| Overall Rating | Silver |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 47.42 |
| Liaison | John Stolz |
| Submission Date | March 1, 2023 |
Duquesne University
EN-3: Student Life
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 2.00 |
Brianna
Marks Graduate Assistant Center for Environmental Research and Education |
Does the institution have an active student group focused on sustainability?:
Name and a brief description of the active student groups focused on sustainability:
Evergreen is an environmentally conscious organization that helps to educate the Duquesne community about sustainability on-campus and works to keep local neighborhoods clean and green. They collaborate with Facilities Management on campus to help educate students and staff on recycling efforts available on campus as well as many of the new "green" upgrades being made to campus buildings. Off-campus, they collaborate with the Uptown Partners of Pittsburgh working to make the Uptown neighborhood a cleaner and greener place. Activities include Green Week during the fall semester, the Earth Day Fair, and Spring Clean-Up during the spring semester, as well monthly litter pick-ups and educational opportunities throughout the year. (https://instagram.com/evergreenatduq?utm.medium=copy_link)
The purpose of the Environmental Law Society is to provide a source of information regarding current environmental and natural resources law and policy, to allow and encourage discussion and debate about these topics, to promote environmental awareness, to aid the academic knowledge and awareness of its members, and to assist its members in employment within the environmental law field after graduation.
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:
A former undergraduate student, Kristen Roth, published her undergraduate thesis titled "Regenerative Landscaping: An Urban Garden for Storm Water Management at Duquesne University." With guidance from a professor, her thesis developed plans to install an urban vegetable garden on campus. These plans turned into reality when the Center for Environmental Research and Education's Graduate Program Coordinator, Mary Kate Ranii, took the lead on the project in Fall 2020. With the help of Facilities Management and two Graduate Assistants, raised beds were constructed and cover crops were planted to restore nutrients to the soil. In addition, two rain barrels, which provide the water necessary for the crops, were installed.
Throughout the spring and summer of 2021, Dr. Sarah Wright from the McAnulty College of Liberal Arts, as well as Dr. John Stolz and Dr. Brady Porter from the Bayer School of Natural and Environmental Science, joined the project alongside Mary Kate Ranii. They worked with Undergraduate Research Program (URP) students to bring the garden to life. They prepared the garden and planted tomatoes, basil, peppers, squash, onions, bok choy, and peas. All food was donated to 412 Food Rescue. Along with food donation, the campus garden supports pollinators, increases biodiversity, decreases rainwater runoff, and offers a haven for members of the campus community. The group plans to expand to the other raised brick beds next to Laval House in the coming years.
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:
Duquesne has a Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF) Program that provides students with a compelling experience in money management and contributes to their preparation for successful careers in finance and investment management. One of the investment funds is referred to as the Duquesne Values Fund (DVF) "Investing for the Greater Good." This is one of the largest undergraduate funds of its type in the nation, as it pursues a stock selection strategy employing fundamental equity analysis and valuation. Eligible investments are deemed consistent with responsible investing criteria and Spiritan values, which include preserving the planet through sustainable initiatives. The $1 million student managed investment fund also employs socially responsible investment strategies. (https://www.duq.edu/academics/schools/business/undergraduate/majors/finance/smif)
Duquesne also has a NetImpact chapter of graduate students in the One-Year MBA program (formerly the MBA in Sustainable Business Practices program). Now in its 28th year, Net Impact has grown a grassroots, global movement of students and emerging impact leaders who want to use their skills to make a positive impact for people and planet. Net Impact’s mission is to inspire and equip emerging leaders to build a more just and sustainable world.(https://netimpact.org/chapters/duquesne-university-donahue-graduate-school-of-business-graduate) (https://www.instagram.com/netimpact_duquesne/)
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:
Duquesne has a Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF) Program that provides students with a compelling experience in money management and contributes to their preparation for successful careers in finance and investment management. One of the investment funds is referred to as the Duquesne Values Fund (DVF) "Investing for the Greater Good." This is one of the largest undergraduate funds of its type in the nation, as it pursues a stock selection strategy employing fundamental equity analysis and valuation. Eligible investments are deemed consistent with responsible investing criteria and Spiritan values, which include preserving the planet through sustainable initiatives. The $1 million student managed investment fund also employs socially responsible investment strategies. (https://www.duq.edu/academics/schools/business/undergraduate/majors/finance/smif)
The Duquesne University New Venture Challenge is a two-stage competition that encourages students to submit new venture ideas that have commercial and/or social missions. Winning programs are awarded $5,000 to put their projects into effect. Winners from 2021 include DisSolves, Inc. - the first edible, water-soluble packaging made from all-natural ingredients.(https://www.duq.edu/academics/schools/business/team-competitions/duquesne-new-venture-challenge-2021-22)
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:
The Annual Presidential Conference on the Integrity of Creation (IOC) invites participants from different disciplines to engage each other in civil discourse on a different topic each year. The format of the conference includes workshops, presentations, and posters and features national experts on sustainability. The most recent IOC conference took place in April 2022 and was titled "Climate Resiliency: Collaboration, Adaptation, and Action." This conference celebrated the 150th anniversary of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit in the United States. The conference series was commissioned by former President Charles J. Dougherty as an endowed academic event that celebrates the Spiritan mission of Duquesne University. The current University President, Ken Gormley, continues to inspire excellence in support of the Spiritan mission as the conference series develops.
