Overall Rating Gold
Overall Score 67.20
Liaison Jessica Thompson
Submission Date June 20, 2024

STARS v2.2

Northern Michigan University
AC-10: Support for Sustainability Research

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 3.00 / 4.00 Jessica Thompson
AVP Sustainability
People Culture & Wellbeing
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Student sustainability research incentives 

Does the institution have an ongoing program to encourage students in multiple disciplines or academic programs to conduct sustainability research?:
Yes

A brief description of the student sustainability research program:

SHINE (Sustainability Hub for Innovation & Environment) funds interns ($2,000 per semester) to conduct campus-related sustainability research in 2023-2024 these projects included: 1) tree inventory of campus, 2) GHG emissions inventory & assessment, 3) compost, recycling & waste diversion research, and 4) sustainable living & education research https://nmu.edu/shine/shine-team


Faculty sustainability research incentives 

Does the institution have a program to encourage academic staff from multiple disciplines or academic programs to conduct sustainability research?:
Yes

A brief description of the faculty sustainability research program:

The Sustainability Fellows Program provides an opportunity for a faculty member to advance an initiative or research project related to sustainability on our campus or in our curriculum. The fellowship will be a one-year special appointment (beginning in the Fall semester). During that time the Fellow will assist with the administration of campuswide sustainability initiatives (including strategic planning and budgeting) and implementing activities that exemplify the principles of the Okanagan Charter. The SHINE team and AVP for Sustainability will assist the Fellow in advancing their proposed project, applying for external funding, and reporting progress to the campus community. Fellows will be expected to serve on the Sustainability Council and attend SHINE team meetings. Fellows will have up to 12 credits of reassigned time per academic year, with replacement costs covered by SHINE. The fellowship is for 1-2 years (specify in application), and could continue during the summer (with summer salary) if desired/necessary. Fellows should also provide a proposed budget for any training, conference travel or other activities related to the implementation of the proposed project.


Recognition of interdisciplinary, transdisciplnary and multi-disciplinary research 

Has the institution published written policies and procedures that give positive recognition to interdisciplinary, transdisciplinary, and multidisciplinary research during faculty promotion and/or tenure decisions?:
No

A copy of the promotion or tenure guidelines or policies:
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The promotion or tenure guidelines or policies:
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Library support

Does the institution have ongoing library support for sustainability research and learning?:
Yes

A brief description of the institution’s library support for sustainability research:

The University has dedicated librarians who help to compile information and provide support for sustainability-related research. For example, librarian Bruce Sargaent, PhD has provided research support for faculty members seeking documents and news coverage for environmental policy issues and other sustainability-related topics. He also has developed resources for EEGS courses and regularly meets with students to help them with their research projects. Librarian Lynn Lambert serves on the University's sustainability focus area strategic planning committee and has helped to organize sustainability-themed exhibits and events in the University's library. 


Optional Fields 

Website URL where information about the institution’s support for sustainability research 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.