| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 53.93 |
| Liaison | Joanne Wong |
| Submission Date | June 20, 2016 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Mills College
EN-3: Student Life
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 2.00 |
Nicole
Gaetjens Sustainability Coordinator Campus Facilities |
Does the institution have one or more co-curricular sustainability programs and initiatives that fall into the following categories?:
| Yes or No | |
| Active student groups focused on sustainability | Yes |
| Gardens, farms, community supported agriculture (CSA) or fishery programs, or urban agriculture projects where students are able to gain experience in organic agriculture and sustainable food systems | Yes |
| Student-run enterprises that include sustainability as part of their mission statements or stated purposes | No |
| 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 |
| Conferences, speaker series, symposia or similar events related to sustainability that have students as the intended audience | Yes |
| Cultural arts events, installations or performances related to sustainability that have students as the intended audience | Yes |
| Wilderness or outdoors programs that follow Leave No Trace principles | Yes |
| Sustainability-related themes chosen for themed semesters, years, or first-year experiences | No |
| Programs through which students can learn sustainable life skills | Yes |
| Sustainability-focused student employment opportunities offered by the institution | Yes |
| Graduation pledges through which students pledge to consider social and environmental responsibility in future job and other decisions | Yes |
| Other co-curricular sustainability programs and initiatives | --- |
The name and a brief description of each student group focused on sustainability:
Earth CORPS: The Community Organized to Respect, Protect, and Sustain the Earth. Earth CORPS has a strong track record at Mills, including an annual Earth Week, successfully leading the effort for the dining hall to go trayless, implementing a compost program in the residence halls, and supporting the creation of the Re-Use Depot.
The website URL where information about student groups is available:
A brief description of gardens, farms, community supported agriculture (CSA) or fishery programs, and urban agriculture projects where students are able to gain experience in organic agriculture and sustainable food systems:
The Mills Botanic Garden includes a community vegetable garden which the student Garden Club and Mills volunteers are heavily involved in cultivating. The garden provides opportunities to learn how to plant seeds, water, harvest, manage pests, and more, while remaining in balance with natural cycles and patterns. The Botanic Garden's greenhouse is also home to a student-run aquaponics system. The Director of the Botanic Garden, who is also a professor in the Biology department, oversees the gardens with the help of a work study student.
The Mills College Urban Farm (MCUF) is managed by a full-time Farm Manager. Students have a number of avenues through which to gain sustainable agriculture experience and training at the farm on topics such as composting, irrigation, etc. This includes regular volunteer hours and integration with course requirements/and or credit in a number of departments' courses, including the biology and policy departments.
The website URL where information about the organic agriculture and/or sustainable food systems projects and initiatives is available:
A brief description of student-run enterprises that include sustainability as part of their mission statements or stated purposes:
The website URL where information about the student-run enterprise(s) is available:
A brief description of the sustainable investment or finance initiatives:
Teams of students, including at least one undergraduate student, can apply for Green for Green funding for campus sustainability projects. These project applications are reviewed by a committee of students, faculty, and staff, and then submitted for approval for the Associated Students of Mills College (student government) board. This is the inaugural year of the annual $30,000 fund.
The website URL where information about the sustainable investment or finance initiatives is available:
A brief description of conferences, speaker series, symposia or similar events related to sustainability that have students as the intended audience:
As part of Black History Month, a number of campus entities, including the Ethnic Studies Department and Sustainability Center, will be co-sponsoring "Reclaiming Nature: a Panel Discussion with Outdoor Afro and Urban ReLeaf." Guest speakers will discuss connections to the natural world and how blacks and people of color can claim and hold space in ensuring access and stewardship.
Mills College hosts an annual student organized Earth Week in April. Events throughout the week provide students with the opportunity to hear influential speakers, learn about natural design principles, participate in hands-on activities, and meet community partners. This year will also include an environmental careers panel. Every year has a unique flavor and presents a variety of opportunities to engage.
