Credit Language
AC 2: Undergraduate Programs – Version 3.0
Indicators
- 2.1. Institutional sustainability learning outcomes for undergraduate students
- 2.2. Undergraduate programs with sustainability-focused learning requirements
- 2.3. Percentage of undergraduate qualifications awarded that have sustainability-focused learning requirements
Questions & Answers
How has this credit changed between STARS Version 2 and Version 3?
Full points are now reserved for institutions that have both sustainability-focused and sustainability-supportive institutional learning outcomes. Performance is now assessed based on the percentage of qualifications (e.g., degrees and certificates) awarded rather than the percentage of graduates. A comprehensive list of differences can be found in the STARS 3.0 Summary of changes.
What is the difference between “institutional learning outcomes” (Indicator 2.1) and “learning requirements” (Indicators 2.2 and 2.3)?
- Institutional learning outcomes are high level statements outlining what the institution’s students are expected to know, understand, and be able to demonstrate after completion of their undergraduate programs (irrespective of their elective subject areas or specializations). These are sometimes referred to as General Education or Core learning outcomes.
- Learning requirements, on the other hand, refer to requirements that are associated with specific academic programs (e.g., Engineering) and/or specific degrees, certificates, or other qualifications (e.g., Bachelor of Economics). Examples of learning requirements include mandatory courses and other specific outcomes that must be achieved to earn a qualification or complete a program.
If our institution doesn’t have institutional learning outcomes for undergraduate students, can we pursue Indicator 2.1?
Indicator 2.1 is only Applicable to institutions that have established institutional learning outcomes for undergraduate students. Institutions without undergraduate institutional learning outcomes can mark this Indicator as Not Applicable rather than Not Pursuing.
Do sustainability learning outcomes need to include the word sustainability to count?
A learning outcome does not necessarily have to include the term “sustainability” to count as sustainability-focused as long as there is an explicit focus on the integrated concept of sustainability or the interdependence of ecological and social/cultural/economic systems.
How do we determine what qualifications should be counted under Indicator 2.2?
To qualify as sustainability-focused, the primary focus of a program must be on the integrated
concept of sustainability or the interdependence of ecological and social/cultural/economic systems. A qualification focused on a subject other than sustainability qualifies if it:
- Requires the successful completion of a sustainability-focused course,
- Has one or more specified sustainability-focused learning outcomes and associated assessment criteria, AND/OR
- Provides a direct pathway to a sustainability-focused job or career (e.g., a certificate in renewable energy systems).
Our institution does not use the same nomenclature for degrees, minors, certifications and programs. How do we classify our programs for Indicator 2.2?
- Programs that qualify as a “Degree, certificate, or major” are education programs, subject areas, or qualifications that students may formally choose to focus on during their studies. Such programs are typically several months in duration or longer.
- Programs that qualify as a “Concentration or minor” are education programs, subject areas, or qualifications that students may formally choose to have as a secondary focus during their studies, and are typically shorter in duration than degree programs/majors.
Resources, Templates & Tools
UNESCO Education for Sustainable Development Goals: Learning Objectives
Suggestions for Institutions
- It may take some time to identify sustainability-focused qualifications and conduct a comprehensive assessment of undergraduate qualifications awarded. Consider getting started on this early in the data collection process.
Potential Data Quality Issues
- Indicator 2.1. If reporting on both sustainability-focused and sustainability-supportive institutional learning outcomes, documentation must be provided to affirm that both types of outcomes are currently in place (e.g., institutional webpage or uploaded document).
- Indicator 2.2. Undergraduate programs with sustainability-focused learning requirements explicitly address either the integrated concept of sustainability or the interdependence of ecological and social/cultural/economic systems.
- Indicator 2.3. Numeric outliers under “Percentage of undergraduate qualifications awarded that have sustainability-focused learning requirements” (60% or more) should be avoided or explained. A common mistake is counting all students based on institutional learning outcomes, but these are recognized separately under Indicator 2.1.