California State University, Stanislaus
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

"In May 2014, the CSU Board of Trustees adopted the first systemwide Sustainability Policy. This policy, reflecting years of discussion and development, applies sustainable principles across all areas of university operations, expanding beyond facilities operations and utility management. This
expansion was both a reaction to and a catalyst for the changing sustainability landscape within the CSU and higher education in general. The 2014 Sustainability Policy seeks to integrate sustainability into all facets of the CSU, including academics, facilities operations, the built environment, and
student life." More information is available at: https://www2.calstate.edu/impact-of-the-csu/sustainability/Documents/2014-17-Sustainability.pdf

From the Stan State Sustainability website: https://www.csustan.edu/sustainability/about

Sustainability is a global issue that encompasses virtually every aspect of our lives, so it is a challenge to provide a single, universally recognized definition. The most frequently quoted definition is from Our Common Future, also known as the Brundtland Report: "Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."

At Stanislaus State, we view sustainability as a shared opportunity for improving the quality of life for all—environmentally, socially, and economically—now and for future generations.

Sustainable Development Goals
"The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries - developed and developing - in a global partnership. They recognize that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests" (UN.org).

From the Stanislaus State Strategic Plan: “Together, our community overcomes continual challenges to provide educational access to a geographically large six-county region of students who are often underserved and at-risk in numerous ways.”

“Since its creation, Stanislaus State has contributed significantly to the betterment of the region, state, nation and world in ways that are unique to, and integrated in, our mission, vision, and values. Our contributions to the public good are observed through 4 the following themes: high quality educational programs; commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice; focus on service learning and community engagement; preparation of students to contribute to the economic growth and vitality of the Central Valley; regional partnerships and community organizations; and the research, scholarship and creative activity created by students, faculty, staff, and administrators at Stan State.”

Sustainability is included as a major theme in the California State University Stanislaus (Stanislaus State, Stan State) strategic plan, as indicated in the following major institutional goals, in particular, and through multiple sustainability-focused objectives, with a focus on diversity and inclusion as a key pillar.

Goal 1: Be a student-ready university.
• Objective A: Plan, implement, refine and institutionalize five or more specialized high quality programs and services that collectively offer wide accessibility and provide support to all of our students, though some may focus on a specific set of needs (e.g., freshman, transfer, graduate students, first-generation, underserved and underrepresented minorities, Pell-eligible).
• Objective B: Enhance or establish five or more institutional structures and/or activities that support building intra-personal connections and resources by fostering important aspects of the educational experience outside of formal teaching settings, such as development of authentic relationships, a culture of care, sense of belongingness for students, faculty, staff, and the community.

Goal 2: Provide transformational learning experiences driven by faculty success.
• Objective E: Champion diversity and inclusion in all that we do as a campus community.

Goal 3: Boldly pursue innovation and creativity.
• Objective B: Develop four new academic pathways and programs (e.g., undergraduate as well as graduate, interdisciplinary) that are responsive to community needs and that prepare students for a dynamic workplace with emergent new professions. In particular, Strategy 4. Develop new academic programs that prepare students for careers related to sustainability/environment which also address important issues unique to the Central Valley and Foothills of our service region (e.g, water resources/policy).

Goal 4: Hone administrative efficacy through thoughtful stewardship of resources.
• Objective A: Improve ten or more administrative practices and processes.
• Objective D: Enhance the aesthetics, accessibility, and functionality of our campus facilities. In particular, Strategy 5. Increase the university’s commitment to building a “green” campus through enhanced sustainability efforts. Take steps annually to reduce waste and energy consumption.

Goal 5: Forge and strengthen bonds with our communities rooted in a shared future.
• Objective A: Fulfill our commitment to meet the higher education needs of the Stockton community through increased investment in the Stockton Center. In particular, Strategy 4. Identify the most appropriate multi-layered approach of High-Impact Practices (HIPs) for traditional, nontraditional, and adult learner students.

Additional detail regarding sustainability-focused strategies for each objective is available in the university strategic plan at: https://reports.aashe.org/media/secure/1011/8/774/7403/strategic_plan_final_.pdf