| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 57.90 |
| Liaison | Jessica Bowen |
| Submission Date | Aug. 3, 2015 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Aquinas College
OP-21: Support for Sustainable Transportation
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.50 / 2.00 |
Jessica
Eimer Bowen Director of Sustainability Center for Sustainability |
Does the institution provide secure bicycle storage (not including office space), shower facilities, and lockers for bicycle commuters?:
A brief description of the facilities for bicycle commuters:
In Aquinas' Sturrus Sports and Fitness Center, locker rooms with showers are available for student, staff, and faculty use.
Does the institution provide short-term bicycle parking (e.g. racks) within 50 ft (15 m) of all occupied, non-residential buildings and make long-term bicycle storage available within 330 ft (100 m) of all residence halls (if applicable)?:
A brief description of the bicycle parking and storage facilities:
A combination of inverted-U racks and hanging wall mount racks are located by all buildings across campus for secure bicycle storage. The large residence halls on campus also provided indoor storage for winter months in large storage closets.
Does the institution have a “complete streets” or bicycle accommodation policy (or adhere to a local community policy) and/or have a continuous network of dedicated bicycle and pedestrian paths and lanes?:
A brief description of the bicycle/pedestrian policy and/or network:
The Aquinas College campus provides access to a wide diversity of native trees and shrubs on our 100+ acre site. Continuous walking and biking trails allow visitors to see examples of all native Michigan species, as well as a number of introduced types. It is a favorite fall stop for teachers, students, and nature lovers.
Does the institution have a bicycle-sharing program or participate in a local bicycle-sharing program?:
A brief description of the bicycle sharing program:
Aquinas offer bike rentals by the day, weekend, or quad for a small fee. Each bike is inspected before and after use and equipped with a quality bike lock and helmet for safety and security. Students, faculty, and staff can even rent a tandem bike for riding around our community.
Is the institution certified as a Bicycle Friendly University by the League of American Bicyclists (U.S.) or under a similar third party certification covering non-motorized transportation?:
A brief description of the certification, including date certified and level:
N/A
Does the institution offer free or reduced price transit passes and/or operate a free campus shuttle for commuters?:
A brief description of the mass transit program(s), including availability, participation levels, and specifics about discounts or subsidies offered (including pre-tax options):
With an Aquinas ID, students and employees can ride the rapid bus system for only $0.25 per ride. The full cost to ride the bus is $1.50 per ride, and Aquinas subsidizes the difference in cost. The Rapid Bus System has 125 regularly running buses all across the city, providing 12.5 million rides a year. We've seen the partipication rapidly increase each year. For the 2012/13 fiscal year, Aquinas students, staff, and faculty rode the rapid 13,596 times.
Does the institution offer a guaranteed return trip (GRT) program to regular users of alternative modes of transportation?:
A brief description of the GRT program:
The Campus Safety Department offers rides within a one mile radius of campus.
Does the institution participate in a car/vanpool or ride sharing program and/or offer reduced parking fees or preferential parking for car/vanpoolers?:
A brief description of the carpool/vanpool program:
Aquinas has preferred “carpool” parking in the Wege Lot and the Library lot. To utilize a carpool space a vehicle must have a valid Aquinas parking permit and a minimum of three occupants commuting to campus together. All occupants must check in at the Campus Safety office together to receive the permit. In addition, we have a virtual space where members of the Aquinas Community can post carpooling opportunities and find carpooling options called "Rideshare."
The Rapid Van Pool Program is perfect for people with long commutes who are interested in "sharing the ride." The Rapid provides vans to van pooling groups on a month to month basis, for a small fee. All staff, faculty, and students of Aquinas College who regularly use a Rapid Van Pool, may seek reimbursement up to $22 per month.
Does the institution participate in a car sharing program, such as a commercial car-sharing program, one administered by the institution, or one administered by a regional organization?:
A brief description of the car sharing program:
N/A
Does the institution have one or more Level 2 or Level 3 electric vehicle recharging stations that are accessible to student and employee commuters?:
A brief description of the electric vehicle recharging stations:
n/a
Does the institution offer a telecommuting program for employees as a matter of policy or as standard practice?:
A brief description of the telecommuting program:
n/a
Does the institution offer a condensed work week option for employees as a matter of policy or as standard practice?:
A brief description of the condensed work week program:
During summer months, Aquinas employees have the option of working a 4 day work week.
Does the institution have incentives or programs to encourage employees to live close to campus?:
A brief description of the incentives or programs to encourage employees to live close to campus:
n/a
Does the institution have other incentives or programs to encourage more sustainable modes of transportation and reduce the impact of student and employee commuting?:
A brief description of other sustainable transportation initiatives and programs:
n/a
The website URL where information about the institution’s sustainable transportation program(s) is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.