Engagement

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Humboldt has a rich history  of fostering transformative experiential learning opportunities outside of the classroom, from community-based internships to sustainability events to student clubs and organizations. From leading the push for the Jack Pass bus pass to phasing out single use plastic water bottles, student engagement in sustainability has also transformed Humboldt. However, engagement efforts are not focused on students alone - faculty, staff and the general public also learn about and participate in initiatives to strenghten a culture of sustainability and to integrate sustainable practices into all areas of campus.

Goal

• Promote environmental and social justice through new and existing programs, such as Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) and Basic Needs Initiatives (Sustainability Policy)
• Create a safe and supportive community for all students and develop opportunities for students withing the community that contribute to academic and personal growth (Strategic Plan 2021-2026)
• Work with Tribes as sovereign nations and pursue the reciprocal benefits of partnerships (Strategic Plan 2021-2026).
• Celebrate and build on existing strengths in our community collaboration, and work to break down barriers that hinder collaboration (Strategic Plan 2021-2026)

Status

The Office of Sustainability continues its focus on developing and facilitating outreach and engagement opportunities for the campus and broader community. Housing & Residence Life has a Resident Sustainability Adviser on staff to lead resident engagement in sustainability. The Center for Community Based Learning links students with local sustainability practitioners. Associated Students supports programs, such as the Campus Center for Appropriate Technology (CCAT), that provide hands-on learning in sustainability for the campus and community alike. The Clubs & Activities Office coordinates a number of sustainability-themed clubs and events to further engage students in sustainability. Campus committees such as the CCAT Steering Committee, the Sustainable Transportation Committee and the Humboldt Advisory Committee on Sustainability have members from the local community. 

Projects

• Faculty Learning Community on Teaching Climate Change and Resilience series (CSU systemwide)
• Student EcoReps Sustainability Ambassadors Program (Green Campus/Office of Sustainability)
• Directory of Sustainability Practitioners (Office of Sustainability)
• Employee sustainability education program
• Annual Earth Week events programming (Associated Students)
• Annual Employee and Student Sustainability Guides (Office of Sustainability)
• Sustainable Futures Speakers Series (Schatz Energy Research Center) 

Next Steps

• Improve access to staff professional development and training opportunities in sustainability
• Institute process for conducting a longitudinal assessment of sustainability culture within the entire campus community
• Spread reach of sustainability newsletter and social media
• Institutionalize sustainability orientation for new students,  staff and faculty
• Expand sustainability engagement of prospective students by integrating sustainability into campus tours, information packets and other offerings

Learn More and Get Involved

• Download and follow along on the self-guided campus Sustainability Tour
• Attend the Sustainable Futures Speakers Series
• Learn about local sustainability professionals willing to engage with students and faculty
• Keep an eye on the sustainability events calendar
• Check out the list of student organizations that do work on sustainability topics and consider joining one