Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 53.85
Liaison Jennifer Goree
Submission Date Nov. 26, 2018
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

Clemson University
EN-3: Student Life

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 2.00 / 2.00 Jennifer Goree
Director of Healthy Campus
Chair, Sustainability Commission
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Student Groups 

Does the institution have one or more active student groups focused on sustainability?:
Yes

A brief description of active student groups focused on sustainability:
• Solid Green Student Club - The Solid Green brand is displayed throughout campus and is synonymous with environmental sustainability throughout our campus. The Solid Green student club has had tremendous success with recycling and anti-litter campaigns on campus, which took off in 2009. Today, Solid Green is seeking to do more with sustainability to provide a more inclusive coalition that will include members that represent all pillars of sustainability. This includes environmental, social, cultural, business, and professional clubs. The Solid Green Student Coalition will serve as a clearinghouse for sustainability projects happening on campus, and will coordinate sustainable projects of their own. • EcoReps - EcoReps began in the fall of 2011 as a means to engage Clemson’s on-campus student population in sustainability education. Since its inception, dozens of students have been directly involved in sustainable activities and initiatives each year. These students have had opportunities to coordinate campus cleanups, assist with institutional initiatives such as Recyclemania, partner with third party organizations, and numerous other events and initiatives. Prior to the summer of 2016, involvement in the program was open to any number of students and was not limited to those students who lived on campus. During the summer of 2016, substantial restructuring took place in order to better integrate EcoReps with other student leadership groups within University Housing. These changes include incorporating EcoReps into community councils, limiting program involvement to students living on campus, and the development of a curricular framework. • CUSG Sustainability Committee - Clemson University's Undergraduate Student Government has established the Sustainability Committee in order to unite all sustainability efforts on campus and better connect the undergraduate student body and the administration in sustainability issues. Some duties include organizing sustainability week, communicating with administration, coordinating efforts among sustainability-related organizations and individuals, raising awareness, educating about sustainability and conducting various sustainability projects.

The website URL where information about the student groups is available (optional):

Gardens and Farms 

Does the institution have gardens, farms, community supported agriculture (CSA) or fishery programs, and/or urban agriculture projects where students are able to gain experience in organic agriculture and sustainable food systems?:
Yes

A brief description of the gardens, farms, community supported agriculture (CSA) or fishery programs, and/or urban agriculture projects:
• Student Organic Farm - The Student Organic Farm is managed onsite by a full time farm manager who reports to the chair of the Student Organic Farm Advisory Committee; made up of faculty, research associates, and extension personnel. The SOF Advisory Committee is tasked with finding ways to incorporate research projects and new opportunities into the farm project while keeping the program relevant and competitive. The Clemson University Student Organic Farm farm began marketing produce to the public in 2002. The now 100+ member CSA program provides weekly shares of freshly harvested organic produce to Clemson faculty, staff, students, and the general public for 28 weeks of the year. Surplus produce is sold to nearby restaurants and markets specializing in local foods. The Student Organic Farm offers (2) fourteen week sessions: Summer CSA and Fall CSA. Typically the contents of each share include some combination of a variety of vegetables, fruits, herbs, or cut flowers, and occasionally honey. Shareholders can sign up for one or both of the fourteen week sessions. • CSArt - Over the last 20 years, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) has become a popular way for consumers to buy seasonal food directly from local farms. With the same buy-local spirit in mind, Community Supported Art is a similar endeavor to support local art, artists, and collectors and to create a unique shopping experience. o https://www.clemson.edu/centers-institutes/cva/csart/index.html • Tiger Gardens CI – Research suggests that failure to link agricultural production with human nutrition and health has led to the development of unhealthy food systems. Malnutrition and high-calorie linked chronic diseases are results of unhealthy food systems. A sensible and quick approach to combat nutritional challenges would be to increase dietary diversity, in which vegetables play a central role to provide a range of essential nutrients. This Creative Inquiry project provides an introduction to vegetable production, value addition, and nutrition. Students are expected to develop a home garden model to provide year-round nutritious vegetables (especially micronutrients and vegetable proteins) to a small family. The project includes multiple semesters with regular 1 hr. lectures and hands-on practicum for 2 hrs./week. o http://ci.clemson.edu/forms/find_a_project/details.php?project=1094 • Aquaponics CI, Lance Beecher - Clemson Aquaponics is a student organization whose purpose is to bring knowledge as well as produce to Clemson and surrounding areas. o https://www.facebook.com/pg/ClemsonAquaponics/about/?ref=page_internal

