| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 55.50 |
| Liaison | Cora Kenfield |
| Submission Date | July 22, 2014 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Vassar College
OP-21: Support for Sustainable Transportation
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.75 / 2.00 |
Alistair
Hall Sustainability Assistant Dean of Strategic Planning |
Does the institution provide secure bicycle storage (not including office space), shower facilities, and lockers for bicycle commuters?:
A brief description of the facilities for bicycle commuters:
There are showers and overnight lockers available fore employees but we do not offer indoor secure bike storage at this point in time.
Does the institution provide short-term bicycle parking (e.g. racks) within 50 ft (15 m) of all occupied, non-residential buildings and make long-term bicycle storage available within 330 ft (100 m) of all residence halls (if applicable)?:
A brief description of the bicycle parking and storage facilities:
Each building on campus has bike racks located right outside, however indoor long-term bike storage is not available by the residential halls.
Does the institution have a “complete streets” or bicycle accommodation policy (or adhere to a local community policy) and/or have a continuous network of dedicated bicycle and pedestrian paths and lanes?:
A brief description of the bicycle/pedestrian policy and/or network:
The Campus Landscape Master Plan includes a section on pedestrian and bicycle sovereignty on campus, this includes a network of wide paths that connect residential and academic buildings and the phased moving of car parking spaces to the campus periphery.
Does the institution have a bicycle-sharing program or participate in a local bicycle-sharing program?:
A brief description of the bicycle sharing program:
The Security Department has a fleet of about 40 bicycles that are loaned out to students on a annual basis.
Is the institution certified as a Bicycle Friendly University by the League of American Bicyclists (U.S.) or under a similar third party certification covering non-motorized transportation?:
A brief description of the certification, including date certified and level:
Does the institution offer free or reduced price transit passes and/or operate a free campus shuttle for commuters?:
A brief description of the mass transit program(s), including availability, participation levels, and specifics about discounts or subsidies offered (including pre-tax options):
Currently, two city bus lines have stops on or immediately adjacent to campus.
The "Main Street Route" runs M-S and stops at the corner of Raymond and Fulton (NE corner of campus) and stops at many Field Work locations and the train station.
The "Shopper Special" runs M-F and stops on campus at the new bus stop, at the corner of N. Main Drive and the entrance to North Lot. The Bus goes to 2 local grocery stores.
Vassar students and employees may ride the bus for free by showing their college identification cards. The college is billed monthly based on ridership, which averages about 400 trips per month.
Does the institution offer a guaranteed return trip (GRT) program to regular users of alternative modes of transportation?:
A brief description of the GRT program:
As part of the College's partnership with 511NY to offer a ride-sharing program, participants are made aware of the Guaranteed Return Trip program.
Does the institution participate in a car/vanpool or ride sharing program and/or offer reduced parking fees or preferential parking for car/vanpoolers?:
A brief description of the carpool/vanpool program:
Through a partnership with 511NY the College has established Car Free Vassar, a carpool & ride sharing program that encourages students and employees to utilize alternative forms of transportation, including carpooling. The system also includes and event board that enables students to ride share to athletic competitions, regional events and to major cities at college breaks. http://bit.ly/VassarRideshare
Does the institution participate in a car sharing program, such as a commercial car-sharing program, one administered by the institution, or one administered by a regional organization?:
A brief description of the car sharing program:
Zipcars have been available on campus since Fall, 2010
Does the institution have one or more Level 2 or Level 3 electric vehicle recharging stations that are accessible to student and employee commuters?:
A brief description of the electric vehicle recharging stations:
Does the institution offer a telecommuting program for employees as a matter of policy or as standard practice?:
A brief description of the telecommuting program:
Does the institution offer a condensed work week option for employees as a matter of policy or as standard practice?:
A brief description of the condensed work week program:
Does the institution have incentives or programs to encourage employees to live close to campus?:
A brief description of the incentives or programs to encourage employees to live close to campus:
Vassar offers 110 rental units and 68 lease-hold houses for faculty use. All these units are within 5 miles of campus. There are incentives of favorable pricing for faculty to live in these units.
Does the institution have other incentives or programs to encourage more sustainable modes of transportation and reduce the impact of student and employee commuting?:
A brief description of other sustainable transportation initiatives and programs:
As part of our employee health and wellness program, National Bike to work Week was publicized on campus, and included 3 short talks on bike-to-work tips. Employees who logged their alternative transportation commutes were eligible to win a Vassar Sustainability water bottles.
The website URL where information about the institution’s sustainable transportation program(s) is available:
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.