| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 56.21 |
| Liaison | Jennifer McMillin |
| Submission Date | July 28, 2020 |
Cleveland State University
EN-3: Student Life
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.50 / 2.00 |
Jennifer
McMillin Director of Sustainability Facilities l Architect l Safety l Technology |
Does the institution have an active student group focused on sustainability?:
Name and a brief description of the active student groups focused on sustainability:
Student Environmental Movement
We have been hard at work since the implementation in 2007 to create a better environment for students at CSU and the city of Cleveland. There have been many advances, from the daunting task of getting the green roof installed to implementing the North Union Farmers Market at CSU, planting a pollinator patch green space on campus, and storm drain stenciling campus streets. Even with all our hard work, we still have a lot to accomplish and we need all the help we can get! We pride ourselves on a collaborative model of accomplishment, our voice is in our members! We are a true example of a student organization having an impact on its community.
https://vikesconnect.csuohio.edu/organization/student-environmental-movement
The Cleveland State University Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA)
It shall be the purpose of the CSU/APA to be a representative organization of the students of Cleveland State University, who share a common desire to use their academic training to effect positive social change. This organization will work to provide leadership in the development of vital communities by advocating excellence in community planning, promoting education and citizen empowerment, and in providing the tools and support necessary to meet the challenges of growth and change in the Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs, Cleveland State University, and the community they serve. The organization exists to provide members with a network and a community for intellectual and social exchange beyond the classroom setting.
https://vikesconnect.csuohio.edu/organization/american-planning-association
Engineers Without Borders
Engineers Without Borders at Cleveland State University is a student organization that believes in helping communities empower themselves by providing technical expertise to those in need. Whether its on the other side of the world, or on the other side of Cleveland, no one should be denied basic human needs that help a community grow and prosper. Please consider joining our organization and together build a better world for everyone!
https://vikesconnect.csuohio.edu/organization/engineers-without-borders
ENVIRONMENTAL AND ENERGY LAW SOCIETY
Environmental and Energy Law Society at Cleveland-Marshall College of Law is a center of information and education for students, faculty, alumni and the community. Members are dedicated to being fully informed of the issues of a school in an urban environment and the challenges not only of co-existing with nature but of improving the world in which they live.
https://www.law.csuohio.edu/currentstudents/studentorganizations
Water Workforce Development
Cleveland State University (CSU) has partnered with representatives from the Ohio section of the American Water Works Association (OAWWA) and the Northeast section of the Ohio Water Environment Association (OWEA) to develop a comprehensive workforce development program. The CSU Water Workforce Development program is comprised of multiple components that together provide a holistic experience for student interns and sponsoring organizations. The internship component taps into all related major fields of study at CSU, including (but not limited to) Engineering, Law, Business, Environmental Studies, Urban Studies, Public Administration, and Environmental Sciences.
https://urban.csuohio.edu/wwd/wwd
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:
The Student Environmental Movement implemented a pollinator patch garden in spring 2016. The group planted roughly 600 native Ohio genotyped pollinator plants in order to create a wildlife habitat on campus. This area became a sanctuary for numerous species in downtown Cleveland and a consistent source of forage for pollinators throughout the growing season. It contained roughly one dozen perennials that require little upkeep. It also provided a seed bank to propagate native plants to start other gardens in areas that lack resources for pollinators. Unfortunately, this garden space was removed in 2018 due to aesthetic concerns.
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:
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:
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:
EarthFest
EarthFest is an annual event on the CSU campus designed to raise awareness about campus and community sustainability initiatives and organizations. EarthFest is hosted by the CSU Office of Sustainability and the Student Environmental Movement.
Learn about sustainability on campus and in your local community!
Giant Earth Dome
Electric vehicles
Exhibits from campus and community sustainability organizations
Free bike check service provided by the Ohio City Bicycle Co-op
Free food
Clothing swap - bring clothing items to trade for something new!
Recycle your used batteries
Win a bicycle, a rain collection barrel, and other great prizes by visiting tables hosted by campus and community environmental organizations and filling up your eco-passport with stamps!
https://www.csuohio.edu/sustainability/events-6
CELEBRATING THE ECOLOGICAL RESOURCES AND CULTURE OF CUYAHOGA COUNTY: 2018-2019 SPEAKER SERIES
Sustainability in Business: Measuring Progress and Changing Culture
The Value of Water: Water Resources in Cuyahoga County
Invasive Plants and Ecological Restoration
Sustainability in Action at NASA: Policy, Science and Engineering at Work
https://events.csuohio.edu/event/celebrating_the_ecological_resources_and_culture_of_cuyahoga_county_2018-2019_speaker_series
Urban Forests: A Natural History of Trees and People in the American Cityscape.
The Levin College Forum Program is offering an important and exciting speaker on November 1, 2018 at 4pm. The event is focused on trees, vibrant greenspace and cities. Jill Jonnes, will speak about her new book Urban Forests: A Natural History of Trees and People in the American Cityscape. A panel of local experts will participate in an interactive discussion about what is happening in greater Cleveland related to trees, tree canopy and urban forests as these related to water management, health and quality of life.