The conference has three goals:
1. To provide a scholarly opportunity to engage established and emerging research on the conference topic
2. To foster interdisciplinary discourse on each topic, such as among science, health, philosophy, religion and policy
3. To enlighten public awareness and discussion of the conference topic
(https://www.duq.edu/events/integrity-of-creation)
In February 2022, Duquesne's theology department sponsored the Environmental Justice and Sustainability Lecture Series, featuring guest speaker Dr. Aurora Sharrard, Director of Sustainability at University of Pittsburgh. This event was virtual, free, and open to the public. (https://www.duq.edu/assets/Documents/healthcare-ethics/IOC/IOC-2022/2022%20Lecture%20on%20Environmental%20Justice.pdf)
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:
Duquesne hosts the Human Rights Film Series each year. Though the theme of the conference changes yearly, it always focuses on sustainable societal advancement. The 15th annual Human Rights Film Series took place throughout February and March of 2022 with the themed "Greed, Need, Perseverance". The series featured four films: 9/11's Unsettled Dust, The Shadow of Gold, Building the American Dream, and Invisible Hands. (https://www.duq.edu/academics/schools/liberal-arts/news-and-events/human-rights-film-series)
In the fall of 2021, graduate assistants in the Center for Environmental Research and Education (CERE) organized a campus-wide art contest for students to design a mural for the CERE office. Flyers were shared throughout the university, prompting students to submit a design which they believe represents environmental science and sustainability at Duquesne. Clara Krohn was selected as the winner of the contest and is currently working with members of CERE to create the mural.
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:
Duquesne University’s Ecology Club acts as an open student organization that welcomes all students to participate. The club provides interested students with education about the environment and conservation that partners with different outdoor activities. This club stresses dedication to learning about the conservation through research, engaging in various conservation initiatives, biosurveys, and outdoor recreation. Some activities and events hosted by the Ecology Club include:
- Powdermill Camping Trip: Members and some faculty take a trip to Powdermill Nature Reserve over a weekend! Here members visit the bird banding research center, hike to a bog, visit the nature center, and go electrofishing.
- Butterfly Garden: The club maintains the butterfly garden found on Duquesne's campus.
- Lanternfly Roundup: During the fall, the club hosts a competition to see who can catch the most spotted lanternfly moths to raise awareness about the invasive species.
- Birding Trips: Members can join Dr. Porter and his ornithology students on bird watching outings.
- Great Backyard Bird Count: Campus bird counts are conducted on a regular basis in partnership with the Duquesne Department of Biological Sciences. Group bird count events are advertised across campus. In addition, individuals are encouraged to count birds on their own during a designated period of time and then report their findings to the Ecology Club.
- Spring Salamander Spawning Survey: During the rainy season in spring, students go out and monitor salamander populations, while learning about about amphibians and their habits.
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:
The One-Year MBA (formerly the MBA in Sustainable Business Practices) has three themed semesters:
1st Semester- Auditing in Regards to Sustainable Businesses
2nd- Processing improvement in Regards to Sustainable Businesses
3rd- Change Management in Regards to Sustainable Businesses.
In addition, a new initiative was launched in the fall of 2022 where the current cohorts will look into what it will take to make the cohort's energy use in Rockwell Hall carbon neutral. This initiative will be continued annually, with the plan for offsetting carbon emissions confirmed in Spring 2023.
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 Center for Environmental Research and Education hires between two and five students every academic year to assist with conducting with campus greenhouse gas emissions assessments and local environmental research opportunities.
The Duquesne University One-Year MBA (formerly the MBA in Sustainable Business Practices) offers graduate research fellowships and graduate assistantships.
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 Center for Environmental Research and Education hosts monthly EnviroBytes, which is an environmental speaker series. This series features speakers ranging from local environmental non-profit organizations, local environmental scientists, and local environmental companies (like solar panel installers) and are advertised to the entire campus.
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.