| Overall Rating | Silver |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 61.50 |
| Liaison | Jennifer Goree |
| Submission Date | June 17, 2024 |
Clemson University
EN-3: Student Life
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 2.00 |
Ashley
Roberts Coordinator for Sustainability Education University Housing |
Does the institution have an active student group focused on sustainability?:
Name and a brief description of the active student groups focused on sustainability:
Solid Green Club - Solid Green is Clemson's official sustainability brand as well as a student club dedicated to making Clemson a more environmentally-friendly campus through community service. Solid Green Club has had tremendous success with recycling and anti-litter campaigns on campus, which took off in 2009. Today, Solid Green encompasses many more aspects of sustainability and collaborates closely with Clemson Facilities, Recycling, and other student clubs to improve the everyday sustainability of our campus. We seek to educate the Clemson community about the importance of sustainability through outreach events and activities.
Biosystems Engineering Student Club - The mission of BE Club is to provide professional development/networking opportunities, community service projects and social events to foster community and success within the biosystems engineering major and support sustainability efforts with other sustainability-focused student organizations. We have been creating a foundation for our members to make a more sustainable world by fostering a strong and supportive community for 15+ years. Every year a significant number of its students participate in the Southeastern Student Rally, hosted by its professional organization, The American Society of Biological and Agricultural Engineers (ASABE). "Go BE!"
EcoReps - We are a student leadership program dedicated to making Clemson Housing and Dining sustainable. Clemson Ecological Representatives began in the Fall of 2011 as a means to engage Clemson’s on-campus student population in sustainability education. Since EcoReps' inception, hundreds of students have been directly involved in sustainable activities and initiatives each year. During the Summer of 2016, EcoReps was integrated into the Residential Hall Council within University Housing, limiting membership to students living on campus. EcoReps have opportunities to coordinate campus sustainability initiatives such as cleanups and education events, assist with institutional initiatives such as Solid Green Day, partner with third-party organizations such as Green Campus Alliance, and participate in conferences. EcoReps are currently piloting a campus Community Garden. As an EcoRep you represent the community that you reside in. To join this organization you must run for the position. However, unless otherwise specified, EcoReps general body meetings and events are open to the public.
Tigers for Green Innovation - Tigers for Green Innovation (TGI) strives to push sustainability to the forefront of Clemson University through education and innovation. Utilizing on-campus lectures, community outreach, and engaging workshops, TGI aims to educate Clemson University students, faculty, staff, and the broader Clemson community on sustainability and environmental issues facing today’s world. TGI takes this education a step further by introducing a dynamic environment for students to discuss sustainable ideas with others who have a background in environmental work in order to help students from diverse educational backgrounds develop project ideas to submit to the Sustainability Fund, thus helping the University reach its established sustainability goals. The education and innovation streams of TGI will culminate at an annual day-long conference devoted to sustainability and other environmental issues, where students will hear talks from Clemson’s top faculty, industry, and government leaders who have experience in these fields. Furthermore, students have the opportunity to learn and grow by developing sustainable projects to be presented at the end of the day related to a problem we pose to them. On the whole, Tigers for Green Innovation looks to ignite a passion for the environment and solving today’s biggest sustainability issues in the Clemson community.
CUSG Campus Advancement Committee - We are a committee within CUSG dedicated to making Clemson a better place for everyone! We are typically described as the CUSG "catch-all" committee. Our subcommittees consist of Environmental Advocacy, Student Wellness, and Community Outreach. The majority of our work is accomplished through both on-campus events, off-campus events and distribution of the Sustainability Initiative Fund.
Clemson Native Plant Club - Our club's aim is to spread awareness about the wondrous and fascinating native plants that can be found in our own backyards as well as their deep importance to the ecosystems that surround us. As the world turns more and more land is being developed but not much is being done to counteract the loss of ecosystems due to this extensive development. Although habitat preservation is helpful we really need to conserve the genetics of these plants through ex-situ conservation which we advocate for and can hopefully begin to partake in through plantings around campus. We'll be taking various trips throughout the year whether it be hiking, volunteering with the South Carolina Native Plant Society, or visiting state/national parks. In addition we will be planning a native plant garden on campus as well as working towards a plant sale and various other fundraisers.
