Overall Rating Bronze - expired
Overall Score 36.37
Liaison Melanie Knowles
Submission Date March 5, 2021

STARS v2.2

Kent State University
EN-3: Student Life

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.75 / 2.00 Leah Graham
Outreach/Recycling Coordinator
Office of Sustainability
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Student groups 

Does the institution have an active student group focused on sustainability?:
Yes

Name and a brief description of the active student groups focused on sustainability:
Kent State Sustainability-Related Student Organizations 2019-2020 https://www.kent.edu/sustainability/student-groups

BIOLOGY CLUB
Biology Club is a group of like-minded students interested in the biological sciences including botany, conservation, zoology, biology, ecology, etc. The Biology Club provides hands-on experience with animals, trips to local biological establishments, and speakers throughout the school year. Biology Club is a group of like-minded students interested in the biological sciences including botany, conservation, zoology, biology, ecology, etc.

BIOTECHNOLOGY STUDENT ORGANIZATION
Biotechnology Student Organization is a place for students to come and learn and experience the potential of careers related to biology, technology, science, physics, and biochemistry.

THE CAMPUS KITCHEN AT KENT STATE
CKKSU is a part of the national Campus Kitchen Project and was started by KSU students in 2011. By recovering food that otherwise would go to waste, the kitchen is able to prepare 350+ nutritious meals each week for those struggling with food insecurity.We also collaborate with the Center for Nutrition Outreach at Kent to provide fresh food for the Mighty Pack program and prepare food samples for the Haymaker Farmers’ Market. Finally, CKKSU delivers fresh food to the Women’s Center food pantry on Thursdays. Campus Kitchen aims to serve the food insecure in the community. Every week, Trader Joes donates hundreds of pounds of food to Campus Kitchen, where volunteers then repurpose it and give to the food insecure.

CIRCLE K INTERNATIONAL
Circle K International is a community service and volunteerism organization with a focus on service, fellowship, and leadership through Kiwanis International. We volunteer as a group to serve the surrounding community. Circle K is the collegiate level of Key Club. Circle K International is a community service and volunteerism organization with a focus on service, fellowship, and leadership through Kiwanis International. We volunteer as a group to serve the surrounding community.

COMMUTER AND OFF CAMPUS STUDENT ORGANIZATION
This is an organization that serves commuter and off campus students in regards to housing, parking and much more.

FUTURE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS OF AMERICA
FECOA creates a better understanding of Environmental Consulting and its role in protecting the environment and our community. We are a group that is professionally minded and dedicated to spreading the word about the true health of our environment.

GIVE KSU
This group's goal is empower students to both understand what being a global citizen is as well as to encourage students to become global citizens through various volunteering activities in our Kent community as well as group activities to promote core values: sustainability, global awareness, as well as ethical and responsible volunteering.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY KENT STATE CHAPTER
This organization is a non-profit, charitable campus organization that is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing not only throughout the local area but also the world. Kent State's Habitat for Humanity began in 1994 because students became concerned with the substandard housing problem worldwide, and they wanted to make a difference - even if it was just in their own backyard. Throughout the years, students have worked in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity of Portage County to help deserving families achieve their dream of owning their own house.

HERRICK CONSERVATORY AND SUSTAINABILITY CLUB
To expose students to the field of sustainability and promote positive environmental action. To allow students hands-on experience in a greenhouse setting and provide an opportunity to encourage the conservation of our natural resources.

KENT INTERHALL COUNCIL (KIC)
KIC is a residence hall association that unites individual hall councils on campus to “create a structured environment for residents.” The group is not focused on sustainability but advocates several sustainability programs, such as RecycleMania and Do It In the Dark.

KENT STATE ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIETY
The Kent State Environmental Society started in 2014-15 as student organization on the Kent campus that concentrates on education, awareness, and action in order to impart a sense of social and environmental responsibility in both life at home and on campus. Learn about sustainable practices and engage in activities which will help to build a more sustainable, eco-friendly foundation for the future.

KENT STATE FOR MALALA
This is a group of students who want to make a change by advocating and fundraising for women and children who are unable to receive an education. They stand for equal access to education both locally and globally through different activities like contests and participating in on-campus events. Kent State for Malala is a service organization dedicated to helping children locally and globally access education.

