| Overall Rating | Silver |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 52.07 |
| Liaison | Jonathan Miller |
| Submission Date | Oct. 27, 2022 |
Nova Southeastern University
EN-3: Student Life
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 2.00 |
Amber
Orr Sustainability Coordinator Physical Plant |
Does the institution have an active student group focused on sustainability?:
Name and a brief description of the active student groups focused on sustainability:
The purpose of Green Sharks Sustainability Club, is to educate students, faculty, and the university community about sustainability and environmental issues. The organization works with students, other organizations, and university departments to coordinate educational events, spread awareness, and advocate for sustainable initiatives at the university and among the student population in a manner consistent with the most up to date and accurate information available.
Epsilon Eta Environmental Honors Fraternity is an organization centered around sustainability and professional development within the field. It is open to students of all majors, and works to spread awareness about sustainability and environmental justice issues. Its philanthropy is the National Parks Service, and
the organization hosts fundraisers to support this cause. All members are also required to complete 5 community service hours per semester, preferably in a way that supports the environment.
Additionally, Nature Club is an organization that promotes green choices on campus and is all about getting students out into nature. Nature Club is dedicated to making NSU's campus and community more aware of Florida's native flora and fauna through education and hand on experience in hiking, snorkeling, and camping.
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 Halmos College of Arts and Sciences at Nova Southeastern University is home to the collaborative National Coral Reef Institute (NCRI), a program established by a Congressional mandate in 1998. Students, both Undergraduate and graduate, have the ability to learn from and work along-side researchers at NCRI that are exploring scientifically sound approaches to understand, assess, monitor, restore and mitigate injured coral reefs.
NCRI is recognized by NOAA as one of its external coral reef research institutes. NCRI's management-oriented research is designed to provide solid information and research products designed to help understand, manage and conserve these invaluable assets for generations to come.
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:
Through the Razor's Edge Scholarship program students are given the opportunity to design and manage their own business. Many students have designed independently owned businesses with a sustainability consideration, such as a clothing thrift store with a sustainable business model, a farmer's market providing access to sustainable and organic options to students on campus, and many food or beverage businesses that reward students for bringing their own containers and utensils. Additionally, currently one of our student ran businesses “Mako Manor”, a clothing line on campus, donates a portion of proceeds to conservation practices in Florida.
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:
Nova Southeastern University has a Sustainability Fund that is used to transfer money from different departments into various sustainability projects. The use of funds is directed by student workers.
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:
The Sustainability 101 Series is a set of luncheon seminars that brings in local businesses, government agencies, and more to speak on sustainability topics with students, faculty, and staff.
The Distinguished Speaker Series hosts numerous professors or guest professionals to speak on various sustainability related topics throughout the year. Next Climate - Sustainability Series Talk - lecture series on climate change. Green Shark Club hosts numerous on campus events every year advocating sustainability initiatives.
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:
Each year, NSU hosts an Earth Day event through a collaboration of organizations and departments that features various environmentally focused art pieces and performances.
Additionally, through a local participation with the Marine Environmental Education Center (MEEC), NSU participates in sponsoring the annual environmental art festival in Hollywood, FL.
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:
Outings throughout the year such as hiking, kayaking, beach clean ups, and camping trips are planned by Nature Club, Epsilon Eta, and the Campus Life and Student Engagement Office.
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:
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:
Every two weeks the institution hosts an event called Shark Tank Thursday, in which student organizations can present to the entire university community. The Green Sharks Sustainability Club and Epsilon Eta Environmental Honors Fraternity often host a table featuring a variety of sustainability topics both on campus and at home. The content presented here is also put online to reach an additional audience of students.
The Chartwells Dining program at NSU in partnership with the Office of Student Life and Civic Engagement host teaching kitchens that highlight recipes focused on local produce, reducing waste, and eating sustainably.
Does the institution offer sustainability-focused student employment opportunities?:
A brief description of the sustainability-focused student employment opportunities offered by the institution:
The Student Sustainability Coordinator position under the Physical Plant Department allows students to work on sustainable initiatives and improvement projects, providing an insight into the student perspective on the program.
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):
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.