University of Colorado Boulder
PAE-2: Strategic Plan

In numerous places and in numerous ways both explicitly and implicitly, environmental dimensions of sustainability are incorporated into the strategic plan, Flagship 2030. For instance: "All facilities will be constructed with materials and methods emphasizing sustainability and environmental awareness, consistent with the university’s longtime commitment to the environment." [page 55]

Again, in numerous ways, social dimensions of sustainability are supported in the strategic plan. For instance, "As we add new [faculty] positions, we will also identify and implement strategies for enhancing our faculty diversity. A significant increase in new and diverse faculty will help us remain competitive in the quality of teaching and the educational experience for undergraduate, graduate, and professional students." [page 33] Indeed, social elements are part of two of the core initiatives in the plan: 1) Learning for a Diverse World. Implement new strategies for improving diversity; foster a supportive and inclusive climate for all. 8. Serving Colorado, the Community, and Our Graduates. Expand outreach programming aimed at Colorado communities; enhance opportunities for lifelong and distance learning.

In this arena, both social and financial sustainability principles are detailed in the strategic plan. For instance, "We will enhance student financial support by doubling both merit and need-based financial aid within the next five years; we will initiate a statewide dialogue on how Colorado can expand access to higher education. CU-Boulder is committed to recruiting outstanding students from a diverse talent pool throughout the state, the nation, and the world. In particular, we want to provide access for qualified Colorado residents, regardless of their ability to pay. Although financial aid has been the fastest-growing budget item for the past four years, we still lag behind our peers in overall funds available to help attract the best students. Clearly, we need to increase our financial aid investment if we are to compete for outstanding undergraduate students. At the graduate level, we also must enhance stipends, health care, and housing to recruit top-tier graduate students. Our overall recruitment strategies must reflect our intent to build a diverse student body that is more representative of the world today and tomorrow." [page 37]