| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 55.91 |
| Liaison | Allie McAllister |
| Submission Date | Nov. 25, 2014 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Villanova University
OP-21: Support for Sustainable Transportation
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.88 / 2.00 |
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:
Many buildings and all residence halls have bike racks located next to or near the entrance of the building. In addition, we have several facilities on campus with showers, including athletics (which is open to all faculty and staff), the Law School, Nursing school, and of course dormitories. Lockers for bicycle commuters are not proved because all Villanova employees have either an office or locker on campus. Students who live off campus have free access to the gym lockers, also located near the public showers. Employees can also use the free gym locker rooms.
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:
We have 24 bike rack locations around campus, many near dormitories and major academic buildings, but we do not provide bike racks next to every building.
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:
During the summer of 2013, Villanova completed the Transforming the Campus Landscape renovation, which included a walkability assessment of the campus to identify preferred walking paths throughout campus. As part of the project new walkways were installed throughout the center of campus and vehicles are now prohibited from driving in the center of campus. This change has made the center of campus a pedestrian and bike friendly environment. With no cars to worry about, bicyclist and walkers are able to move about the campus without worry of vehicle traffic. New bike racks were also installed throughout the center of campus to make biking a more viable option for students, faculty and staff.
Does the institution have a bicycle-sharing program or participate in a local bicycle-sharing program?:
A brief description of the bicycle sharing program:
In September 2014, we launched the Nova Bike Share. Students (undergraduate and graduate) can rent a bike for a semester or year free of charge. We started with 30 bikes. the program comes with the bike, lock, maintenance and winter storage. In our first semester we sold out in 10 hours!
Bikes for the program come from Devereux's bike shop, where unwanted bikes are dropped off and fixed up for reuse. Devereux works with adults with intellectual disabilities to teach them work skills they can use to help support themselves, such as bike maintenance.
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:
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):
The Commuter Benefit Plan allows VU Employees to pay for eligible transit expenses through pre-tax payroll deductions. Two train lines run along and stop on campus as well as a bus line.
A Villanova campus shuttle runs throughout campus during school hours and an additional shuttle runs off campus to major apartment complexes and businesses (hospital, pharmacy, shopping, etc.). The shuttle is available for all students, and employees of Villanova.
http://www1.villanova.edu/villanova/parking/shuttle.html
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:
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:
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:
Student Life manages a ride board and the Zip-Car car-sharing program available for all students and employees as well as community members.
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:
Yes, Villanova has one level 2 charging station in the Nursing school parking lot. It is capable of charging for electricity, but is currently set up to provide free charging for anyone who needs it.
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:
Villanova University leaves it to discretion of supervisors to grant telecommuting benefits. For example, the Facilities department has 4 employees who have a regular telecommute day either every week or every month depending on the need.
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:
At the discretion of the President, a decision will be made annually to provide an adjusted schedule for full time staff employees during the summer months. If approved, employees will have the opportunity for early dismissal at 12 noon on designated Fridays, without any reduction in pay.
If an employee desires a year round change in his or her schedule they are able to discuss that matter with their supervisor and if needed HR will approve the change. Condensed work weeks may result in reduced pay, but not reduced benefits unless hours fall below full time requirements.
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:
Villanova does not currently have a program in place to reward the purchase of a regional home by employees.
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:
Villanova offers employees the WageWorks program that allows employees to use pre-tax dollars on public transit costs.
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.