University of Texas at San Antonio
PA-2: Sustainability Planning
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
3.50 / 4.00 |
Mei L
May Director Office of Sustainability Sustainability |
Does the institution have a published plan or plans that include measurable sustainability objectives that address sustainability in curriculum and/or research?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to academics and the plan(s) in which they are published:
Does the institution have a published plan or plans that include measurable sustainability objectives that address student, employee, or community engagement for sustainability?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to engagement and the plan(s) in which they are published:
Strategic Plan: A Vision for UTSA
The Community-Based Research, Sustainable Partnerships and Advocacy Task Force will provide scholarly expertise and facilitate community-based research efforts to inform pressing policy issues affecting residents and business owners in the Westside. In collaboration with neighborhood residents and community leaders, UTSA faculty and organizational units such as UTSA’s Urban Education Institute, Policy Studies Center and Institute of Economic Development, the task force will develop a university-community partnership framework for engaging in research and incubating community partnerships that are relevant, reciprocal and sustainable. Another of the task force’s initial focus areas will be to increase understanding of the public policy issues most impacting Westside neighborhood integrity, including housing displacement, historical preservation, access to higher education and social service challenges.
Develop a university-community partnership framework that engages university faculty and aligns with Westside residents to incubate community partnerships that are relevant, reciprocal and sustainable.
Activities include:
Initiate a “listening tour” with the various community partners, organizations, resident associations and groups of youth and families so that a future direction for research, reciprocity and sustainability may be outlined in conjunction with Westside partners.
Identify grant funding opportunities for UTSA to collaborate with Westside leaders to conduct community-based research regarding needs identified by residents, youth and organizations. Some initial areas for community-based research may include:
Housing and housing-based experiences of vulnerable populations
Historic preservation
Youth and senior engagement
Business development
Arts/cultural heritage
Other issues affecting the health and wellbeing of Westside residents
Develop and pilot a community-based research grant program, which may include a seed grant that incentivizes community-based research and a community-based scholar-in-residence program.
Does the institution have a published plan or plans that include measurable sustainability objectives that address sustainability in operations?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to operations and the plan(s) in which they are published:
Does the institution have a published plan or plans that include measurable sustainability objectives that address diversity, equity, and inclusion; sustainable investment/finance; or wellbeing?:
A list or sample of the measurable sustainability objectives related to administration and the plan(s) in which they are published:
The University of Texas at San Antonio’s commitment to bolstering diversity is proactive and balanced. The University supports and values diversity in all forms in a teaching and learning community marked by mutual respect, inclusion, and cooperation. Diversity is reflected in the curriculum, in activities of the University, and in the composition of faculty, staff, and students. UTSA embraces the diversity and inclusion of all people regardless of their identity. These identities include, but are not limited to, ability, age, ethnicity, gender and expression, immigration status, intellectual differences, national origin, race, religion, sex, and sexual orientation.
UTSA’s diversity and inclusion work is informed by the theory of Inclusive Excellence. The four main components of Inclusive Excellence and Leadership are access and equity; diversity in the formal and informal curriculum; campus climate; and student learning and development.
Access and Equity:
Ensuring the university welcomes historically underrepresented students, faculty, and staff and has the support systems in place to enhance their success.
Diversity in the Formal and Informal Curriculum:
Supporting diversity of content across academic disciplines, as well as the social dimensions of the campus.
Campus Climate:
Fostering a supportive environment that encourages all students to reach their full potential and strive for educational achievement.
Student Learning and Development:
Acquiring knowledge about diverse groups and developing cognitive complexity.
https://www.utsa.edu/strategicplan/initiatives/presidential/inclusiveexcellence/index.html
https://www.utsa.edu/inclusiveexcellence/programs/climatesurvey/
Does the institution have a published strategic plan or equivalent guiding document that includes sustainability at a high level? :
The institution’s highest guiding document (upload):
Website URL where the institution’s highest guiding document is publicly available:
Which of the following best describes the inclusion of sustainability in the highest guiding document?:
The institution's sustainability plan (upload):
Website URL where the institution's sustainability plan is publicly available:
Does the institution have a formal statement in support of sustainability endorsed by its governing body?:
The formal statement in support of sustainability:
The U. T. System’s commitment to energy savings goals, reductions in carbon emissions, and sustainable design is evident in existing practices, and the institutions will continue to implement well-thought-out initiatives that increase efficiencies, reduce emissions, and promote sustainability practices that contribute meaningfully to the environment, while still achieving excellence in higher education. The U. T. System’s decisions and actions regarding sustainability practices will be guided by its mission statement and will be reflective of budgetary constraints and legal, regulatory, and programmatic requirements, while continuing to further the missions of the institutions.
The institution’s definition of sustainability:
For the purpose of this policy, sustainability is defined as meeting the needs of the present users without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This can be accomplished by seeking a balanced approach between the economic, social and environmental needs of the community and university operations. Understanding that sustainability can be viewed in a very broad context, this policy is initially directed towards the environmental and energy aspects as they relate to the UTSA community. Further evolutions of this policy may include the social and historical aspects that are often associated with broader sustainability efforts.
Is the institution an endorser or signatory of the following?:
| Yes or No | |
| The Earth Charter | No |
| The Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI) | No |
| ISCN-GULF Sustainable Campus Charter | No |
| Pan-Canadian Protocol for Sustainability | No |
| SDG Accord | No |
| Second Nature’s Carbon Commitment (formerly known as the ACUPCC), Resilience Commitment, and/or integrated Climate Commitment | No |
| The Talloires Declaration (TD) | --- |
| UN Global Compact | No |
| Other multi-dimensional sustainability commitments (please specify below) | Yes |
A brief description of the institution’s formal sustainability commitments, including the specific initiatives selected above:
Website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability planning efforts is available:
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.