KENT STATE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY
We are the undergraduate student organization for the Geology Department of Kent State University. The Kent State Geological Society (KSGS) is the oldest student organization at Kent State University with its inception in 1949. Today, we keep the tradition alive with annual events and activities. Our mission is to promote scientific interest in the field of geology and to foster camaraderie among the undergraduate geology majors/minors, as well as all Earth Science majors at Kent State University.

KENT STATE UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATE CHAPTER OF THE SCIENTISTA FOUNDATION
We work to empower undergraduate women in STEM fields. Bi-weekly meetings include discussions about current events, networking, and volunteer opportunities in the community.

KENT STATE UNIVERSITY BIOLOGY GRADUATE STUDENT COUNCIL
The purpose of Biology Graduate Student Council is to organize events and socials that bring interdepartmental biology graduate students and faculty members together.

OCEAN MOTION- "A MOTION TO SAVE THE OCEAN" (KENT STATE MARINE CONSERVATION CLUB)
Ocean Motion started in 2014-15 as a Kent State University organization dedicated to marine life and conservation efforts. Ocean Motion reinforces the importance of marine conservation efforts. Their main goal is to spread awareness about preserving the world's oceans and freshwater ecosystems. They educate members, raise money for related national organizations, participate as volunteers, and connect students through fun trips and activities.

PEACE AND CONFLICT STUDENTS
Peace and Conflict Students (PACS) is a pre-professional association for any KSU student interested in the field of Peace and Conflict Studies. PACS has a network of students and professionals to develop its members professionally and academically. The organization hopes to partner with other social justice organizations on campus to promote peace, activism, and education. Peace and Conflict Students (PACS) is a pre-professional association for any KSU student interested in the field of Peace and Conflict Studies. PACS hopes to promote peace, activism, and education.

PUBLIC HEALTH STUDENT ALLIANCE
Students Working together to improve the quality of life. The Public Health Student Alliance (PHSA) is the official organization for the College of Public Health. PHSA was founded based on the firm belief that students’ of Kent State University participation in humanitarian efforts is important. You may ask what PHSA will do for you? PHSA will provide you with various opportunities to volunteer in the community and within the university. PHSA encourages students to become members and get involved in making a difference in people’s lives, either through volunteering their time or fundraising for various humanitarian causes. Getting involved will give you, the student, a chance to apply some of the concepts learned in class. PHSA strives to present members with a unique perspective, giving members an opportunity to first hand experience the world of Public Health.

SKIN DEEP KSU
Is a non-discriminatory education-based club striving to help those that know nothing or very little about the world of skincare.They teach beneficial and harmful ingredients, explore eastern versus western skincare beauty ideals, recommend products specific to your skin type, and share our journeys in skincare.Everyone in Skin Deep KSU would love to educate all interested students about the science behind skincare, products to use, harmful and helpful ingredients to look for, and to share each others personal skincare journeys.

SUSTAINABLE LIVING AT KENT (SLAK)
SLAK's purpose is to incite change in the lifestyle of students, staff members, and the surrounding communities and organizations, while raising social awareness and preparing the way for a more sustainable world.

THIRST PROJECT CLUB AT KENT STATE UNIVERSITY
The Thirst Project is a nonprofit organization that aims to provide clean, safe drinking water for communities across the globe that don’t have it immediately available. Students in this club will become advocates for ending the global water crisis. They will use their voices to spread awareness on our campus and in our community. By doing so, they will organize fundraisers to build a fresh water well in a community where clean water is not immediately available. Thirst Project is a nonprofit organization who provides safe drinking water for communities across the globe where it is not available. Students in this club will become advocates of ending the global water crisis and fundraise to build a freshwater well.

All of the above groups are student governed.

Gardens and farms 

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?:
Yes

A brief description of the gardens, farms, community supported agriculture (CSA) or fishery programs, and/or urban agriculture projects:
Campus Gardens https://www.kent.edu/sustainability/natural-areas
Kent State has two campus gardens. The Food Insecurity Garden is located behind Nixson Hall and maintained by the Nutrition and Dietetics faculty and students. Food from this garden is donated to Portage County children’s meals during times they are not receiving food provided through the National School Lunch Program, via Might Pack Program. Another garden is located behind DeWeese Health Center. The DeWeese Health Center’s Wellness Committee accomplished one of its wellness initiatives of creating a community garden focused on growing fresh produce, learning best-practice gardening techniques and managing stress through connection with nature.

