| Overall Rating | Silver |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 59.82 |
| Liaison | Joanne Wong |
| Submission Date | Feb. 10, 2021 |
Mills College
EN-3: Student Life
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 2.00 |
Joanne
Wong Sustainability Coordinator Campus Facilities |
Does the institution have an active student group focused on sustainability?:
Name and a brief description of the active student groups 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.
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 Mills Community Farm 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, student internships, and coursework, including a farm class taught by the Farm Manager..
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:
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, and funded by, the Associated Students of Mills College (student government).
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:
Mills College hosts an annual, student-organized Earth Week or Earth Month in April. Events throughout the week or month provide students with the opportunity to hear influential speakers, learn about natural design principles, participate in hands-on activities, and meet community partners. Every year has a unique flavor and presents a variety of opportunities to engage.
The annual CTA conference features panelists and discussions with community leaders around issues of empowerment and sustainability. Recent topics have included solar initiatives, climate mitigation, and resilience.
The Mills Environmental Summit brings together researchers from across disciplines to share their current work with each other and the broader community. The 2018 summit featured presentations on climate policies in California and China; California's wildfires; climate shifts in geological time; and prospects for local endangered species.
At the Public Policy Digital Poster Sessions each April, Mills graduate students share their work for local governments and nonprofits on policy issues, often including land use, transportation, and climate resiliency.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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:
First-year experience
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:
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.
Does the institution offer sustainability-focused student employment opportunities?:
A brief description of the sustainability-focused student employment opportunities offered by the institution:
Positions are offered through the Mills College Eco-Representative Program and Mills Community Farm Crew
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):
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
A brief description of other co-curricular sustainability programs and initiatives that do not fall into one of the above categories:
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.