Wellbeing & Work
Introduction
An institution’s people define its character and capacity to perform; and so, an institution’s achievements can only be as strong as its community. An institution can bolster the strength of its community by offering benefits, wages, and other assistance that serve to respectfully and ethically compensate workers and by acting to protect and positively affect the health, safety and wellbeing of the campus community.
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Sustainability Change Agent Campfire Stories: Navigating Inherent Tensions
- Georgetown University (DC)
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MA)
- Stanford University (CA)
- University of California, Office of the President (CA)
Sustainability work in higher education requires a straddling of multiple dualities such as academic/operational, incremental/transformational, deliberative pace/sense of urgency, and risk averse/risk taking. This session will introduce the concept of …
- Posted May 17, 2023
- Conference Presentations
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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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Pregnant and Parenting Students Belonging and Thriving Framework
- California Polytechnic State University (CA)
- AASHE (MA)
College success for pregnant and parenting students has important implications for racial, ethnic, and economic equity in higher education. Among students of color, one in three black students, one in …
- Posted May 11, 2023
- Videos & Webinars
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Auburn University Earth Day 2023
- Auburn University (AL)
Earth Day is an annual event created to celebrate the environment and demonstrate support for environmental protection. More than one billion people in 192 countries participate in Earth Day activities …
- Posted May 10, 2023
- Photographs
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Auburn University Earth Day 2023
- Auburn University (AL)
Earth Day is an annual event created to celebrate the environment and demonstrate support for environmental protection. More than one billion people in 192 countries participate in Earth Day activities …
- Posted May 10, 2023
- Photographs
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Auburn University Earth Day 2023
- Auburn University (AL)
Earth Day is an annual event created to celebrate the environment and demonstrate support for environmental protection. More than one billion people in 192 countries participate in Earth Day activities …
- Posted May 10, 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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Northwestern Bird Watching Walk
- Northwestern University (IL)
The campus community was invited to join in experiencing the birds that call our campus home as well as those migrating through. An introduction to bird watching and some tips …
- Posted May 2, 2023
- Photographs
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Stan State Eco Challenge 2023
- California State University, Stanislaus (CA)
During Earth Month, Stan State University's Capital Projects & Facilities Management (CPFM) part-takes annually in Eco Challenge! Here is our stat during Earth Day! As a team we practice mindful …
- Posted April 24, 2023
- Photographs
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Bicycle Fleet Expansion
- University of Cincinnati (OH)
As part of our commitment with the environment, our community and as a Bicycle Friendly University, we have expanded our bike fleet in order to keep up with the high …
- Posted Feb. 23, 2023
- Case Studies
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Webinar #3: 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. 14, 2022
- Videos & Webinars
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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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Constructing a Transformative Sustainability Pedagogy: Teacher Empowerment for a Sustainable Future.
- University of Oulu
The article demonstrates an action research approach for constructing Transformative Sustainability Pedagogy (TSP) to empower teachers for a sustainable future. The starting point for the TSP was a Transformative Education …
- Posted Aug. 9, 2022
- Publications
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UMN Morris student explaining the electric bike program to community members
- University of Minnesota, Morris (MN)
UMN Morris student, August Bushy, is explaining more about the UMN Morris and Regional Fitness Center electric bike program collaboration.
- Posted Aug. 1, 2022
- Photographs
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Carleton University - Top Performer 2022 SCI submission
- Carleton University (ON)
Images showing water use, campus views and student wellbeing.
- Posted July 25, 2022
- Photographs
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MS in Environmental Health Science Occupational Hygiene and Safety Track
- University of Sharjah
The Department of Environmental Health Science has launched its graduate program, Master of Science in Environmental Health, in Fall 2020-2021 after receiving its initial accreditation from UAE Ministry of Education. …
- Posted June 10, 2022
- Academic Programs
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Short Program in Resilience, Risks and Disasters
- Université du Québec à Montréal (Québec)
The activities of the short program aim at the development of fundamental skills in disaster risk reduction so that they can be integrated into professional practice. By virtue of the …
- Posted June 10, 2022
- Academic Programs
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MS Occupational and Environmental Health and Safety
- Ollscoil na Gaillimhe - University of Galway (Co. Galway)
This programme’s objective is to provide you with a high quality qualification in the multidisciplinary area of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), enabling you to take on managerial responsibilities within …
- Posted June 10, 2022
- Academic Programs
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Embracing higher education leadership in sustainability: A systematic review
- Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha
Education has long been praised for its economic benefits, which stem from the developed technical skills and improved health conditions it promotes. Nonetheless, improving the quality of education, including sustainability, …
- Posted May 11, 2022
- Publications
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Enabling students to face the environmental crisis and climate change with resilience: inclusive environmental and sustainability education approaches and strategies for coping with eco-anxiety
- University of Winnipeg (MB)
- Université de Saint-Boniface (MB)
As university educators, we should educate students to be able to address the challenges presented by the environmental crisis and climate change by being responsible eco-citizens, and creative, solution-oriented thinkers. …
- Posted May 11, 2022
- Publications
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Perspectives of the academic employees on university social responsibility: a survey study
- University of Lodz
This study aims to investigate differences and similarities in the approach to understanding university social responsibility (USR) among the academic and university administrative staff.
