Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 48.92
Liaison Leslie North
Submission Date Aug. 15, 2012
Executive Letter Download

STARS v1.1

Western Kentucky University
PAE-2: Strategic Plan

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 6.00 / 6.00
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Year the strategic plan or equivalent was completed or adopted:
2,009

Does the institution's strategic plan or equivalent guiding document include the environmental dimensions of sustainability at a high level?:
Yes

A brief description of how the strategic plan or amendment addresses the environmental dimensions of sustainability:

The broad matter of creating a sustainable campus environment and conserving campus resources has risen to a level of high priority since 2007. There are two primary reasons. First, WKU students, faculty, and staff recognize that they are responsible for the role that a university must play in serving as a model for environmental stewardship and in conserving our limited natural resources. The second reason why these matters have risen on our priority list is because good sustainable practices help us save money. A University Sustainability Committee has been created and is leading the way for campuswide resolve to both model sustainability in our operations and services, and to educate for sustainability as a university core value. WKU, therefore, will strive in every practical way to contribute to a healthy environment, grow in ways that are sustainable, and conserve energy and other consumable commodities.


Does the institution's strategic plan or equivalent guiding document include the social dimensions of sustainability at a high level?:
Yes

A brief description of how the strategic plan or amendment addresses the social dimensions of sustainability:

Themes of sustainability should flow through the WKU campus and curriculum. Students should not only participate in but learn from the example set by the University in its daily behavior.


Does the institution's strategic plan or equivalent guiding document include the economic dimensions of sustainability at a high level?:
Yes

A brief description of how the strategic plan or amendment addresses the economic dimensions of sustainability:

In reality, WKU does operate very efficiently. Since higher education reform in 1998, WKU has grown its enrollment more than any other Kentucky university and is educating those students with less state funding. State funding per Fall 2009 full-time equivalent (FTE) WKU student is $4,209, or $294 less than FY 2006. WKU has sustained discipline in its use of revenues generated from enrollment growth. Investments of $1.8 million and $1.2 million, respectively, over the last two years have been reinvested in additional faculty positions and added class sections to accommodate enrollment growth over that time. Enrollment growth has also enabled WKU to address some of its mandated budget cuts without cutting critical services to students, faculty, and staff. To date, WKU has avoided furloughs and layoffs for all but a few administrative positions, although a number of vacant positions have been eliminated.


The website URL where information about the strategic plan is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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