Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 60.78
Liaison Jessica Bowen
Submission Date March 4, 2019
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

Aquinas College
OP-18: Support for Sustainable Transportation

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.40 / 2.00 Jessica Eimer Bowen
Director of Sustainability
Center for Sustainability
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Does the institution provide secure bicycle storage (not including office space), shower facilities, and lockers for bicycle commuters?:
Yes

A brief description of the facilities for bicycle commuters:

In Aquinas' Sturrus Sports and Fitness Center, locker rooms with showers are available for student, staff, and faculty use.


Does the institution provide short-term bicycle parking for all occupied buildings and makes long-term bicycle storage available for students who live on-site (if applicable)?:
Yes

A brief description of the bicycle parking and storage facilities:

A combination of inverted-U racks and hanging wall mount racks are located by all buildings across campus for secure bicycle storage. The large residence halls on campus also provided indoor storage for winter months in large storage closets.


Does the institution have a bicycle and pedestrian plan or policy (or adhere to a local community plan/policy) that sets standards and practices for campus streets to enable safe access for all users?:
No

A brief description of the bicycle and pedestrian plan or policy:
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Does the institution have a bicycle-sharing program or participate in a local bicycle-sharing program?:
Yes

A brief description of the bicycle sharing program:

Aquinas offer bike rentals by the day, weekend, or quad for a small fee. Each bike is inspected before and after use and equipped with a quality bike lock and helmet for safety and security. Students, faculty, and staff can even rent a tandem bike for riding around our community.


Does the institution offer free or reduced price transit passes and/or operate a free campus shuttle for commuters?:
Yes

A brief description of the mass transit programs:

With an Aquinas ID, students and employees can ride the rapid bus system for only $0.25 per ride.


Does the institution offer a guaranteed return trip program to regular users of alternative modes of transportation?:
No

A brief description of the guaranteed return trip program:
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Does the institution participate in a car/vanpool or ride sharing program and/or offer reduced parking fees or preferential parking for car/vanpoolers?:
Yes

A brief description of the carpool/vanpool program:

Aquinas has preferred “carpool” parking in the Wege Lot and the Library lot. To utilize a carpool space a vehicle must have a valid Aquinas parking permit and a minimum of three occupants commuting to campus together. All occupants must check in at the Campus Safety office together to receive the permit. In addition, we have a virtual space where members of the Aquinas Community can post carpooling opportunities and find carpooling options called "Rideshare."

The Rapid Van Pool Program is perfect for people with long commutes who are interested in "sharing the ride." The Rapid provides vans to van pooling groups on a month to month basis, for a small fee. All staff, faculty, and students of Aquinas College who regularly use a Rapid Van Pool, may seek reimbursement up to $22 per month.


Does the institution participate in a car sharing program, such as a commercial car-sharing program, one administered by the institution, or one administered by a regional organization?:
No

A brief description of the car sharing program:

N/A


Does the institution have one or more Level 2 or Level 3 electric vehicle recharging stations that are accessible to student and employee commuters?:
No

A brief description of the electric vehicle recharging stations:

n/a


Does the institution offer a telecommuting program for employees as a matter of policy or as standard practice?:
No

A brief description of the telecommuting program:

n/a


Does the institution offer a condensed work week option that reduces employee commuting (as a matter of policy or standard practice)?:
Yes

A brief description of the condensed work week option:

During summer months, Aquinas employees have the option of working a 4 day work week.


Does the institution have incentives or programs to encourage employees to live close to campus?:
No

A brief description of the incentives or programs to encourage employees to live close to campus:

n/a


Does the institution employ other strategies to reduce the impact of commuting (e.g. preferred parking for fuel-efficient vehicles, cash-out of parking programs)?:
Yes

A brief description of other strategies to reduce the impact of commuting:

Aquinas College parking permit fees were increased to encourage people to seek out alternative methods of transportation.


The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.