- Posted May 11, 2022
- Publications
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Developing a Framework for Understanding the Personal Motivations of Sustainability Leaders
- University of Surrey
- Ateneo de Manila University
This study explores the initial and sustaining motivations that drive leaders to pursue sustainability as a profession or vocation. Exploratory interviews were conducted with 16 sustainability leaders in the Philippines …
- Posted May 11, 2022
- Publications
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Exploring sustainability cross‐culturally: Employees' beliefs on green behaviors
- Concordia University (IL)
- Universidad Surcolombiana
This study explores antecedent beliefs associated with green workplace behaviors within various cultures. Semi-directed interviews were conducted with non-academic employees of Canadian and Colombian universities in order to identify their …
- Posted May 11, 2022
- Publications
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Self-construal types and organizational citizenship behavior for the environment of employees in a university
- Adekunle Ajasin University
In researching into workplace pro-environmental behaviors, there is sparse evidence on self-construals with dimensions of organizational citizenship behavior for the environment (OCBE), particularly among university employees. To fill this gap, …
- Posted May 11, 2022
- Publications
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Development and Application of the Just Employment Policy Assessment in American Higher Education Institutions
- University of Toronto (ON)
The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened the visibility of economic inequality and the inadequacy of current minimum wage laws in the United States. Changes in the minimum wage, a living wage, …
- Posted May 11, 2022
- Publications
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sustainNU Holds Soundwalk
- Northwestern University (IL)
Teaching artists from the Midwest Society for Acoustical Ecology led participants in an exploration of Northwestern University's Evanston campus soundscape. Attendees focused on specific sounds of their environment that they …
- Posted May 4, 2022
- Photographs
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Plant Sale and Compost Giveback
- City University of New York, College of Staten Island (NY)
On April 11th, as part of our Earth Month activities at the College of Staten Island (CSI). This was CSI Sustainability's second plant sale of the season and gave away …
- Posted May 2, 2022
- Photographs
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CONTINGENT WORKFORCE: Size, Characteristics, Compensation, and Work Experiences of Adjunct and Other Non-Tenure-Track Faculty
- U.S. Government Accountability Office (DC)
According to 2015 Department of Education data, contingent faculty—those employed outside of the tenure track—made up about 70 percent of postsecondary instructional positions nationwide, though this varied by type of …
- Posted April 28, 2022
- Publications
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Society’s Grand Challenges: Insights from Psychological Science - Global Climate Change
- American Psychological Association
As a society, we face many challenges, and we depend on science to help. Whether we seek to halt global climate change, cure devastating diseases, reduce crime, end poverty, diminish …
- Posted April 28, 2022
- Publications
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UConn Earth Day Spring Fling Goat Yoga
- University of Connecticut (CT)
The UConn Office of Sustainability hosted its annual sustainability festival called Earth Day Spring Fling (EDSF) on April 20th, 2022. The event featured an outdoor zero-waste barbeque, Environmental Art Exhibit, …
- Posted April 25, 2022
- Photographs
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Five overlooked dimensions of campus wellness: Qualitative lessons from a Health Sciences Center’s wellness program evaluation
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans (LA)
Objective: Successful university wellness programs approach wellness holistically and regularly assess for improvements to program offerings. This case-study reports five lessons learned from a university wellness program evaluation that must …
- Posted April 25, 2022
- Publications
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‘Look to the young’- a study on climate change coping, emotion, and hope among emerging adults
- Uppsala University
Climate change is already happening, but the long-term effects will be noticed by today’s young and future generations. Today’s young people will need to be part of mitigating emissions and …
- Posted March 10, 2022
- Publications
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Promoting Sustainable Menstruation On Campus and Beyond
- AASHE (MA)
- Dot Cup (IL)
- Dallas College (TX)
Menstrual cups offer a sustainable solution to the environmental impact of tampons and pads and offer a solution for people who menstruate who, either because of location or economic insecurity, …
- Posted March 10, 2022
- Videos & Webinars
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Nature Rx: Using Collaborations to Highlight and Harness the Healing Power of Nature
- University of Kentucky (KY)
- AASHE (MA)
Nature, even just a view of green space, is healing and restorative in many ways. Public and campus greenspaces represent preventative resources, available to all, that can help combat historic …
- Posted Feb. 3, 2022
- Videos & Webinars
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Why Your Institution Doesn't Know What it's Doing With Telework and What to do About It
- George Mason University (VA)
During the first year and a half of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is still ongoing, many institutions transitioned to telework for all employees able to do so. However, as we …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- Conference Presentations
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Sustainability Professionals Expanding Beyond Sustainability
- Bentley University (MA)
- Smith College (MA)
- UMass Chan Medical School (MA)
- GreenerU (MA)
This panel will be a conversion among sustainability professionals who have taken the step from leading an institution's sustainability effort to also lead in other areas of the institution. Examples …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- Conference Presentations
