| Overall Rating | Silver |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 63.89 |
| Liaison | Christa Rieck |
| Submission Date | March 3, 2022 |
University of Houston
PA-2: Sustainability Planning
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
3.00 / 4.00 |
Does the institution have a published plan or plans that include measurable sustainability objectives that address sustainability in curriculum and/or research?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to academics and the plan(s) in which they are published:
Students/Curriculum:
UH stands ready to further bridge the gap between dreams and opportunity, to graduate more students with higher grade point averages, make college more financially accessible to all and elevate the learning experience to prepare students for successful careers.
Research drives knowledge, new inventions, medical breakthroughs and societal advancements. Over the last decade, UH propelled its research to the next level earning Tier One status — a Carnegie designation for highest research activity. Building on that success, the University will further accelerate its research efforts by fostering a culture of curiosity, collaboration and ambition.
1. Make educational programs more financially accessible for all students.
2. Use innovative and creative teaching methods to elevate student learning.
3. Increase the number of experiential learning opportunities that prepare students to excel in their chosen fields.
4. Provide highest quality professional and graduate degree programs and prepare students to lead.
5. Provide working professionals with top quality programs to upgrade their skills and help create a robust economy.
Milestones:
1. University of Houston will rank among the Top 75 and then among the Top 50 public universities in the nation in the U.S. News & World Report ranking.
2. More than 50% of freshmen will continue to be first generation college students and from underserved communities of color.
3. Number of ranked graduate programs will double and existing ranked programs will increase their standing.
4. UH will increase the number of certificates, modules and micro-credential programs for working professionals.
Research
With a focus on energy, infrastructure, space, health, data sciences and the arts, UH will build a nationally competitive research powerhouse that shapes lives and creates innovations for the greater good.
Strategies:
1. Conduct innovative research in Houston’s areas of strength: energy, infrastructure, space, health, data sciences and the arts.
2. Create sustainable solutions for local, national and global energy and health challenges.
3. Build infrastructure and networks to promote interdisciplinary and inter-institutional research.
4. Support faculty and staff to compete for research honors and recognitions at the highest level.
5. Build an immersive culture of research and innovation for all students.
Milestones:
01. UH will be known as the “Energy University” by conducting groundbreaking research that helps the industry find solutions to local and global challenges.
02. UH Health will be the primary contributor to research on reducing health disparities in the community.
03. Through enhanced research efforts and initiatives, UH Arts will double its public engagement and visibility.
04. The UH ASPIRE Institutes will contribute to the University’s world-class research.
05.Twice as many faculty will receive national honors and competitive grants.
06.The University will gain preeminence in the arts, humanities, creative expression and social sciences.
07. UH will build an Innovation Complex to expose students to the ethos of innovation and entrepreneurship across all disciplines.
Student Success Strategies and Goals. Sustainability focus in : https://uh.edu/strategic-plan/goals/student-success/
Research Success Strategies and Goals: https://uh.edu/strategic-plan/goals/research/
Does the institution have a published plan or plans that include measurable sustainability objectives that address student, employee, or community engagement for sustainability?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to engagement and the plan(s) in which they are published:
By increasing its social responsibility initiatives, UH can make an impact that will last for generations. To do this, UH has set the following community engagement strategies and goals:
Strategies:
1. Build a coalition of medical and health professionals, health care providers, and students who work with community members to achieve health equity.
2. Strengthen our partnership with Historic Third Ward and the city of Houston.
3. Infuse and support the culture of volunteerism among students, staff and faculty.
4. Bolster efforts by our students, staff and faculty to seek social justice and racial equity.
5. Support freedom of expression and diversity of views.
Milestones:
1. Develop a Population Health Complex that leads interdisciplinary population health practice and research to help eliminate health disparities.
2. UH will continue to partner and collaborate with the Third Ward to strengthen schools, businesses and health care resources.
3. UH will be noted as a model institution for exposing students to diverse ideas and seeking social justice.
Does the institution have a published plan or plans that include measurable sustainability objectives that address sustainability in operations?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to operations and the plan(s) in which they are published:
The Campus Master Plan has sustainability as a concept embedded throughout. With measurable goals ranging from improving the campus green belt, to committing to LEED certified buildings, the plan ensures the growth of sustainable operations for the years to come. https://www.uh.edu/facilities-planning-construction/vendor-resources/owners-design-criteria/design-guidelines/design-guidelines-07-sustainable-design-jan2020-002.pdf
Does the institution have a published plan or plans that include measurable sustainability objectives that address diversity, equity, and inclusion; sustainable investment/finance; or wellbeing?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to administration and the plan(s) in which they are published:
Strategies
1. Build a coalition of medical and health professionals, health care providers, and students who work with community members to achieve health equity.
2. Strengthen our partnership with Historic Third Ward and the city of Houston.
3. Infuse and support the culture of volunteerism among students, staff and faculty.
4. Bolster efforts by our students, staff and faculty to seek social justice and racial equity.
5. Support freedom of expression and diversity of views.
Milestones:
01Develop a Population Health Complex that leads interdisciplinary population health practice and research to help eliminate health disparities.
02UH will continue to partner and collaborate with the Third Ward to strengthen schools, businesses and health care resources.
03UH will be noted as a model institution for exposing students to diverse ideas and seeking social justice.
Does the institution have a published strategic plan or equivalent guiding document that includes sustainability at a high level? :
The institution’s highest guiding document (upload):
Website URL where the institution’s highest guiding document is publicly available:
Which of the following best describes the inclusion of sustainability in the highest guiding document?:
The institution's sustainability plan (upload):
Website URL where the institution's sustainability plan is publicly available:
Does the institution have a formal statement in support of sustainability endorsed by its governing body?:
The formal statement in support of sustainability:
The institution’s definition of sustainability:
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 |
| Pan-Canadian Protocol for Sustainability | No |
| SDG Accord | No |
| Second Nature’s Carbon Commitment (formerly known as the ACUPCC), Resilience Commitment, and/or integrated Climate Commitment | No |
| The Talloires Declaration (TD) | No |
| UN Global Compact | No |
| Other multi-dimensional sustainability commitments (please specify below) | No |
A brief description of the institution’s formal sustainability commitments, including the specific initiatives selected above:
Website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability planning efforts is available:
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.