The website URL where information about the gardens, farms or agriculture projects is available (optional):

Student-Run Enterprises 

Does the institution have student-run enterprises that include sustainability as part of their mission statements or stated purposes (e.g. cafés through which students gain sustainable business skills)?:
Yes

A brief description of the student-run enterprises:
• Paw Pantry - The Paw Pantry is a community-wide movement to reduce food insecurity and promote well-being at Clemson. Congruent with Clemson’s ethic of care for one another, we strive to ensure students’ foundational and nutritional needs are met.

The website URL where information about the student-run enterprises is available (optional):

Sustainable Investment and Finance 

Does the institution have sustainable investment funds, green revolving funds or sustainable microfinance initiatives through which students can develop socially, environmentally and fiscally responsible investment and financial skills?:
Yes

A brief description of the sustainable investment funds, green revolving funds or sustainable microfinance initiatives:
• Student Sustainable Initiative Fund - A student proposed fund to stimulate sustainability projects on Clemson’s campus. By providing funding for student projects, the Student Sustainability Initiative empowers students to be at the forefront of Clemson’s sustainability efforts. We exist to equip our classmates to create innovative projects - ones that impact our campus. o http://www.clemsonssi.org • Green Revolving Fund – Sustainable Energy Funds (SEFs) are an accounting mechanism used to improve energy efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint of an institution. Many universities across the country have developed SEFs as a means to reduce energy consumption and help meet sustainability goals. Clemson would benefit from a SEF in the same way. o https://cufacilities.sites.clemson.edu/utilities/sef

The website URL where information about the sustainable investment funds, green revolving funds or sustainable microfinance initiatives is available (optional):

Events 

Does the institution have conferences, speaker series, symposia or similar events related to sustainability that have students as the intended audience?:
Yes

A brief description of the conferences, speaker series, symposia or similar events related to sustainability:
• Women’s Leadership Conference - The Women's Leadership Conference began with students and staff who were passionate about women's leadership. The annual conference has grown into an incredibly successful program that builds capacity and efficacy in leadership, giving conference attendees knowledge about issues in women's leadership and knowledge, skills and values to engage in the leadership process.

The website URL where information about the conferences, speaker series, symposia or similar events related to sustainability is available (optional):

Cultural Arts 

Does the institution have cultural arts events, installations or performances related to sustainability that have students as the intended audience?:
Yes

A brief description of the cultural arts events, installations or performances related to sustainability:
• Lee Hall Gallery - The Lee Gallery provides the university and surrounding community with access to regional, national and international artists through a variety of exhibitions and special events. o https://www.clemson.edu/centers-institutes/cva/lee-gallery/ • Gantt Multicultural Center - The Harvey and Lucinda Gantt Multicultural Center is committed to creating diverse learning environments that enhance the intercultural competence of our students. The center supports and advocates for the needs of all students, challenges students to think critically about themselves and their communities, provides engaging experiential learning opportunities and empowers students to be positive change agents. o https://www.clemson.edu/centers-institutes/gantt/ • Brooks Center - Established in 1994, the Brooks Center has been the hub for the performing arts in Clemson for more than two decades. This 87,000-square-foot facility serves as a professional roadhouse, hosting world-class professional dance, theatre, and musical performances throughout the academic year in its spacious, yet intimate, 979-seat proscenium auditorium. Its 100-seat blackbox theatre is home to exciting student theatre performances, and a small recital hall serves as a multi-purpose space for classes, gatherings, and student performances. o https://www.clemson.edu/centers-institutes/brooks/about/index.html

