Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 65.70
Liaison Aaron Durnbaugh
Submission Date Jan. 17, 2014
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.0

Loyola University Chicago
OP-21: Support for Sustainable Transportation

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 2.00 / 2.00 Aaron Durnbaugh
Director of Sustainability
Office of Sustainability
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Does the institution provide secure bicycle storage (not including office space), shower facilities, and lockers for bicycle commuters?:
Yes

A brief description of the facilities for bicycle commuters:

The University has constructed a "bike corral" located in the main parking structure on campus. This facility is a fenced in area that is secured with a camera which is monitored at Campus Safety. In addition, entry to the corral can only be made by using the Loyola identification card. Showers are available in BVM hall for staff/faculty. Students may utilize Halas. We had lockers but they weren't being used so we re-purposed them.


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)?:
Yes

A brief description of the bicycle parking and storage facilities:

There are short-term and long-term bike parking available to all visitors and members of the Loyola community. Some residence halls may not have long-term bike storage but adjacent buildings do.


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?:
Yes

A brief description of the bicycle/pedestrian policy and/or network:

We are well connected to bike network infrastructure on both Lakeside Campuses.


Does the institution have a bicycle-sharing program or participate in a local bicycle-sharing program?:
Yes

A brief description of the bicycle sharing program:

One of the most exciting recent initiatives at Loyola was the creation of the Borrow-A-Bike program. By refurbishing student bicycles that have been abandoned on campus, the university has created a sustainable means of environmentally friendly transportation. Students borrow a bike for a day at no charge. This program is provided in cooperation between Loyola Unified Student Government Association, Loyola Bike Club, Campus Safety, and Loyola Facilities. A fleet of approximately 45 bicycles is currently available to all members of the Loyola community. Nearly every bike is checked out on a daily basis during the school year.


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?:
No

A brief description of the certification, including date certified and level:
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Does the institution offer free or reduced price transit passes and/or operate a free campus shuttle for commuters?:
Yes

A brief description of the mass transit program(s), including availability, participation levels, and specifics about discounts or subsidies offered (including pre-tax options):

Loyola University worked with the City of Chicago Transit Authority in order to provide all full-time students with a "U-Pass" which is included in the cost of tuition. The U-Pass gives students unlimited use of the CTA busses and trains and offers an unparalleled opportunity to take advantage of everything Chicago has to offer. No cash is needed. The U-Pass serves our students with a connection to shopping, sports events, social activities, art and entertainment centers, and anything else that grabs your attention.


Does the institution offer a guaranteed return trip (GRT) program to regular users of alternative modes of transportation?:
No

A brief description of the GRT program:
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Does the institution participate in a car/vanpool or ride sharing program and/or offer reduced parking fees or preferential parking for car/vanpoolers?:
No

A brief description of the carpool/vanpool program:

Loyola does not currently have a carpool matching program, particularly due to the difficulty of parking in the urban location. The University provides substantial alternative options such as public transportation, campus shuttles, and car-sharing partnerships.


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?:
Yes

A brief description of the car sharing program:

Loyola encourages all members of the university to use alternative methods of transportation such as public transit, but the school also offers a Car Sharing Program for those who absolutely must drive around campus. Loyola partners with I-GO, a Chicago-based non-profit car sharing company dedicated to reducing congestion and improving mobility. Users can reserve a car online or by phone, drive to see friends, to run errands, or just to get away from campus. Drivers pay by the hour and the mile, while I-GO covers gas, insurance and maintenance.


Does the institution have one or more Level 2 or Level 3 electric vehicle recharging stations that are accessible to student and employee commuters?:
No

A brief description of the electric vehicle recharging stations:

Working on it.


Does the institution offer a telecommuting program for employees as a matter of policy or as standard practice?:
Yes

A brief description of the telecommuting program:

Loyola University promotes the use the telecommuting when other transportation options are over-burdensome or not feasible.


Does the institution offer a condensed work week option for employees as a matter of policy or as standard practice?:
Yes

A brief description of the condensed work week program:

Loyola has a Flexible Work Schedule Policy that encourages and authorizes individual departments to implement flexible work schedules to meet business needs. In addition, departments may adjust the work schedules of individual employees to meet personal, home or family needs while preserving the hours defined by the position's FTE and maintaining quality service. Change in scheduled hours may be requested by an employee or designated by a department. Since there is no change in total hours worked, flex-time will not affect pay or benefit level.


Does the institution have incentives or programs to encourage employees to live close to campus?:
Yes

A brief description of the incentives or programs to encourage employees to live close to campus:

Loyola’s University Assisted Housing Program (UAH program) is designed to encourage home ownership in the city of Chicago, near the Lake Shore and Water Tower campuses, by assisting our eligible faculty and staff members with closing costs and down payment assistance for the purchase of a home or condominium as a primary residence.


Does the institution have other incentives or programs to encourage more sustainable modes of transportation and reduce the impact of student and employee commuting?:
Yes

A brief description of other sustainable transportation initiatives and programs:

Multiple times a year, alternative transportation options are promoted to target audiences. Transportation options have been included in all new student and new employee orientation materials.


The website URL where information about the institution’s sustainable transportation program(s) is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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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.