Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 67.00
Liaison Ken Foster
Submission Date March 15, 2018
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

Vassar College
EN-4: Outreach Materials and Publications

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 2.00 / 2.00 Alistair Hall
Sustainability Assistant
Dean of Strategic Planning
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Central Sustainability Website 

Does the institution have a central sustainability website that consolidates information about the institution's sustainability efforts?:
Yes

A brief description of the central sustainability website (optional):
The Sustainability Website includes campus initiatives, links to resources such as the Climate Action Plan, a list of organizations and initiatives, as well as contact information.

The website URL for the central sustainability website:
http://sustainability.vassar.edu/

Sustainability Newsletter 

Does the institution have a sustainability newsletter?:
Yes

None
A brief description of the sustainability newsletter:
"The sustainability news letter is sent out weekly to its mailing list. The mailing list consists of member of the Vassar community, including students, faculty, and staff. Anyone may opt to receive the letter via the Sustainability website. It contains highlights from the website, upcoming sustainability events, distinct ways to get involved and updates from the College Committee on Sustainability. It is published by the Sustainability Office.

None
The website URL for the sustainability newsletter:
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Social Media Platforms 

Does the institution have social media platforms (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, interactive blogs) that focus specifically on campus sustainability?:
Yes

A brief description of the social media platforms that focus on sustainability:
A Facebook and Instagram page are run by Sustainability Interns in order to publicize events and sustainability initiatives on campus. Instagram: @sustain_vc

The website URL of the primary social media platform focused on sustainability:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sustainability-at-Vassar/140659835977103

Student Newspaper Coverage 

Does the institution have regular coverage of sustainability in the main student newspaper, either through a regular column or a reporter assigned to the sustainability beat?:
Yes

A brief description of the regular coverage of sustainability in the main student newspaper:
Sustainability interns regularly contribute guest columns to the college newspaper, the Miscellany News. The Sustainability Coordinator and interns are regularly interviewed in support of articles by staff writers.

The website URL for regular coverage of sustainability in the main student newspaper:
http://misc.vassar.edu/

Student Research Publication 

Does the institution produce a vehicle to publish and disseminate student research on sustainability?:
No

A brief description of the vehicle to publish and disseminate student research on sustainability:
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None
The website URL for the vehicle to publish and disseminate student research on sustainability:
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Green Building Signage 

Does the institution have building signage that highlights green building features?:
Yes

None
A brief description of building signage that highlights green building features :
Newly installed paper products in restrooms and kitchens across campus (Summer 2013) include a small sign on the dispenser explaining their sustainability benefits, namely being made from 100% recycled paperboard and with 80% less water than the paper industry average along with tips to reduce usage.

None
The website URL for building signage that highlights green building features :
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Sustainable Food Systems Information 

Does the institution have signage and/or brochures that include information about sustainable food systems?:
Yes

A brief description of the signage and/or brochures that include information about sustainable food systems:
Both the “All Campus Dining Center” and “Retreat” dining services post significant amounts of information signs around dining halls that identify locally purchased foods and their sources.

None
The website URL for food service area signage and/or brochures that include information about sustainable food systems:
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Sustainable Grounds Signage 

Does the institution have signage on the grounds about sustainable groundskeeping and/or landscaping strategies employed?:
Yes

A brief description of the signage on the grounds about sustainable groundskeeping and/or landscaping strategies employed:
Naturalized areas are designated in specified areas throughout campus with signage. Signage will be installed in spring 2017 discussing newly installed green stormwater management systems. The Edith Roberts boardwalk has 3 educational signs describing the wetland habitat, water quality research, and local wildlife.

The website URL for the signage on the grounds about sustainable groundskeeping and/or landscaping strategies employed:
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Sustainable Walking Map or Tour 

Does the institution produce a sustainability walking map or tour?:
No

None
A brief description of the sustainability walking map or tour:
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None
The website URL of the sustainability walking map or tour:
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Guide for Commuters 

Does the institution produce a guide for commuters about how to use more sustainable methods of transportation?:
Yes

A brief description of the guide for commuters about how to use more sustainable methods of transportation:
Neighbors: Transportation: Vassar’s website page dedicated to informing students and community about public transportation options that are offered by the community as well as the college.

The website URL for the guide for commuters about how to use more sustainable methods of transportation:
http://neighbors.vassar.edu/transportation/index.html

Materials for Cyclists and Pedestrians 

Does the institution produce navigation and educational tools for bicyclists and pedestrians (e.g. covering routes, inter-modal connections, policies, services, and safety)? :
No

None
A brief description of the navigation and educational tools for bicyclists and pedestrians:
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None
The website URL for navigation and educational tools for bicyclists and pedestrians:
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Green Living Guide 

Does the institution produce a guide for green living and/or incorporating sustainability into the residential experience?:
Yes

None
A brief description of the guide for green living and incorporating sustainability into the residential experience:
Each year, Freshmen are sent a note from the Sustainability Office detailing the different sustainability efforts of the college and suggesting ways that they can become involved. Suggestions range from efficient light bulbs and appliances to minimizing packaging and boxes for transporting their belongings. Sustainability programming has also been increasingly incorporated into Freshman orientation programming, with an emphasis on recycling in the dorms and reducing waste. In Fall 2016 Sustainability Interns distributed Composting Guides and Green Living Tips to students in the Townhouses and Terrace Apartments (primarily seniors) to promote sustainable habits.

None
The website URL for the guide for green living and incorporating sustainability into the residential experience:
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Other Outreach Materials 

Does the institution produce other sustainability outreach materials or publications not covered above?:
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A brief description of these materials or publications:
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The website URL for these materials or publications:
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Optional Fields 

Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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