| Overall Rating | Silver |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 48.14 |
| Liaison | John Stolz |
| Submission Date | March 1, 2024 |
Duquesne University
EN-5: Outreach Campaign
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
4.00 / 4.00 |
Maria
Mlinarcik Graduate Assistant Center for Environmental Research & Education |
Has the institution held a sustainability-related outreach campaign during the previous three years that was directed at students and yielded measurable, positive results in advancing sustainability?:
Has the institution held a sustainability-related outreach campaign during the previous three years that was directed at employees and yielded measurable, positive results in advancing sustainability?:
Name of the campaign:
A brief description of the campaign:
The most recent installment of this conference took place on March 28th and 29th of 2023 and was free and open to the public. The conference features speakers from a variety of disciplines, including science, law, business, agriculture, ethics and religion. Presentations focused on the topic "Action for Sustainable Development Goals" to discuss pivotal issues regarding safeguarding our planet.
“Sustainability is at the core of the Spiritan mission,” said Dr. Gerard Magill, the Gallagher Chair for the Integration of Science, Theology, Philosophy and Law, who also chairs the conference committee.
The goals of the conference include providing a scholarly opportunity to engage established and emerging research on the conference topic, fostering interdisciplinary discourse on each topic (i.e., science, health, philosophy, religion, and policy), and increasing public awareness and discussion of the conference topic.
A brief description of the measured positive impact(s) of the campaign:
Members of the Duquesne University, including students, faculty, and staff were educated about environmental justice, climate resiliency, greenwashing, and the effects of climate change in the U.S., Canada, and Germany.
https://www.duq.edu/research/integrity-of-creation/index.php
Name of the campaign (2nd campaign):
A brief description of the campaign (2nd campaign):
Duquesne's Center for Community-Engaged Teaching and Research (CETR) helps students and faculty collaborate with the community in meaningful ways. Community engagement brings people and agencies together to build a positive and sustainable difference in the community. Through authentic partnerships between campus and community, modeled in Duquesne's Spiritan tradition, CETR and Duquesne work together to build a more just and equitable world. Everyone benefits when the campus and surrounding neighborhoods can freely exchange knowledge and resources related to teaching, research, programming, and public service initiatives.
CETR is committed to sustainability outreach through four primary initiatives:
- Community-Engaged Teaching and Learning
Using a two-tiered model of community-engaged learning, CETR offers students the opportunity to engage in community-based experiences throughout their degree programs. Community-engaged learning differs from volunteerism and community service because it emphasizes students' civic development; uses structured, ongoing reflection; and focuses on sustained, reciprocal partnerships between faculty and community.
- Community-Engaged Research
Community-engaged research happens when scholars and community organizations partner to generate knowledge that contributes to the academic world and addresses community concerns. At Duquesne, community-engaged research emphasizes social and environmental justice.
- Community Engagement Scholars
This highly selective program immerses undergraduate students in a year-long experience that builds their understanding of social justice, fosters personal growth, empowers them to be responsible and participatory citizens, and strengthens the community.
- eCommunity Engagement
While many have already committed to establishing a practice of community-engaged teaching and learning in the classroom, the act of transitioning that practice to an online or hybrid model is most likely a new process for most. One of the most transformational components of community engagement is its grittiness in the way in which CETR combines forces to navigate community needs and address social issues and public problems.
A brief description of the measured positive impact(s) of the campaign (2nd campaign):
CETR shares knowledge and resources with current partners to strengthen civic and democratic values and address critical community issues in many areas:
- Youth and Education
- Underrepresented Population Services
- Health and Wellness
- Restorative Justice/Policing/Police and Community Relations
- Arts and Culture
- Hunger and Homelessness
- Support for the Elderly and Individuals with Disabilities
- Community Development and Outreach
- Environmental Justice
More information regarding these partnerships can be found on the Duquesne CETR website (https://www.duq.edu/academics/community-engaged-teaching-and-research)
A brief description of other sustainability-related outreach campaigns:
For over 30 years students, faculty, and staff have partnered with local Pittsburgh community groups to assist with the Spring Clean-up, which helps clean up local neighborhoods in regards to litter and invasive species. This event raises the consciousness of the campus community about the larger Pittsburgh community and connects to campus neighbors. The event is coordinated by the student Evergreen Club and the campus Office of Mission and Identity. The most recent Spring Clean-Up took place on February 11, 2023. Additionally, smaller cleanups occurred throughout FY23 in the Uptown and South Side areas of Pittsburgh. Measured positive impacts include decades of successful litter cleanups, invasive species clearings, and community group meetings.
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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.