Smoke on the Water: Five Decades of Progress Restoring Great Lakes Rivers Levin Forum
May 23, 4:00-6:00 pm in the Roberta Steinbacher Atrium (Urban Building)
Cleveland State University's Levin College of Urban Affairs is hosting a forum, 'Smoke on the Water: Five Decades of Progress Restoring Great Lakes Rivers,' on Thursday, May 23rd from 4:00pm-6:00pm. This forum features keynote speaker Dr. John Hartig, Visiting Scholar at the Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University of Windsor. A local panel with deep experience on our own Cuyahoga River — Jennifer Grieser, Jim Kastelic and Steve Litt — will share their experiences working on restoration of the Cuyahoga and its importance for Cleveland and the region.
“Be the Change” Conference and Career Fair
“Be the Change” Conference and Career Fair is an exciting event that inspires students to pursue degree programs and careers in public service, nonprofit management, local government, urban planning, environmental sustainability, and the private sector. The event is free to attend. Student registration includes a free lunch and free professional headshots (space limited), as well as interactive career resources.
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:
ClimateKeys
Thursday, March 22nd, 11:30 AM-12:20 PM Drinko Hall, CSU Music & Communication Bldg
Musicians & expert speakers unite to stimulate conversations about climate change
This event is part of ClimateKeys, a 'global' initiative to raise public engagement with action on climate change. ClimateKeys, founded by London-based composer pianist Lola Perrin, features musicians and climate change experts collaborating in performances that include a conversation with the audience.
Featuring: a 30-minute performance by Halida Dinova, a concert pianist with a global audience, and a 15-minute talk by Kevin Mueller, an earth scientist from Cleveland State University
http://www.climatekeys.com/22march2019halidadinovakevinmeuller
CELEBRATING EARTH DAY IN CLEVELAND
The Michael Schwartz Library Sustainability Interest Group presents this gallery as a look back at Cleveland and Northeast Ohio's environmental legacy. April 22nd is the 50th celebration Earth Day, which was first celebrated on April 22nd 1970. Our rivers and lakes are largely cleaner than they were 50 years ago. This is thanks to the work of individuals and groups bringing awareness to environmental issues, the work of citizens doing their part through education and volunteering, and the effect of increased regulations and municipalities and corporations reducing their own impact.
This gallery highlights images taken from Cleveland Memory, the freely searchable digital collection of Cleveland and Northeast Ohio history. The collection is largely comprised of items from the Michael Schwartz Library's Special Collections, and is a collaborative effort from library staff, volunteers, and many community partners and donors.
The gallery is also divided into four tracks for a more interpretive experience.
River and Lake Pollution
Awareness and Advocacy
Local Action
Celebration/Earth Day
https://engagedscholarship.csuohio.edu/libraryearthday/
Crooked River Contrasts photography exhibit
Visit the Crooked River Contrasts photography exhibit on the first floor of the Michael Schwartz library in Rhodes Tower. On display through January, it tells the story of the Cuyahoga River. Once so polluted it caught fire, it's now a powerful symbol of resilience and the need for water protection.
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:
The Adventure Recreation program offers outdoor activities and trips such as hiking, rock climbing and whitewater rafting. Instructional workshops are also available and focus on topics like kayaking and leadership.
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:
Does the institution offer sustainability-focused student employment opportunities?:
A brief description of the sustainability-focused student employment opportunities offered by the institution:
The Office of Sustainability offers 1-3 paid internship positions per year and also offers internship positions that can earn academic credit.
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:
The Student Environmental Movement hosts a variety of hands-on events for students including monthly beach clean-ups, weekend hikes, camping trips and stream monitoring events.
A few of their community based events include:
Training: Water Quality Monitoring @ Rocky River Reservation, North Olmsted
Learn how to measure the physical and chemical qualities of the water in the Rocky River, and get the chance to adopt a site afterward.
Stream Monitoring @ Scenic River sites, Chagrin River
Help with sampling of macroinvertebrates for the purpose of evaluating water quality of the river to be reported to ODNR.
Invasive Plant Removal for Bats @ North Chagrin Reservation
To celebrate Bat Week, help remove invasive Celastrus orbiculatus, aka Asian bittersweet, to improve bat habitat.
Native Seed Collection @ North Chagrin Reservation
Help collect seeds for use in future restoration projects throughout Cleveland Metroparks.
Tree Planting @ Bedford Reservation
On National Make a Difference Day, lend a hand planting trees to improve the water quality of Tinker’s Creek.
The VIKING CREED urges to students to consider their role in the CSU community:
AS A CLEVELAND STATE VIKING,
• I will practice personal and academic integrity and commit to life-long learning.
• I will act with civility and treat all people fairly, respectfully and with dignity.
• I will embrace inclusion and diversity in all of its definitions.
• I will respect individuals’ freedom of opinion and expression.
• I will make a positive impact on campus and in my community.
I PLEDGE TO FOSTER THE VALUES SET FORTH IN THE VIKING CREED AND CONFRONT BEHAVIORS THAT MAY WEAKEN THE SPIRIT OF OUR COMMUNITY.
https://www.csuohio.edu/vikingcreed/vikingcreed
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.