Southern Oregon University Deepens Commitment to Sustainability
(Ashland, Ore.) – Southern Oregon University (SOU) has recently become a member of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) to further campus efforts toward building a healthy and just world. Through membership in AASHE, SOU will receive support in advancing its sustainability initiatives throughout the institution and in the community.
“Southern Oregon University continues to fulfill our commitment to sustainability through mindful planning, research, student projects, and campus initiatives,” says Roxane Beigel-Coryell, SOU’s new Sustainability and Recycling Coordinator. “Becoming a member institution of AASHE is the next step forward, providing students, staff, and faculty access to valuable resources to further foster sustainability efforts on campus and in the community.”
AASHE enables higher education institutions to meet their sustainability goals by providing specialized resources, professional development, and a network of peer support. Membership covers every individual at an institution, so the entire campus community can take advantage of member benefits.
“We are delighted to have Southern Oregon University on board and participating in the campus sustainability community,” said Paul Rowland, executive director of AASHE. “This shows a real commitment to playing a leadership role in some of the biggest challenges of our time, and provides the campus community with access to thousands of examples of best practices in campus sustainability.”
AASHE hosts the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS), a comprehensive campus sustainability rating system that enables institutions to measure their progress and learn from others. With STARS as a roadmap, institutions can select meaningful and appropriate pathways to sustainability while conserving valuable resources, combating global warming, and building healthier communities. AASHE also offers extensive online resources and discussion forums for professional development and sharing knowledge.
AASHE is one of two supporting organizations for the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment. Over 600 presidents and chancellors, including SOU President Mary Cullinan, so far have committed to lead their institutions to climate neutrality as soon as possible.
About AASHE
AASHE is an association of colleges and universities that are working to create a sustainable future. To further its mission of empowering higher education to lead the sustainability transformation, AASHE provides resources, professional development, and a network of support to enable institutions of higher education to model sustainability in all areas, from governance and operations to education and research.
AASHE defines sustainability in an inclusive way, encompassing human and ecological health, social justice, secure livelihoods, and a better world for all generations. AASHE is a member-driven, independent 501(c)(3).
Links
STARS – www.aashe.org/stars
ACUPCC – www.presidentsclimatecommitment.org
AASHE – www.aashe.org
AASHE Discussion Forums – www.aashe.org/forums
AASHE Resource Center – www.aashe.org/resources
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