Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 72.23
Liaison Brandon Trelstad
Submission Date Jan. 31, 2018
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

Oregon State University
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 2.75 / 4.00 Leticia Cavazos
Sustainability Program Specialist
Sustainability Office
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Does the institution have a published strategic plan or equivalent guiding document that includes sustainability at a high level? :
Yes

A brief description of how the institution’s strategic plan or equivalent guiding document addresses sustainability:

The three Signature Areas of Distinction of the OSU Strategic Plan are:
- Advancing the Science of Sustainable Earth Ecosystems
- Improving Human Health and Wellness
- Promoting Economic Growth and Social Progress


A copy of the strategic plan:
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The website URL where the strategic plan is publicly available:
Does the institution have a published sustainability plan (apart from what is reported above)? :
Yes

A copy of the sustainability plan:
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The website URL where the sustainability plan is publicly available:
Does the institution have a published climate action plan (apart from what is reported above)? :
Yes

A copy of the climate action plan:
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The website URL where the climate action plan is publicly available:
Does the institution have other published plans that address sustainability or include measurable sustainability objectives (e.g. campus master plan, physical campus plan, diversity plan, human resources plan)? :
Yes

A list of other published plans that address sustainability, including public website URLs (if available):

The OSU Master Plan (physical development plan) includes many elements that address sustainability. A few examples include dense development that prevents campus sprawl into surrounding neighborhoods and farmland, parking requirements that limit parking development and promote alternatives to the single occupancy vehicle, and other parameters related to development. http://fa.oregonstate.edu/university-land-use/osu-district-plan

Also, diversity planning was part of the 2013 self study detailed here: http://leadership.oregonstate.edu/diversity/reporting-and-assessment/oregon-state-self-study


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Curriculum?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Curriculum and the published plans in which each objective is included:

Both the OSU Strategic Plan and the 2009 Climate Plan address curriculum development around sustainability. Specifically, one of the three Signature Areas of Distinction in the Strategic Plan is "Advancing the Science of Sustainable Earth Ecosystems." The focus of the Strategic Plan is academic (curriculum, co-curricular, and research). The Strategic Plan includes measurable outcomes for all learners.

The 2009 Climate Plan section 6.2.2, The Classroom Experience, focuses on actions to include sustainability and climate issues in curriculum. Example actions include: 1) Incorporate elements of climate and/or sustainability into all fields of study and 2) Encourage and provide resources to faculty to incorporate material on climate change in their curriculum.


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Research?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Research and the published plans in which each objective is included:

The 2009 Climate Plan included the following elements specific to research: 1) Incorporate marketing of sustainability and climate research as part of OSU’s integrated marketing campaign, 2) Broaden information availability to external audiences about regional climate change impacts and, 3) Reward and evaluate faculty for promotion and tenure based on interdisciplinary (non‐“silo”) activities.


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Campus Engagement?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Campus Engagement and the published plans in which each objective is included:

The 2009 Climate Plan addresses elements of engagement. Among other steps, a revolving loan fund was a tactic established in 2009 and implemented in 2010 that engaged students in the financial aspects of GHG reduction projects. Other actions included strengthening hiring and marketing process for paid positions within the Student Sustainability Initiative.


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Public Engagement?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Public Engagement and the published plans in which each objective is included:

Strategies in the Climate Plan include providing access to members of the academic community and departments and community groups with student organizations in order to facilitate internship, volunteer, and work opportunities. A specific tactic includes providing tours of campus sustainability features.


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Air & Climate?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Air & Climate and the published plans in which each objective is included:

OSU has specified a target date of 2025 for net carbon neutrality.


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Buildings?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Buildings and the published plans in which each objective is included:

OSU has specified a target date of 2025 for net carbon neutrality. The 2009 Climate Plan also speaks to using buildings as teaching tools, and using the campus as a living laboratory.


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Energy?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Energy and the published plans in which each objective is included:

OSU has specified a target date of 2025 for net carbon neutrality.


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Food & Dining?:
No

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Food & Dining and the published plans in which each objective is included:
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Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Grounds?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Grounds and the published plans in which each objective is included:

The Master Plan uses a sector-based approach that limits within each sector the amount of development that can occur, and has provisions for where growth occurs that require a dense, walkable campus. This prevents sprawl.


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Purchasing?:
No

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Purchasing and the published plans in which each objective is included:
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Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Transportation?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Transportation and the published plans in which each objective is included:

The Climate Plan goal was by 2012 to reduce emissions from ground transportation to no more than 11,500 t CO2e. Transportation planning efforts also emphasize reliance on transportation modes other than the single occupancy vehicle.


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Waste?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Waste and the published plans in which each objective is included:

The Climate Plan goal was by 2012 to reduce emissions from solid waste to no more than 300 t CO2e.


