| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 66.21 |
| Liaison | Stephen Ellis |
| Submission Date | June 9, 2023 |
Boston University
AC-6: Sustainability Literacy Assessment
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 4.00 |
Lisa
Tornatore Sustainability Director BU Sustainability |
"---"
indicates that no data was submitted for this field
Does the institution conduct an assessment of the sustainability literacy of its students?:
Yes
Which of the following best describes the literacy assessment? The assessment is administered to::
The entire (or predominate) student body, directly or by representative sample
Which of the following best describes the structure of the assessment? The assessment is administered as a::
Standalone evaluation without a follow-up assessment of the same cohort or representative samples
A copy of the questions included in the sustainability literacy assessment(s):
A list or sample of the questions included in the sustainability literacy assessment or the website URL where the assessment tool may be found:
See 'Sustainability Survey 2021' above.
A brief description of how the literacy assessment was developed and/or when it was adopted:
The survey was designed to gauge progress on sustainability awareness at Boston University. Having information about the community's understanding and activities regarding sustainability helps BU Sustainability plan future efforts, programs and communications initiatives. Consistent with the guidelines of STARS, the survey was conceived to contain questions on general sustainability literacy. 1/3 of survey questions related to literacy.
A brief description of how a representative sample was reached (if applicable) and how the assessment(s) were administered :
The sustainability survey is conducted online early in the spring term each year. FY2021's survey was sent out via email in January to all Boston University undergraduate students, graduate students, staff and faculty. Out of the total questions, 33% of questions were related to literacy, 33% of questions were BU-specific, and 33% were behavioral. Students, as well as staff and faculty members who responded to it constitute the representative sample and reflect the general proportions of the BU community as a whole.
A brief summary of results from the literacy assessment(s):
Out of the 2,266 total survey respondents:
1) Which of the following is the most used definition of sustainable development?
- 84% of respondents chose the correct answer. (Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs)
2) Which of the following are among the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals? Select all that apply.
- 87% of respondents chose the correct answer. (Good health and well being; climate action; quality education; clean water and sanitation)
3) Which of the following statements about the relationship between environmental issues and socioeconomic issues is true?
- 78% of respondents chose the correct answer. (Poorer people are disproportionately impacted by climate change because they are more likely to live in areas threatened by water scarcity, vector-borne disease and potential damage from storms and floods.)
4) What is a "food desert"?
- 82% of respondents chose the correct answer. (Urban or rural areas without ready access to fresh, healthy, and affordable food.)
5) Which of the following statements about water is true?
- 86% of respondents chose the correct answer. (Globally, freshwater reserves (aquifers) are used faster than they are replenished)
1) Which of the following is the most used definition of sustainable development?
- 84% of respondents chose the correct answer. (Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs)
2) Which of the following are among the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals? Select all that apply.
- 87% of respondents chose the correct answer. (Good health and well being; climate action; quality education; clean water and sanitation)
3) Which of the following statements about the relationship between environmental issues and socioeconomic issues is true?
- 78% of respondents chose the correct answer. (Poorer people are disproportionately impacted by climate change because they are more likely to live in areas threatened by water scarcity, vector-borne disease and potential damage from storms and floods.)
4) What is a "food desert"?
- 82% of respondents chose the correct answer. (Urban or rural areas without ready access to fresh, healthy, and affordable food.)
5) Which of the following statements about water is true?
- 86% of respondents chose the correct answer. (Globally, freshwater reserves (aquifers) are used faster than they are replenished)
Optional Fields
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
This represents FY2021 BU Metrics.
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.