Does the institution have a garden, farm, community supported agriculture (CSA) or fishery program, or an urban agriculture project where students are able to gain experience in organic agriculture and sustainable food systems?:
A brief description of the gardens, farms, community supported agriculture (CSA) or fishery programs, and/or urban agriculture projects:
Clemson Community Gardens - It shall be the mission of the Ecological Representatives of Clemson to establish and maintain a community garden for the use and enjoyment of the Clemson University community . This space and any other spaces shall henceforth be established as the Clemson EcoReps Community Gardens. There are many reasons to create a community garden; however we will focus on three: Education, Community, and Food Insecurity. It is our highest hopes that this garden becomes a place of connection and leisure for students, but it should also be a place of learning. As a land-grant institution, it is important to recognize that one of the largest barriers in this country is access to land. If we can provide a green space that goes beyond simple leisure and enjoyment, we can provide the opportunity for individuals to not only access land but to utilize it. In summary our goals are: 1. Education 2. Community 3. Food Insecurity
Does the institution have a student-run enterprise that includes sustainability as part of its mission statement or stated purpose?:
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.
Does the institution have a sustainable investment fund, green revolving fund, or sustainable microfinance initiative through which students can develop socially, environmentally and fiscally responsible investment and financial skills?:
A brief description of the sustainable investment funds, green revolving funds or sustainable microfinance initiatives:
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.
Has the institution hosted a conference, speaker series, symposium, or similar event focused on sustainability during the previous three years that had students as the intended audience?:
A brief description of the conferences, speaker series, symposia, or similar events focused on sustainability:
Clemson Sonoco Fresh Summit - The FRESH 2023 Food, Packaging & Sustainability Summit will be held September 18 – 19 on the Clemson campus. The 2023 Summit will focus on measuring progress and driving change as many organizations near their 2025 sustainability goals and are striving to accelerate progress.
Clemson Tigers for Green Innovation Summit - The Sustainability Summit at Clemson University is a two day event at the culmination of CUSG Sustainability Week. The Summit will incorporate the two- pronged multidisciplinary approach to sustainability that Tigers for Green Innovation embodies: education and innovation. By fostering connections between faculty, administration, and students, the Summit seeks to educate the Clemson community on sustainability and innovate with projects in proposed focus areas centered around sustainability. In doing so, Tigers for Green Innovation hopes to increase collaboration across sustainability networks at Clemson and synergize new initiatives to lead Clemson to a “green future.”
Has the institution hosted a cultural arts event, installation, or performance focused on sustainability with the previous three years that had students as the intended audience?:
A brief description of the cultural arts events, installations, or performances focused on sustainability:
Does the institution have a wilderness or outdoors program that follow Leave No Trace principles?:
A brief description of the wilderness or outdoors programs that follow Leave No Trace principles:
Clemson Outdoor Recreation and Education - 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, and bicycle maintenance. In addition to these programs, CORE also provides an outdoor equipment rental service, resource library, & bike shop and staff who can serve as knowledgeable resources to help people plan their own adventure trips.
Has the institution had a sustainability-focused theme chosen for a themed semester, year, or first-year experience during the previous three years?:
A brief description of the sustainability-focused themes chosen for themed semesters, years, or first-year experiences:
Does the institution have a program through which students can learn sustainable life skills?:
A brief description of the programs through which students can learn sustainable life skills:
Leisure skills courses:
LS 1410- Top Rope Climbing: Basic rock climbing skills, including philosophy, safety, knows, climbing techniques, site and supplies selection, and nature/conservation issues are covered.
LS 1450- Camping and Backpacking: Basic camping and backpacking skills including map and compass reading, outdoor cooking, camping hazards and safety, site selections, and trip planning.
LS 2910- Outdoor Leadership: Introduces that skills necessary to lead others in a backcountry environment. Focus is on wilderness travel skills, minimum impact, group dynamics, learship skills and decision making. Course also includes certification in Wilderness First Aid.
As well as various other outdoor based leisrue skills.
Does the institution offer sustainability-focused student employment opportunities?:
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
Does the institution have a graduation pledge through which students pledge to consider social and environmental responsibility in future job and other decisions?:
A brief description of the graduation pledge(s):
A brief description of other co-curricular sustainability programs and initiatives that do not fall into one of the above categories:
Clemson Community Gardens Info Sheet (uploaded in folder)
Sonoco Fresh Summit website - https://www.clemson.edu/centers-institutes/fresh/events/index.html
TGI Summit website - https://clemson.campuslabs.com/engage/event/7044339
CORE website - https://www.clemson.edu/studentaffairs/get-involved/cr/outdoorrec/index.html
RA sustainability training powerpoint (uploaded in folder)
Paw Pantry Link - https://www.facebook.com/CUpawpantry
Sustainable Energy Fund - https://cufacilities.sites.clemson.edu/utilities/sef
Lee Hall Gallery - https://www.clemson.edu/centers-institutes/cva/lee-gallery/
Gantt Center - https://www.clemson.edu/centers-institutes/gantt/
Brooks Center - https://www.clemson.edu/centers-institutes/brooks/about/index.html
Internship Website - https://career.sites.clemson.edu/internship_programs/
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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.