This is an optional Innovation & Leadership (IL) credit. IL credits recognize institutions that are seeking innovative solutions to sustainability challenges and demonstrating sustainability leadership in ways that are not otherwise captured in STARS. Scoring in the Innovation and Leadership section is capped at 10 bonus points total.
Credit Language
IL 57: Social Equity Recognition – version 3.0
Questions & Answers
How has this credit changed between STARS Version 2 and Version 3?
Minimal changes have been made. A comprehensive list of differences can be found in the STARS 3.0 Summary of changes.
What types of social equity programs qualify?
The following can be claimed as qualifying programs:
- Achieving the Dream
- American Society of Engineering Education Diversity Recognition Program
- Athena SWAN Charter (Advance HE)
- Australian LGBTQ Inclusion Award
- Award for Diversity and Inclusion (NCAA and MOAA)
- Canada’s Best Diversity Employers
- Diversity Champion (INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine)
- Diversity Index of 0.70 or higher (U.S. News)
- Diverse: Issues In Higher Education Names Top 100 Minority
- Excelencia in Education
- First Gen Forward
- Inclusion Cultivates Excellence Award (CUPA-HR)
- Institutional Excellence Award (National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education)
- Most Promising Places to Work in Student Affairs recognition, Diversity Issues in Higher Education Magazine
- NCAA Award for Diversity & Inclusion
- Parité de la Gouvernance
- Prix Égalité Thérèse-Casgrain
- Race Equality Charter (Advance HE)
- Sea Change Institutional Bronze Award
- The Princeton Review LGBTQ-Friendly
Suggestions for Institutions
- Work with your institution’s diversity office(s) and/or similar to determine whether national or international diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) recognition has been achieved, and/or to consider pursuing such recognitions.
Example Responses
Potential Data Quality Issues
- Documentation on national or international recognition for leadership in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) from the prior three years is required. Internal and/or individual awards do not qualify.