Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 68.55
Liaison Daryl Pierson
Submission Date Feb. 11, 2011
Executive Letter Download

STARS v1.0

Portland State University
ER-18: Sustainability Research Incentives

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 6.00 / 6.00 Shpresa Halimi
Academic Sustainability Program Manager
Center for Sustainable Processes and Practices
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Does the institution have a program to encourage student sustainability research that meets the criteria for this credit?:
Yes

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A brief description of the institution’s program(s) to encourage student research in sustainability:
The Institute for Sustainable Solutions made a commitment to support student sustainability projects during the academic year 2008-2009. This was the first time the university has granted money to students to develop and deliver sustainability related research, outreach and awareness campaigns. The Miller foundation supported 15 student projects and granted a total of $63,237. The Idea Generator concept was developed to create a give students the opportunity to share their work as it developed and to get feedback from the granting committee as well as members of the larger PSU community. The event, held on February 5th, 2009 was a resounding success. It was well attended by faculty, staff and students. The event gained publicity in PSU’s student newspaper, The Vanguard as well as in the Oregonian. The event prompted PSU President Wim Wiewel to double the allocated amount of $35,000. This provided up to $70,000 for student projects, and as reflected in the final allocation, this increase in allocated funds was needed. PSU's Center for Sustainable Practices and Processes held monthly forums for student grant recipients to come together and share their progress and air their concerns. The forums have been a great way for students to come together and for the center to help foster a structure that supports and values student work. Student grant recipients presented their work at the Second Annual PSU Sustainability Celebration on May 29th, 2009. A "Solutions Generator" will be held in February 2011. The level of support going to student research has yet to be established (~$20-30k).

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The website URL where information about the student research program is available:
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Does the institution have a program to encourage faculty sustainability research that meets the criteria for this credit?:
Yes

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A brief description of the institution’s program(s) to encourage faculty research in sustainability:
In 2008-2009, PSU's Institute for Sustainable Soltuions supported two rounds of grants to support faculty and staff for activities and initiatives that promote sustainability at PSU and within the community. The James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation's generous challenge grant of $25M has made these grants possible. In 2008-2009, the Center granted approximately $2 million to support faculty research in sustainability. Additionally the Oregon BEST Center catalyzes sustainability research among Oregon University System faculty through grants and networking. This center is housed at Portland State. http://oregonbest.org/

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The website URL where information about the faculty research program is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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