Get Involved – Students / Alumni
Are you a student? Recent graduate? Older alumnus? AASHE welcomes your involvement in the campus sustainability movement.
Quick links to topics on this page:
- Create an AASHE Account
- Is Your Institution an AASHE Member?
- Has Your Campus Conducted a Sustainability Assessment?
- Take Action on Global Warming
- Meet Other Students
- Join the Campus Sustainability Conversation
- Start an Alumni Sustainability Fund, Student Green Fee, etc.
- Apply for an AASHE Student Award / Submit Research to AASHE's Resource Center
- Stay Connected
- Volunteer for AASHE!
1. Create an AASHE Account
Both non-members and members need an AASHE account to participate in certain sections of our website, such as the Discussion Forums. Through your account you can also manage your newsletter subscriptions and other activiites. Create an account now! If you're not sure whether you already have an account, try creating one and we'll let you know.
2. Is Your Institution an AASHE Member?
Is your college or university on the list of AASHE campus members? If not, our template letter, application form and slide show can help convince your institution to join. Feel free to adapt as needed for your particular campus. Also included below are links to more information about AASHE that can help make your case for becoming involved as a campus.
- AASHE Membership Request Template Letter (doc)
- AASHE Membership Application Form (pdf)
- "About AASHE" PPT Presentation
- "About AASHE" webpage
- FAQs about AASHE
- AASHE Programs (including STARS)
- Benefits of AASHE Membership
3. Has Your Campus Conducted a Sustainability Assessment?
AASHE's Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) offers an excellent roadmap for any campus interested in assessing its sustainability achievements. Campuses that register for STARS may earn a rating and achieve new recognition for their efforts. You can download the STARS Technical Manual free of charge and offer to help conduct the research.
- STARS (includes link to Technical Manual)
- List of participating campuses
4. Take Action on Global Warming
The American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) offers great guidance for any institution undertaking climate initiatives, whether or not you are a signatory. AASHE is one of three supporting organizations for the ACUPCC. (Note: there are other ways for students to become involved in climate action, including Energy Action Coalition and NWF's Campus Ecology Program.)
5. Meet Other Students
- Eco-Reps Contacts
Peer-to-peer student outreach program for campus sustainability - AASHE Students' Facebook
AASHE Students National Sustainability Network - Student Summit
Held at AASHE's Annual Conference; co-coordinated by AASHE and National Wildlife Federation. For information about the next one, contact Andrea Webster at andrea@aashe.org.
6. Join the Campus Sustainability Conversation
The AASHE Discussion Forums offer a central place for the campus sustainability community to share ideas and best practices. You can post and respond to queries in 17 different topical areas, and subscribe to receive posts by email. Forum discussions are public and open to all to read; and anyone with an AASHE account may post.
7. Start an Alumni Sustainability Fund, Student Green Fee, Etc.
Many mechanisms for funding campus sustainability are led by students and alumni. The link below connects you to resources on student green fees, revolving load funds, alumni sustainability funds, student research papers on financing, and more.
8. Apply for an AASHE Student Award / Submit Student Research to AASHE's Resource Center
Each year several students win or receive special recognition for the two awards listed below. All students - whether or not you apply for an award - are invited to submit unpublished research papers, theses, and dissertations to the AASHE Student Research Database (links below).
- Student Sustainability Leadership Award
- Student Research on Campus Sustainability Award
- Submission Form - Student Research on Campus Sustainability
- Database - Student Research on Campus Sustainability (member-only)
9. Stay Connected
Stay informed about the campus sustainability movement and AASHE programs through our newsletters:
- AASHE Bulletin
Free weekly newsletter with the latest news, opportunities, events and resources. - AASHE Announcements
Occasional announcements about important AASHE events and programs - STARS Updates
Updates on AASHE’s Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System.
10. Volunteer for AASHE!
From time to time volunteer opportunities arise within the different teams at AASHE. Contact AASHE membership coordinator Kyle Kiser if interested in volunteering.
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Please enjoy all of these resources. If you have questions, call or email us. We’re happy to help tailor any materials for your institution’s needs. Thank you.
