University of Wisconsin-River Falls
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

Measurable Objectives currently includes trending metrics for
- Goal of new faculty in each Sustainability Across the Curriculum Workshop as included in the Sustainable Campus Community Plan
- Sustainability Faculty Fellows membership numbers (now 50+ through program) as included in the Sustainable Campus Community Plan
- Undergraduate Research & Falcon Scholar projects w/ a sustainability-based focus, as included in the Pathway to Distinction and Sustainable Campus Community Plans
- New & redesigned sustainability-based courses as included in the Sustainable Campus Community Plan

Priority Actions
-Broaden the number of sustainability-focused and -related courses
available and to involve all departments across campus in sustainability infused education.
-Implement systems to track the number of graduating students covered by
the sustainability learning outcomes as determined with the Sustainability
Faculty Survey.
-Increase the number of degree programs that have sustainability learning
outcomes.
-Reinstate the Sustainable Community Development Master’s Degree
program. Use the program as a cornerstone to make UWRF a premier
sustainability-education institution.

- On-going funding of the Office of Sustainability to pursue actions noted in the Sustainable Campus Community Plan
- Continued funding for 1/4 time release or more for the Sustainability Faculty Fellows Coordinator to support curriculum related aspects of the Sustainable Campus Community Plan
- Progress on SWG's sustainability projects/efforts using the Sustainable Campus Community Plan and the Climate Action Plan as the guide to prioritize

Priority Actions
-Reinstate the Annual Residence Hall Energy Conservation Contest.
-Develop an organic garden where students are able to engage in organic
farming and/or gardening experience.
-Develop an occupied, formally designated model room in a residence hall
that is open to students during regular hours and demonstrates
sustainable living principles.
-Re-integrate sustainability into intentional learning communities.
-Develop a student run enterprise (or adapt an existing one – i.e., Falcon
Foods) through which students gain sustainable business skills. Include
sustainability as part of the business statement or purpose.
-Continue to broaden the intentional collaboration between the Office of
Student Life and student groups to encourage collaborative and connected
programming.
-Reward and recognize community engagement activities that support the
university’s strategic plan.

Measurable objectives are identified and tracked through the prioritized list of energy efficiency projects as maintained by Facilities Management and facilitated through the Energy Project Committee which meets monthly. As per the Climate Action Plan and above in Air & Climate, and in Buildings:
- Annual GHG footprint completion using SIMAP;
- Annual reporting on carbon footprint reduction since benchmark of 2006 (currently at ~20% reduction) *leads the UW System in energy consumption as defined by btu/gsf for the past four years

UW-River Falls Inclusive Excellence Goals - https://www.uwrf.edu/Diversity/Inclusive-Excellence-Goals.cfm

UW-River Falls Commitment to Student Retention and Success -
https://www.uwrf.edu/AboutUs/Student-Retention-And-Success-Goals.cfm

GOAL #1 - Increase the overall headcount of under-represented minority (URM)* students at UW-River Falls by 20% from 437 to 525
GOAL #2 - Decrease the 1st to 2nd year retention rate equity gap between all and URM* first-time first-year students at UW-River Falls by ten percent
GOAL #3 - Increase the percentage of the UW-River Falls workforce composed of faculty and staff of color to 8%

Sustainability Proclamation
RESOLUTION DECLARING RIVER FALLS AN ASPIRING SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY
Whereas, the University of Wisconsin-River Falls acknowledges that the difficult
challenges facing the world represent great opportunities to support the deeply-rooted traditional values of our nation, state and community including self-sufficiency, economic vitality, opportunity for all to enjoy a high quality of life, deep respect for the land and environment, and strong commitment to democratic participation; and

Whereas, the University of Wisconsin-River Falls recognizes that it desires a prosperous,
sustainable future for current and coming generations; and

Whereas, the University of Wisconsin-River Falls wishes to strongly support its own
sustainability goals and those of the City of River Falls, the School District of River Falls, and the entire River Falls community, as well as those of federal and state governments, thus taking full advantage of opportunities including, but not limited to, program funding, support, and resources; and

Whereas, the University of Wisconsin-River Falls pledges to support the sustainability
goals of the St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity Eco-village; and

Whereas, the University of Wisconsin-River Falls wishes to share its knowledge and
encourage and reinforce partner and leadership roles already in the region, state and nation to pursue sustainability in community planning, design, education, health care, and social services; and

Whereas, the University of Wisconsin-River Falls recognizes that it will take the collective
good will and determined work of citizens, educators, students, businesses, civic organizations, households, and government to become a more sustainable community; and

Whereas, by endorsing sustainable community development, the University of Wisconsin-River Falls is pledging to educate itself and its constituents further about sustainability principles and practices, and to expand educational initiatives, professional development, and entrepreneurship in support of this pledge; and

Whereas, the University of Wisconsin-River Falls strives to be part of a more sustainable
community through collaborative efforts to reduce pollution, limit the degradation or destruction of ecosystems; reduce “carbon footprint” produced by energy use, transportation, and other sources; and reduce conditions that undermine people’s capacity to lead productive, healthy, and civically-engaged lives,

Now, Therefore Be It Resolved, that the University of Wisconsin-River
Falls declares itself part of an Aspiring Sustainable Community by endorsing the values,
principles, and practices of sustainability described herein, and agrees to seek opportunities for collaboration, communication, and partnership with the City of River Falls, the School District of River Falls, and possibly other neighboring entities, in joint sustainability efforts.

UWRF ‘Sustainability Definition’
“UWRF defines sustainability as our local and global responsibility to meet the needs of present and future generations, as demonstrated by an integrated set of ecologic, social, and economic values, principles, and practices that frame how we think, choose, and act in personal, professional, and community life.”

In addition to the strategic plan and the UWRF sustainability proclamation, UWRF engages with Second Nature. While UWRF is no longer a member due to financial limitations, UWRF continues to support Second Nature initiatives.