The website URL where information about the cultural arts events, installations or performances is available (optional):

Wilderness and Outdoors Programs 

Does the institution have wilderness or outdoors programs (e.g. that organize hiking, backpacking, kayaking, or other outings for students) that follow Leave No Trace principles?:
Yes

A brief description of the wilderness or outdoors programs that follow Leave No Trace principles:
The Clemson University Outdoor Recreation and Education Program provides the Clemson University community with opportunities to participate in a variety of outdoor adventure activities. Trips and instructional programs are scheduled throughout the year and include adventure activities such as: backpacking, whitewater rafting, paddleboarding, sea kayaking, skiing, and rock climbing. Trips are designed for every skill level, from the beginner to the advanced adventurer. As part of CORE's commitment to education, skills workshops are also offered in areas such as Leave No Trace, rock climbing, whitewater kayaking, and bicycle maintenance. In addition to these programs, CORE also provides an outdoor equipment rental service, a commuter bike program, and staff who can serve as knowledgeable resources to help people plan their own adventure trips.

The website URL where information about the wilderness or outdoors programs is available (optional):
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Sustainability-Related Themes 

Does the institution have sustainability-related themes chosen for themed semesters, years, or first-year experiences (e.g. choosing a sustainability-related book for common reading)?:
No

A brief description of the sustainability-related themes chosen for themed semesters, years, or first-year experiences:
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The website URL where information about the sustainability-related themes is available (optional):
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Sustainable Life Skills 

Does the institution have programs through which students can learn sustainable life skills?:
Yes

A brief description of the programs through which students can learn sustainable life skills:
Leisure skills courses – Organic Gardening The Student Organic Farm relies heavily on student involvement in all aspects of farm management, production and marketing. It offers research opportunities for graduate students, and also provides undergraduate students of any discipline with hands-on experience in organic and sustainable production systems, with opportunities for Creative Inquiry research projects.

The website URL where information about the sustainable life skills programs is available (optional):

Student Employment Opportunities 

Does the institution offer sustainability-focused student employment opportunities?:
Yes

A brief description of the sustainability-focused student employment opportunities offered by the institution:
• CU Sustainability Commission Intern • Housing and Dining Sustainability Interns and Graduate Assistant • Aramark Sustainability Interns • University Facilities Recycling Interns

The website URL where information about the student employment opportunities is available:

Graduation Pledge

Does the institution have graduation pledges through which students pledge to consider social and environmental responsibility in future job and other decisions?:
No

A brief description of the graduation pledges:
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The website URL where information about the graduation pledges is available (optional):
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Other Programs and Initiatives 

Does the institution have other co-curricular sustainability programs and initiatives?:
Yes

A brief description of the other co-curricular sustainability programs and initiatives:
• Alternative fall and spring trips - Clemson University's Alternative Break Program or ABP, provides a unique opportunity for students to join fellow Tigers to participate in service! During this experience you will have the opportunity to travel, learn about other communities, address social issues, and to make friends! o https://www.clemson.edu/campus-life/activities-events/student-activities/slce/programs/alternative-break.html • Engineers without Borders - Clemson University Engineers Without Borders (CU-EWB) is a service organization affiliated with Engineers Without Borders USA. In this organization, students work to identify problems in developing countries and work to develop sustainable solutions throughout the semester. Once the projects have been thoroughly planned, a team of students will travel to the country to implement them. This chapter has ongoing projects in Nicaragua and the Gambia and has completed previous projects in Nicaragua and Liberia. Through Clemson's Creative Inquiry (CI) program, members have the option to receive class credit for their work. o https://clemson.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/ewb

The website URL where information about other co-curricular sustainability programs and initiatives is available (optional):

Optional Fields 

Estimated percentage of students (full-time and part-time) that participate annually in sustainability-focused co-curricular education and outreach programs (0-100):
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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.