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Water?:
No

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Water and the published plans in which each objective is included:
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Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Diversity & Affordability?:
Yes

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Diversity & Affordability and the published plans in which each objective is included:

Concluding in spring 2013, President Ray called for a comprehensive self-study that would engage the Oregon State community in examining equity, inclusion, and diversity efforts university-wide. This directive stemmed from President Ray’s recognition that particular organizational developments presented a timely opportunity to assess and transform our approach for greater effectiveness. The scope and ambition of this process are unprecedented for the university. While there have been numerous evaluation and planning efforts related to equity, inclusion, and diversity none has been as comprehensive or as engaging.

Key Institutional Objectives

Following the external review, the self-study team combined what was learned through the self-study with the assessment of our capacity in order to prioritize the most significant objectives to pursue related to each goal:

Dimension 1: Institutional and Individual Capacity

Description: The individual and institutional ability to plan, implement, and evaluate comprehensive equity, inclusion, and diversity work, including the human, intellectual, physical, and fiscal resources needed to support such work.

Institutional Goal: A robust capacity to plan, implement, and evaluate comprehensive equity, inclusion, and diversity work.

Key Objectives:

Establish Strategic Leadership Architecture - Establish a strategic leadership structure for institutional equity, inclusion, and diversity through the creation of a senior-level advisory council to prioritize objectives, shape institutional strategies, and monitor progress. Charge the council with recommending appropriate institutional leadership structures and approaches.

Increase Accountability and Monitor Progress - Increase commitment and accountability for equity, inclusion, and diversity by incorporating explicit and relevant expectations into position descriptions, monitoring progress, and recognizing and rewarding positive efforts.

Build Human Capacity - Implement multifaceted institutional and college specific efforts to diversify the university workforce at all levels with a specific focus on increasing the representation of groups historically underrepresented in the professoriate.

Dimension 2: Education, Scholarship, and Outreach

Description: The extent to which equity, inclusion, and diversity are incorporated into the university’s education, scholarship, and outreach efforts.

Institutional Goal: The university’s education, scholarship, and outreach efforts incorporate equity, inclusion, and diversity content and perspectives.

Key Objective:

Enhance Curriculum and Co-curriculum - Incorporate the principles and practices of equity, inclusion, and diversity into the culture and learning outcomes of undergraduate, graduate, and co-curricular programs; and strengthen and expand the existing Difference Power and Discrimination (DPD) program.

Dimension 3: Access and Success

Description: The equality of access to the university’s employment and educational programs, services, and activities, the performance, retention, and advancement of the university’s student, staff, and faculty populations, and the composition and success of communities served.

Institutional Goal: Equality in access and success for people of all backgrounds and abilities and a robust ability to address the needs of diverse communities.

Key Objectives:

Pursue Universal Access - Develop and implement a comprehensive five-year plan to realize the goal of universally accessible physical and virtual university environments.

Enhanced Student Success – Develop and implement a comprehensive five-year plan to monitor, improve, and equalize student academic success rates across racial and ethnic identity groups.

Dimension 4: University Climate and Sense of Community

Description: The type and quality of interactions among and between individuals and groups, the sense of community and belonging, and individual and group perceptions of institutional commitment to equity, inclusion, and diversity.

Institutional Goal: A climate of inclusion, collaboration, and care that appreciates and seeks diversity as a source of enrichment and strength, and is rooted in justice, civility, and respect.

Key Objective:

Assess University Climate - Establish a mechanism and process for regularly assessing the university climate and devising strategies to realize the shared goal of a climate of inclusion, collaboration, and care that appreciates and seeks diversity and is oriented to enhancing the success of all members of the university community.

The Leadership Council for Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity has ongoing responsibilities for implementing and monitoring progress of the actions above.
http://leadership.oregonstate.edu/diversity/reporting-and-assessment/oregon-state-self-study

Additionally, the OSU Strategic Plan includes goals for increasing minority and international enrollment, and graduation and retention rates.


Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Investment & Finance?:
No

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Investment & Finance and the published plans in which each objective is included:
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Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address Wellbeing & Work?:
No

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address Wellbeing & Work and the published plans in which each objective is included:
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Taken together, do the plan(s) reported above include measurable sustainability objectives that address other areas (e.g. arts and culture or technology)?:
No

A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives that address other areas and the published plans in which each objective is included:
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Does the institution have a formal statement in support of sustainability endorsed by its governing body (e.g. a mission statement that specifically includes sustainability and is endorsed by the Board of Trustees)? :
No

The formal statement in support of sustainability:
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The institution’s definition of sustainability (e.g. as included in a published statement or plan):
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Is the institution an endorser or signatory of the following?:
Yes or No
The Earth Charter No
The Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI) No
ISCN-GULF Sustainable Campus Charter No
Second Nature’s Carbon Commitment (formerly known as the ACUPCC), Resilience Commitment, and/or integrated Climate Commitment Yes
The Talloires Declaration (TD) No
UN Global Compact No
Other multi-dimensional sustainability commitments (please specify below) ---

A brief description of the institution’s formal sustainability commitments, including the specific initiatives selected above:
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The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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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.