Campus Kitchen https://www.kent.edu/csi/campus-kitchen-kent-state-university
CAMPUS KITCHEN AT KENT STATE UNIVERSITY
CKKSU is a part of the national Campus Kitchen Project and was started by KSU students in 2011. By recovering food that otherwise would go to waste, the kitchen is able to prepare 350+ nutritious meals each week for those struggling with food insecurity. We also collaborate with the Center for Nutrition Outreach at Kent to provide fresh food for the Mighty Pack program and prepare food samples for the Haymaker Farmers’ Market. Finally, CKKSU delivers fresh food to the Women’s Center food pantry on Thursdays.Campus Kitchen aims to serve the food insecure in the community. Every week, Trader Joes donates hundreds of pounds of food to Campus Kitchen, where volunteers then repurpose it and give to the food insecure.

Ready, Set, Grow Coalition
https://www.kent.edu/today/news/walls-community-garden-lauded-outstanding-new-service-initiative
Ready, Set, Grow Coalition
Ready, Set, Grow Coalition is a new coalition of faculty, students, city officials, Kent City Schools, UH hospital, Master Gardeners, Community Engaged learning, Women’s Center, and various colleges around campus. They are working together to enhance health, education, and the environment through Farm to School activities. Their current projects include Kent City Schools and Windham Schools.
Ready, Set, Grow has filled all the intern positions for spring 2020 and summer 2020. They will need 4-6 interns in the fall 2020.

Student-run enterprises 

Does the institution have a student-run enterprise that includes sustainability as part of its mission statement or stated purpose?:
Yes

A brief description of the student-run enterprises:
Food 4 Thought Cafe https://www.kent.edu/hr/benefits/food-4-thought-cafe-ehhs
ABOUT F4TCC
Located in halls White and Bowman on the Kent State Main Campus, Food 4 Thought was established in the fall semester of 2007 as an outgrowth of EHHS (College of Health and Human Services) and The Nutrition Outreach Program. We've based our operation on the premise that fresh foods can not only be flavorful and healthy, but also quick and inexpensive to produce. Many healthy (and delicious!) options devoid of animal products are available to meet the need of the vegetarian and vegan population. F4TCC is independent from Dining Services and unfortunately cannot accept student dining plans. Flashcash, cash, and credit are accepted. Cafe employees are students of the Nutrition and Dietetics or Hospitality Management programs at KSU. All profits are allocated for student initiatives.

Campus Kitchen https://www.kent.edu/csi/campus-kitchen-kent-state-university
CAMPUS KITCHEN AT KENT STATE UNIVERSITY
CKKSU is a part of the national Campus Kitchen Project and was started by KSU students in 2011. By recovering food that otherwise would go to waste, the kitchen is able to prepare 350+ nutritious meals each week for those struggling with food insecurity.

We also collaborate with the Center for Nutrition Outreach at Kent to provide fresh food for the Mighty Pack program and prepare food samples for the Haymaker Farmers’ Market. Finally, CKKSU delivers fresh food to the Women’s Center food pantry on Thursdays.

Campus Kitchen aims to serve the food insecure in the community. Every week, Trader Joes donates hundreds of pounds of food to Campus Kitchen, where volunteers then repurpose it and give to the food insecure. https://kent.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/educommunitycampus-kitchen

Sustainable investment and finance 

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?:
No

A brief description of the sustainable investment funds, green revolving funds or sustainable microfinance initiatives:
---

Events 

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?:
Yes

A brief description of the conferences, speaker series, symposia, or similar events focused on sustainability:
GREEN ENERGY OHIO TOUR (2017, 2019) https://www.kent.edu/sustainability/kent-green-energy-ohio-tour
Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
See green technologies in our community including renewable energy, green building and clean transportation!
The Kent Green Energy Ohio Tour will take place Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019, at multiple locations at Kent State University and in the city of Kent, Ohio. This FREE self-guided open house is the 3rd Annual Kent Green Energy Ohio Tour and is part of the 17th Annual Green Energy Ohio Tour that highlights sites that are using innovative technologies that benefit the environment. While the Kent State University Field House solar array has been a part of the Greater Akron Solar Tour in the past, this is the third year for multiple tour sites in Portage County. The Kent Clean Transportation Cruise-In showcases energy efficient, hybrid and electric vehicles, and is part of the Kent Creativity Festival. The Kent Green Energy Ohio Tour is a joint event coordinated by the Kent State University Office of Sustainability, the city of Kent's Sustainability Commission and Green Energy Ohio.

ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND RESEARCH DESIGN SYMPOSIUM (ANNUAL since 2013) https://www.kent.edu/ESDRI-symposium
Biodesign: Designing with Life for Environmental Sustainability
2020 SYMPOSIUM OVERVIEW
The Environmental Science and Design Symposium is a multidisciplinary forum that promotes the exchange of ideas related to the resiliency of natural and built systems. Now in its seventh year, the symposium (formerly known as the Water and Land symposium) is organized by Kent State’s Division of Research and Sponsored Programs, and the university’s Environmental Science and Design Research Initiative (ESDRI), which supports multidisciplinary research related to the impact of human influence on natural and constructed environments. We are assembling a diverse group of speakers around the symposium’s theme, 'Biodesign: Designing with Life for Environmental Sustainability' representing topics ranging from natural resources management to art, architecture, and design thinking. Registration is free and open to the public. We hope you will support the symposium, attend, submit abstracts for poster presentations, and encourage other students and colleagues to attend!

CAMPUS SUSTAINABILITY MONTH (ANNUAL) https://www.kent.edu/sustainability/campus-sustainability-month
Kent State University is proud to participate in Campus Sustainability Month throughout October. This annual event, hosted by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), celebrates higher education sustainability achievements while raising awareness of the value of sustainability in higher education. During Campus Sustainability Month, institutions around the world engage and inspire incoming students and other campus stakeholders to become leaders for sustainability and celebrate successes. To celebrate and kick off a new year of sustainability advancements, we are hosting or are promoting the sustainability-related events occurring during October at Kent State University listed below.
2018 Kent State University Campus Sustainability Month Events
City of Kent Mayor Jerry Fiala signed a proclamation making October 'Sustainability Month' in the City of Kent.
6th Annual Bra Recycling Drive: all month;
City and Community Studies Initiative; Oct. 8
Kent State Votes; Oct. 9
Voters and Candidates Face2Face; Oct. 13
Community Engaged Learning: Volunteer Fair Oct. 16
Dining Services Apple Fest - Farm to Fork Thursday; Oct.18
Game Day Challenge; Oct. 20
Dining Services Fair Trade Coffee Event; Oct. 25
The School of Fashion C.L.A.S.S. Education: The Smart Choice in Creating Fashion; Oct. 25
BSCI Seminar: What does the biogeography of biodiversity change look like in the Anthropocene?; Oct. 26
Department of Geography Palmer Lecture Series; Oct. 26
Community Engaged Learning: Make a Difference Day; Tree Planting in Cuyahoga Valley National Park Oct. 27
Plastic Paradise: The Great Pacific Garbage Patch; Nov. 15

EARTH MONTH (ANNUAL) https://www.kent.edu/sustainability/earth-month
EARTH FEST
Participate in fun sustainability-related activities and free give-aways hosted by the Office of Sustainability, student organizations, and partners. The 2019 Kent State University Earth Month events at the Kent Campus were planned by the Earth Month Committee. Earth Month event collaborations include: Center for Student Involvement; Child Development Center; College of Aeronautics and Engineering; Community Engaged Learning Office; Department of Biological Sciences; Department of Geology; Department of Geography; Department of Philosophy; Department of Recreational Services; Dining Services; Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Herrick Conservatory and Greenhouse; Human Resources Wellness; Kent State of Wellness; Office of Sustainability; School of Visual Communication Design; University Facilities Management Grounds Department; Wick Poetry Center; and student organizations: Biology Club; Herrick Conservatory and Sustainability Club; Kent State Environmental Society; Kent State Ocean Motion; Kent State Young Greens; Net Impact; Rent the Runway; and outside organizations: Standing Rock Cultural Arts and Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