The Mills Center for Socially Responsible Business hosts an annual all-day conference in collaboration with Mills Net Impact Graduate and Undergraduate Chapters. This year's conference theme is Building Vibrant Cities Through Community Capital. The conference will include multiple keynote presentations, speaker panels, and opportunities for networking.
The website URL where information about the event(s) is available:
A brief description of cultural arts events, installations or performances related to sustainability that have students as the intended audience:
Founded in 1925, the Mills College Art Museum is a forum for exploring art and ideas and a laboratory for contemporary art practices. Through innovative exhibitions, programs, and collections, the museum engages and inspires the intellectual and creative life of the Mills community as well as the diverse audiences of the Bay Area and beyond. Many themes that encompass social justice and sustainability are presented in the art and dance of the museum.
The website URL where information about the cultural arts event(s) is available:
A brief description of wilderness or outdoors programs for students that follow Leave No Trace principles:
Recreational excursions provide Mills College students with opportunities to take fun trips off campus to experience some of the amazing sites and activities that northern California has to offer. Past excursions include: hiking, horseback riding, whale watching, kayaking, and rock climbing. Students, faculty, staff, alumnae, and guests are welcome to participate on a space-available basis. Leave No Trace principles are included as part of the safety talks before launching.
The website URL where information about the wilderness or outdoors program(s) is available:
A brief description of sustainability-related themes chosen for themed semesters, years, or first-year experiences:
The website URL where information about the theme is available:
A brief description of program(s) through which students can learn sustainable life skills:
Larsen House is a sustainable co-op located close to the center of campus. The students living in Larsen share house duties and decision making, and work to raise awareness around environmental issues through campus-wide programs and events. Sustainable living skills are developed through collective decision-making, weekly cooking from the items in a CSA box, the opportunity to grow food in raised beds in their yard, the maintenance of a vermi-compost worm bin, and supporting programs such as campus creek restoration and the farm. Residency for Larsen House Co-op is determined through an application and interview process.
The website URL where information about the sustainable life skills program(s) is available:
A brief description of sustainability-focused student employment opportunities:
Eco-Reps are work-study students who raise awareness about sustainability issues and encourage more sustainable behaviors throughout the academic year. Eco-Reps plan and implement projects, events, and volunteer opportunities including Creek Care Days, Farm Days, and Recyclemania. and plan related events, activities, and volunteer opportunities. They are also in charge of educational presentations, tabling, and educational materials development.
The website URL where information about the student employment opportuntities is available:
A brief description of graduation pledges through which students pledge to consider social and environmental responsibility in future job and other decisions:
There is an annual Lokey Graduate School of Business Oath, started at Mills College Commencement on 5.17.2014.
The Lokey GSB Oath
As a reflective leader I recognize my role in society. My purpose is to serve people with integrity and manage resources to create shared economic and social value. My decisions affect the well-being of individuals inside and outside my organization, today and tomorrow. Therefore, I promise that:
I will manage with loyalty and care, and will not advance my personal interests at the expense of my organization or society.
I will act with transparency, diligence, and ethical responsibility to uphold the laws and contracts governing my conduct and that of myorganization
I will refrain from corruption, unfair competition, or business practices harmful to society.
I will respect the human rights and dignity of all people, and I will oppose discrimination and exploitation.
I will safeguard the health of the planet and the needs of future generations.
I will report the performance and risks of my organization accurately and honestly.
I will invest in developing myself and others, helping the management profession continue to advance and create sustainable and inclusive prosperity.
In exercising my professional duties according to these principles, I recognize that my behavior must set an example of integrity, eliciting trust and esteem from those I serve. I will remain accountable to my peers, to myself, and to society for my actions and for upholding these standards.
This oath I make freely, and upon my honor
The website URL where information about the graduation pledge program is available:
A brief description of other co-curricular sustainability programs and initiatives:
The website URL where information about other co-curricular sustainability programs and initiatives is available:
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.