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Creating Body Centered Action
- Appalachian State University (NC)
- Chatham University (PA)
Awakening somatic intelligence and understanding sustainable body practices are important components of an enlarged conversation of sustainability. When considering our whole being, any situation that affects our physical body also …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- Conference Presentations
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Building a Resilient and Just Society Through Retirement Programs
- Arizona State University (AZ)
- Natixis Investment Managers (MA)
- PRM Consulting Group (DC)
Many colleges and universities are working to align their education, research, and operations with the Sustainable Development Goals. While many have taken steps to integrate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- Conference Presentations
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Lessons of Sustainability Learned as a Disaster Mental Health Counselor
- California State University, Stanislaus (CA)
Providing services as a disaster mental health counselor involves the following for survivors: understanding their expectable reactions, employing short-term interventions, restoring their personal safety, utilizing multicultural competency and awareness, and …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- Conference Presentations
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Conducting Campus Dining Operations Successfully in the Middle of a Pandemic
- Mount Holyoke College (MA)
Mount Holyoke College started tracking food waste with the Leanpath food waste prevention system in October of 2019. With the onset of the Covid 19 pandemic in early 2020 the …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- Conference Presentations
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Leveraging Change Communication & Management Theories for Sustainable Employee Behavior Change
- University of Pittsburgh (PA)
The last year has been extremely stressful with the Covid-19 global pandemic, sustainability crises looming, and employee burnout across sectors. So how do we build a suite of programs that …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- Conference Presentations
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Keeping Campus' Buildings Healthy: Managing 3D Printer Emissions for Occupant Safety and Health
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas (TX)
- UL (Underwriters Laboratories) (IL)
Years of research prove that designing, operating and managing our buildings with a focus on good indoor air quality (IAQ) is essential to protect the health and productivity of building …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- Conference Presentations
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Assessing Food Security in Higher Education
- Arizona State University (AZ)
- Michigan State University (MI)
Food security exists when all people in a community, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- Conference Presentations
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TreeCATs (Collegiate Arborist Trainings): A Model for Campus Tree Engagement
- University of Kentucky (KY)
The TreeCATs (Collegiate Arborist Training) workshops, facilitated by the UK Urban Forest Initiative (UFI), promote knowledge, insights, skills, and engagement for college students, emboldening them to take a more active …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- Conference Presentations
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Filling the Education Gap for Agenda 2030: SDG Academy Educational Tools and Partners
- United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (NY)
This discussion will cover filling the gap in higher education systems for Agenda 2030. The mission of the SDG Academy is to create and curate the best educational content on …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- Conference Presentations
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The Sustainability Mindset Indicator
- oikos International
- FOM University of Applied Sciences for Economics and Management
It has become clear that change is urgent in order to halt the many impacts humans have on our planet. Research has shown that if we want to promote engagement …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- Conference Presentations
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20 Paths to a Living Wage Policy: Is Fair Employment in Your Institution's Future?
- Saint Joseph's University (PA)
Raising the federal minimum wage has been discussed by the Biden administration and a living wage is receiving increased attention by public, media, employers, and employees. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- Conference Presentations
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Integrating Wellness and Diversity Into the Sustainability Model
- Augsburg University (MN)
- Bemidji State University (MN)
- St. Catherine University (MN)
The Bemidji State University (BSU) Sustainability Office realized in 2008 that the work they felt called to do required a different visual representation than the typical Venn diagram that includes …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- Conference Presentations
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Healing to Transform - A Trauma-Informed Approach to Education for Sustainable Development & Wellbeing
- Arizona State University (AZ)
Our society and our planet are desperate for healing from embodied trauma passed on from generation to generation—be it fueled by institutionalized racism, forced displacement, gender and economic inequality, resource …
- Posted Jan. 21, 2022
- 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 12: Employee Compensation
- Local living wage for a family of 4
- Percent of employees that receive a living wage
- Living wage policy or commitment
- Website URL - Employee compensation
PA 13: Assessing Employee Satisfaction
- Methodology for evaluating employee satisfaction and engagement
- Website URL - Assessing employee satisfaction
PA 14: Wellness program
- Description of the institution’s wellness program
- Smoke-free policy (upload)
- Smoke-free policy (description)
- Website URL - Wellness programs
PA 14: Workplace Health & Safety
- Annual number of employee work-related injury incidents per 100 FTE employees
- Website URL - Workplace health and safety
Additional analysis on scores and quantitative fields can be conducted using the STARS Benchmarking Tool.