2019 EARTH MONTH EVENTS
The Larry Pollock Kent State of Wellness Summit
April 3 from 5 - 8 p.m.
Kent Student Center Ballroom
Hosted by Kent State of Wellness
On the Move Challenge Kickoff and Rec and Play Day
April 5 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Event for faculty and staff at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center
Hosted by Kent State University Division of Human Resources
Who’s Your Mama Environmental Film Fest
April 7 from 2 - 5 p.m.
Kent State University KIVA Auditorium
Hosted by Standing Rock Cultural Arts and Kent State University Office of Sustainability
On the Move Challenge Starts April 8
Kent State University
Hosted by Kent State University Division of Human Resources
Spring Cleaning Clothing Swap with Global Fashion Citizens
April 9 from 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Kent State Student Center room 313
Hosted by Global Fashion Citizens Student Organization
Kent State University Earth Fest
April 10 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Risman Plaza
Hosted by Kent State University Earth Month Planning Committee and Office of Sustainability
Three Part Series on Mindfulness/Attentional Fitness begins April 10
April 10, 19, 24
Hosted by Kent State University Division of Human Resources
No Sew T-shirt Bags with Sustainable Living at Kent State University Student Organization
April 10 from 7 - 8 p.m.
Kent State Student Center room 315
Hosted by Sustainable Living at Kent State University Student Organization
Kent State University Day of Service
April 12 from 8:45 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Various Service Sites
Hosted by Community Engaged Learning
Kent State University Day of Service: River Cleanup with Kent State University Adventure Center
April 12 from 1 - 5 p.m.
Hosted by Kent State University Adventure Center Community Engaged Learning
Fossil Free Fashion with Communication in Global Society students
April 12 from 12 - 2 p.m.
Tri Towers Rotunda
Hosted by Communication in Global Society Course Student Group Project
Kent State Mini Maker Faire
April 12 from 12 - 4 p.m.
Library
Water Quality Quest with Dr. Lauren Kinsman-Costello, Department of Biological Sciences
April 13 from 9:30 a.m. - noon
Multiple Collection Sites
Hosted Dr. Lauren Kinsman-Costello, Department of Biological Sciences
Kent State University Earth Month Guest Speaker: Dr. Joseph Ortiz, Kent State University Professor and Assistant Chair in the Department of Geology: Projected Climate Change in the coming decades
April 17 at 6 p.m.
Kent State University KIVA
Hosted by Kent State University Office of Sustainability
Faculty/Staff Health and Wellness Fair
April 17 & 18 from 11:40 a.m. - 1:30 p. m. event for faculty/staff at the Student Recreation & Wellness Center
Hosted by Kent State University Division of Human Resources
Biological Sciences Invasive Plant Workshop
April 20 from 9:30 a.m. - noon
Cunningham Hall Wetland
Hosted by Biological Sciences
Painted Rain Barrel Display at the Herrick Conservatory
April 22 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m
Herrick Conservatory
Hosted by Biological Sciences
Kent State University Libraries Earth Day Celebration!
April 22 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m
Center for Architecture & Environmental Design, Room M110A, located above the Architecture Library
Hosted by University Libraries
Kent State University Earth Month Guest Speaker: Cuyahoga Valley National Park Ranger Arrye Rosser: A Century of River Clean Up in Cuyahoga Valley
April 22 at 6:30 p.m.
Kent State University KIVA
Hosted by Kent State University Office of Sustainability
University Dining Services Plant Forward Passport: April 22- April 25
April 22 - April 25
Multiple Locations
Hosted by University Dining Services
• April 22 Eastway Fresh Food Company from 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. Plant Forward Passport Kickoff
• April 23 Prentice Cafe from 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. Make Your Day Smoothie
• April 24 The Market (2nd Floor of the Student Center) from 11:30 a. m. to 1:30 p. m. For the Love of Lentils
• April 25 Eastway from 11 a. m. - 2 p. m. Transformation Station Take Over
Arbor Day/RecycleMania Tree Planting
April 25, 1 p.m
To be determined location
Hosted by University Facilities Management Grounds Department, Office of Sustainability, and Residence Services
Green Energy Ohio Annual Meeting Reception
April 25 from 6 - 8 p.m
Kent State University, The John Elliott Center for Architecture & Environmental Design
Hosted by Green Energy Ohio
Cyber BioBlitz Project for Center for Ecology and Natural Resources Sustainability
April 26
Kent State University Campus
Hosted by Herrick Conservatory and Sustainability Club and Biology Club Student Organizations
Climate Change Grove Tree Planting
April 27 from 9:30 a. m. - 12 p. m.
Kent State University Climate Change Grove
Hosted by Biological Sciences and University Facilities Management Grounds Department
Alumni Day of Service
April 27
Multiple Service Sites
Hosted by Kent State University Alumni Office
Herrick Conservatory Plant Sale
April 29 - May 3
The Herrick Conservatory, Cunningham Hall Greenhouse Hallway and the Student Center
Hosted by Hosted by Herrick Conservatory
Kent State University at Stark Earth Day Celebration
April 28, 1 - 4 p.m.
Campus Center Lot & Pond Area

