Efficiency
- Cornell University (NY)
- Town of Caroline (NY)
On Saturday, April 19th, 2008, approximately 90 volunteers distributed one compact fluorescent lightbulb (CFL) in a reusable bag containing information about household energy conservation and CFL use and recycling to …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Can Higher Education Change Regional Culture? How Pittsburgh's Universities are Leading a Transition Toward Sustainability
- Duquesne University (PA)
- EvolveEA (PA)
This presentation looks to (1) juxtapose potential approaches to engaging in university sustainability planning and implementation in two local urban case studies, (2) describe emerging opportunities for increased inter-university best …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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A Case Study in Partnership and Collaboration: The Home Depot Smart Home at Duke University
- Duke University (NC)
- SmithGroup (MI)
The presentation will focus on the Home Depot Smart Home as a case study of the integration and collaboration of an Institution's administration, faculty, students, and the design team in …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Walking the Talk Together: Queen's University's Sustainability Collaboration Model
- Queen's University
Sustainability and collaboration are among today's popular buzz words. However, rigid organizational lines, resource challenges, and a fast-paced environment severely constrain well-intended efforts. There is no shortage of great ideas, …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Rational Resource Management: The Case EARTH University, Costa Rica
- EARTH University
EARTH University, located on an 8,000 acre property in the lowlands of Costa Rica, Central America, is a private, international, university dedicated to education in the agricultural sciences and natural …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Academics in Action: Bridging the Gap Between the Classroom and the Community
- Grand Valley State University (MI)
In his 1949 polemic, "The Land Ethic," Aldo Leopold notes that the conventional answer to the question of how to develop an environmental conscience/consciousness is "more education" however, he also …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Sustainable Growth - On Campus and Beyond
- LaGrange College (GA)
LaGrange College has partnered with the City of LaGrange and CIFAL Atlanta (a branch of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research) in presenting yearly workshops to promote the …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Designing and Developing Service Learning Pedagogy in Support of Sustainability
- University of Florida (FL)
Service learning has become a recognized form of pedagogy in University graduate and undergraduate education. The term takes a variety of forms including structured internships, design and policy studios, law …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Green Campus 101: Harnessing Energy for Change
- Alliance to Save Energy (CA)
Universities represent a unique testing ground to address energy issues, as demonstrated by the Alliance to Save Energy's Green Campus Program. This presentation will showcase transferable best practices of a …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Partnering with Industry to Create Sustainable Changes
- California State University, Chico (CA)
The Concrete Industry Management Program is a four year degree program that developed from a recognition that this industry did not have a workforce with the skills needed to pull …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Double Dipping: Combining Research and Outreach in a Sustainability Service Learning Project
- California State University, Sacramento (CA)
Students in an introductory environmental science course for non-majors participated in a service learning project for Earth Day 2008 that combined outreach to fellow students and data collection for research …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Prairie Restoration and Community Building through Service Learning
- Carthage College (WI)
In a unique partnership, Carthage College and Harborside Academy (a high school specializing in expeditionary learning) recently paired with a local nature center in Kenosha, Wisconsin to design and implement …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Our Words Create Worlds
- Case Western Reserve University (OH)
Sustainability is a new arrival to higher education, enjoying increasing acceptance by colleges and universities in a little more than a decade. Colleges and universities have been quick to embrace …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Dialogs in Green: Creating a Climate of Sustainability, Community, and Diversity at Colorado State University.
- Colorado State University (CO)
What is a climate of sustainability for a land grant institution's campus? Colorado State University is a land grant institution of 24,000 students located in the foothills of the Rocky …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Sustainability as An Integrative Strategy for Promoting Interdisciplinary Education and Community Action
- Florida Gulf Coast University (FL)
The term "sustainability" is used increasingly in international dialogues on topics ranging from economic recessions to renewable energy sources and global warming. It is viewed with some justification as a …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Going Beyond the Classroom to Study Sustainability: How to Design Community-based Experiential Learning Courses
- International Sustainable Development Studies Institute (Chiang Mai)
Education about sustainability should incorporate not just new ideas, but also innovative approaches to teaching. This presentation focuses on one such method-lessons learned and how to design experiential community-based courses. …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Show Me the Money: Resources for Campus Sustainability Programs
- Ithaca College (NY)
How do you create a shared institutional understanding of and support for campus sustainability? How can you create "coalitions of the willing" to support curriculum development, campus operational modifications, and …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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After the Election - Making Policies That Sustain Us
- Michigan State University (MI)
As we fret over the best approaches to the unraveling of our ecosystems and communities, we often fall back to what we can do as individuals. With the current rise …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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The Campus and Community, Tools for Teaching Sustainability: An Examination of a Service-Learning Project
- Northern Arizona University (AZ)
This presentation will focus on a service-learning project that utilized the campus and community as tools to help teach sustainability in an introductory undergraduate course in Environmental Humanities. In this …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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NYSERDA's Ongoing Relationships with New York State Colleges & Universities
- New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) (NY)
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is a public benefit corporation with a mission to use innovation and technology to solve some of New York's energy and …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Teaching Sustainability: Engaging Students in Developing Local Sustainability Indicators
- Oberlin College (OH)
Students play an important role in defining the culture and spirit of a campus and engaging them in sustainability initiatives on campus and beyond is an important component of the …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Integration of Community and College: Farmers Market at Paul Smiths College
- Paul Smith's College of Arts & Sciences (NY)
June 30th, 2008 marks the second season of the Adirondack Farmers' Market Cooperative at the Paul Smiths College's campus, a small, rural college in upstate New York. This year, the …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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Sustainability & Pepperdine University: A Contradiction in Terms?
- Pepperdine University (CA)
A central Christian metaphor is being "a light on a hill." Applying this metaphor to our current ecological crisis, this presentation considers whether or not a Christian college or university …
- Posted Feb. 26, 2016
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A Partnership Model: Emergent Properties of Learning and Leadership for Sustainability
- Prescott College (AZ)
The most fertile field of sustainability and sustainability education is caught in a tension between those who seek nature-based designs and solutions to human predicament and those who seek human-based …
- 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.
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.