Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 65.42
Liaison Dayna Cook
Submission Date March 3, 2017
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

Northern Arizona University
EN-6: Assessing Sustainability Culture

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 0.50 / 1.00 Ellen Vaughan
Manager
Office of Sustainability
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Does the institution conduct an assessment of sustainability culture (i.e. the assessment focuses on sustainability values, behaviors and beliefs, and may also address awareness of campus sustainability initiatives)?:
Yes

Which of the following best describes the cultural assessment? The assessment is administered to::
A subset of the campus community or a sample that may not be representative of the entire community

Which of the following best describes the structure of the cultural assessment? The assessment is administered::
Longitudinally to measure change over time

A brief description of how and when the cultural assessment(s) were developed and/or adopted:

1) During the Welcome Week survey, students are asked about their support for sustainability at NAU and specific sustainable initiatives. See file uploaded under "Additional documentation to support the submission" for questions.

2) In 2015-2016, NAU conducted a "Visioning 2025" assessment of campus culture and the direction faculty, staff, and students. Multiple questions about sustainability were asked. Some results of that survey are below.


A copy or sample of the questions related to sustainability culture:
A sample of the questions related to sustainability culture or the website URL where the assessment tool is available:

1) sample of questions:
a) How important is it that the university becomes a leader in sustainability by adopting sustainable practices?
What is the purpose of the NAU Green Fund?

b) The purpose of NAU's Green Fund is to provide funding for projects that reduce NAU's negative impact on the environment. What types of projects should the Green Fund be funding? (Check all that apply)

2) Questions were specifically asked about what academics to pursue, giving participants options like environmental studies and forestry. Also questions like "Choose your three favorite values from the list provided" where sustainability was an option. The file attached above "NAU Mission Vision..." has all the questions.


A brief description of how representative samples were reached (if applicable) and how the cultural assessment is administered:

1) Given out every year during Welcome Week (August) this captures mainly incoming freshman and also transfers.

We get approximately 1900 responses a year. Which is 40% of the incoming class and 10% of the total student body.

2) Multiple emails went out to all faculty, staff, and students. There were also white boards around campus collecting input as well and workshops.


A brief summary of results from the cultural assessment, including a description of any measurable changes over time:

1) 97% of Lumberjacks think it's at least somewhat important that NAU becomes a leader in sustainability by adopting sustainable practices.

2) As a result of the visioning 2020 project, we have revised our vision statement to read: "To be recognized for developing and delivering high quality programs and pioneering research with substantial community impact, celebrated for fostering a unique and transformational student experience, and renowned for leading toward a sustainable future, nationally and globally." The results are also in the attachment above.


The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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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.