KENT CUYAHOGA 50 2019 https://www.kent.edu/sustainability/kent-cuyahoga-50
CONCRETE POETRY: CELEBRATING THE CUYAHOGA RIVER THROUGH POETRY AND DESIGN WITH WORKS THAT APPEAR ON CONCRETE WHEN WET
How do we connect to the Cuyahoga River? The flowing water touches our emotions, our communities, our environment and our history. In this 50th anniversary year of the last Cuyahoga River fire, the Concrete Poetry project invites us to reconsider and reconnect to the river and its legacy. The 1969 fire occurred at a pivotal time and helped spark the environmental movement leading to protective legislation and the sustainability movement today.
Kent State’s Office of Sustainability convened partners to create the designs. The poems are from the Wick Poetry Center’s Cuyahoga River Stanzas. The designs are from Aoife Mooney and Sanda Katila’s typography students in the School of Visual Communication and Design. Additional designs share facts about the watershed. The images that appear on the ground are meant to bring a smile, give us pause or educate.
This project is a collaboration between the Office of Sustainability, the School of Visual Communication and Design and the Wick Poetry Center. Thank you to TechStyleLab for providing the stencils for the concrete designs. Designs are installed through the Kent State University Campus and downtown Kent, Ohio. Check back as more designs are installed.

Kent State Recyclemania: Residence Services, Kent Interhall Council Recyclepalooza 2020 https://www.kent.edu/sustainability/recyclemania
RECYCLEPALOOZA HOSTED BY KENT INTERHALL COUNCIL AND RESIDENCE SERVICES
Wednesday February 5 at 7pm Kent State Student Center 2nd floor ballroom. A free RecycleMania kickoff event including prizes, free food, carnival booth, mechanical bull, music and fun!

KENT STATE ADVENTURE CENTER EVENTS 2020 Events https://www.kent.edu/recservices/adventure-center-special-events
EXPEDITION FILM TOUR
WINTER BIKE RIDE (with campfire and hot chocolate)
LATE NIGHT CHARITY CLIMB-A-THON
SPRING TRAIL RUNS
MAP-MAKING WORKSHOP
SUSTAINABILITY BIKE TOUR
EARTH MONTH SERVICE PROJECT


CENTER FOR ECOLOGY AND NATURAL RESOURCE SUSTAINABILITY EVENTS https://www.kent.edu/cenrs/events-and-seminars
Multiple events and seminars hosted by Department of Biological Sciences https://www.kent.edu/biology/events, Geography https://www.kent.edu/geography/conferences-meetings-and-events, and Department of Geology https://www.kent.edu/geology/palmer-geology-lecture-series Palmer Lecture Series

DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY
Each year the Department of Geography at Kent State University hosts and sponsors events from local initiatives, to regional, national, and international conferences. Kent State GIS Day; Applied Geography: Business Geography Symposium; Annual Applied Geography Conference

Cultural arts 

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?:
Yes

A brief description of the cultural arts events, installations, or performances focused on sustainability:
The Who's Your Mama Environmental Film Festival (2017, 2018, 2019) is produced by Standing Rock Cultural Arts and hosted on campus by the Sustainability Office during Earth Month. https://www.kent.edu/sustainability/earth-month

Kent Cuyahoga 50 Spring 2019 https://www.kent.edu/sustainability/kent-cuyahoga-50
CONCRETE POETRY: CELEBRATING THE CUYAHOGA RIVER THROUGH POETRY AND DESIGN WITH WORKS THAT APPEAR ON CONCRETE WHEN WET
How do we connect to the Cuyahoga River? The flowing water touches our emotions, our communities, our environment and our history. In this 50th anniversary year of the last Cuyahoga River fire, the Concrete Poetry project invites us to reconsider and reconnect to the river and its legacy. The 1969 fire occurred at a pivotal time and helped spark the environmental movement leading to protective legislation and the sustainability movement today.
Kent State’s Office of Sustainability convened partners to create the designs. The poems are from the Wick Poetry Center’s Cuyahoga River Stanzas. The designs are from Aoife Mooney and Sanda Katila’s typography students in the School of Visual Communication and Design. Additional designs share facts about the watershed. The images that appear on the ground are meant to bring a smile, give us pause or educate.
This project is a collaboration between the Office of Sustainability, the School of Visual Communication and Design and the Wick Poetry Center. Thank you to TechStyleLab for providing the stencils for the concrete designs. Designs are installed through the Kent State University Campus and downtown Kent, Ohio. Check back as more designs are installed.

Kent State Creativity Festival 2019 https://www.kent.edu/kent-creativity-festival
The annual Kent Creativity Festival provides an opportunity for people of all ages and skill levels to come together to create, share and explore the creation of all forms of art. A group of local stakeholders, including Kent State University, the City of Kent, Main Street Kent, local non-profit organizations and Kent businesses, plans the festival. For people of all ages in a hands-on environment that allows everyone to BE AN ARTIST! The event will feature a wide variety of interactive creative activities presented by local and regional artists and art educators. Attendees can enjoy hands-on activities in jewelry-making, weaving, dance, silk screen, architecture, creative writing, improvisational theatre, poetry, sewing and music therapy. This multigenerational event is free and open to everyone. Guests will also enjoy the UNITY Project where everyone can help to create a web of interconnectedness; the public exhibition “We the People” which consists of large-scale portraits of NE Ohio community members who also identify as refugees; a display of the Kent Clean Transportation Crew’s sustainable vehicles. Plus, food trucks on site.

THE ARRIVAL SCULPTURE September 2019
The "Arrival" sculpture made by Kent State alumna Sally Rogers, is an expression of how the study of birds has a wingspan that stretches across numerous scientific disciplines. It’s also a metaphor for the academic journey of students in higher education. The sculpture arrived on Kent Campus in Sept. 2019 and is located near the Integrated Sciences Building.

RIVER STANZAS TYPOGRAPHY BOOK SPRING 2020
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Cuyahoga River’s rebirth in June 2019, the Wick Poetry Center created a community arts project entitled River Stanzas: A Collective Dreaming of the Cuyahoga. With a major grant from the National Endowment for the Arts and in partnership with the Conservancy for the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Northeast Ohio schools, Wick Poetry Center’s outreach team, led by Charles Malone, began field trips and workshops in the summer of 2018—“river walks” and “river talks”— to bring the river to the city, and the people of the city to the river. How do we connect to the Cuyahoga River? The flowing water touches our emotions, our communities, our environment and our history. In the 50th anniversary year of the last Cuyahoga River fire, the Concrete Poetry project invited us to reconsider and reconnect to the river and its legacy. The 1969 fire occurred at a pivotal time and helped spark the environmental movement leading to protective legislation and the sustainability movement today.
The Office of Sustainability at Kent State University convened our talented partners at the Wick Poetry Center and the College of Visual Communication and Design to create the engaging pieces in this book. Like other Rainworks designs and Mass Poetry’s “Raining Poetry” project, the poems were applied on concrete sidewalks and pathways with biodegradable water-repellent spray. On a sunny day, the letters remained invisible. But as rainwater flowed through campus and downtown Kent to the Cuyahoga River, the designs were revealed to passersby, a visual representation of our connection to the river.
We celebrate with gratitude the legacy of renewal that sprang from the last Cuyahoga River fire and all those who contributed to it.

Wilderness and outdoors programs 

Does the institution have a wilderness or outdoors program that follow Leave No Trace principles?:
Yes

A brief description of the wilderness or outdoors programs that follow Leave No Trace principles:
LNT (Leave No Trace) plays a role in every KSU Adventure Center program, whether it be a one day archery trip, a multi-day Pennsylvania backpacking trip, or any skill/certification workshop. LNT is presented at every pre trip meeting to ensure that all participants are knowledgeable about how to act while on the trip, whether it be in a city park (like our Crooked River Adventures Canoe/Kayak Livery), or a wilderness area; and also to understand how and why our leaders make the decisions that they do.

Sustainability-focused themes 

Has the institution had a sustainability-focused theme chosen for a themed semester, year, or first-year experience during the previous three years?:
No

A brief description of the sustainability-focused themes chosen for themed semesters, years, or first-year experiences:
---

Sustainable life skills 

Does the institution have a program through which students can learn sustainable life skills?:
No

A brief description of the programs through which students can learn sustainable life skills:
Earth Month: Earth Fest Celebration https://www.kent.edu/sustainability/earth-month

Kent State Living Learning Communities https://www.kent.edu/housing/living-learning-programs
https://www.kent.edu/admissions/undergraduate/living-learning-communities

Kent State Experiential Learning Requirement https://www.kent.edu/community/experiential-learning-requirement-elr-0
All KSU students must fulfill the ELR in order to graduate. This degree requirement provides students with learning experiences that promote academic relevance, meaning and an understanding of real-word issues.

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:
Office of Sustainability Student Employee Spring Semester 2017; Spring 2018; Fall 2018; Spring 2019; Summer 2019
Students may either get paid or get class credit in Office of Sustainability Internships.
10 hours per week - schedule may vary
$9 per hour

Duties: Organize Outreach Events for RecycleMania and Earth Month; Coordinate logistics and planning for some Earth Month Events; Conduct outreach presentations to students about RecycleMania and Earth Month; Answer questions about sustainability at Kent State during tabling events

Skillset: Communication; Organization; Planning and Logistics; Creative; Outreach/comfortable giving presentations; Enthusiastic; Outgoing; Knowledgeable about Sustainability at Kent State University; Knowledgeable about RecycleMania and Earth Month; Basic understanding and background about sustainability

Graduation pledge

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

A brief description of the graduation pledge(s):
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Optional Fields

A brief description of other co-curricular sustainability programs and initiatives that do not fall into one of the above categories:
Annual Kent State University Waste Audit with a Natural Resource Conservation Class every spring(2020, 2019, 2018, 2017) since 2017.

College of Business Administration Responsible Leadership Program https://www.kent.edu/business/rli
The Responsible Leadership Initiative promotes business as a force for good and demonstrates through practice and research how business can drive achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals established in 2016 by the United Nations Global Compact. The Responsible Leadership Initiative is supported by the College’s core values of respect, ethics, collaboration and a sense of purpose in all we do.

https://www.kent.edu/fuelcell
College of Aeronautics and Engineering Fuel Cells, Clean Energy and Sustainability
Global warming is a serious threat to human life on Earth. The Kent State Clean Energy and Sustainability Research Team works diligently to provide research, insights, and breakthroughs to the ever-evolving field of Fuel Cells, a practical technology for major reductions in global warming.

Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week https://www.kent.edu/community/hunger-and-homelessness-awareness-week-0

Community Engaged Learning https://www.kent.edu/community
Education at Kent State University goes beyond textbooks, lectures, and the walls of a classroom. Community Engaged Learning promotes a culture of active and engaged learners by integrating opportunities for students to apply theories and knowledge through real world experiences.Community Engaged Learning cultivates civic involvement and community building across Kent State, the surrounding community and the globe. Through one-time and on-going volunteer opportunities and course-based experiences, Community Engaged Learning fosters a deeper understanding of course content and civic commitment in students.
Volunteer Opportunities https://www.kent.edu/community/volunteer-serve-0
Alternative Breaks https://www.kent.edu/community/alternative-breaks
Campus Kitchen https://www.kent.edu/community/campus-kitchen
Experiential Learning Requirement https://www.kent.edu/community/experiential-learning-requirement-elr-0

Days of Service https://www.kent.edu/community/days-service
Alternative Spring Breaks https://www.kent.edu/community/alternative-breaks
Volunteer Opportunities https://www.kent.edu/community/volunteer-serve-0

Kent State Office of Sustainability Day of Service Wednesday August 21, 2019 Protecting Water Quality: Stormwater Drain Marking Project Freshman Day of Service, Community Engaged Learning 20 volunteers helped educate the campus community about water quality! Volunteers applied 71 “no dumping, drains to stream” stickers to stormwater drains on campus. 

Ready, Set, Grow Coalition https://www.kent.edu/today/news/walls-community-garden-lauded-outstanding-new-service-initiative
Ready, Set, Grow Coalition is a new coalition of faculty, students, city officials, Kent City Schools, UH hospital, Master Gardeners, Community Engaged learning, Women’s Center, and various colleges around campus. They are working together to enhance health, education, and the environment through Farm to School activities. Their current projects include Kent City Schools and Windham Schools.
Ready, Set, Grow has filled all the intern positions for spring and summer. They will need 4-6 interns in the fall 2020.

Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
Entered by Leah Graham 2/17/20

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.