Description of Role and Responsibilities of STARS Steering Committee Members

Purpose

The STARS Steering Committee will provide guidance and feedback on topics related to the strategic and fiscal direction of the STARS program. 

Overview

This committee will be comprised of 7-9 campus representatives and 3 AASHE Board members (selected by the Board). The STARS Manager and the AASHE Executive Director will serve as ex-officio members of the committee. The campus members will reflect the diversity of STARS users and AASHE members. In the first year, the campus members will be appointed by the STARS Manager in consultation with the AASHE Executive Director. Appointments will be based on those who submit an application. Preference will be given to AASHE members and STARS Charter Participants.

Qualifications

Steering Committee members should possess:

• A deep understanding of AASHE’s mission and the goals of STARS
• Familiarity with at least one of the content areas covered in STARS
• Familiarity with rating systems
• Familiarity with sustainability indicators
• Effective communication skills
• Ability to be collaborative and work well on a team

Benefits

Steering Committee members will be an integral part of STARS and thus play a critical role in advancing the sustainability movement in higher education. Those appointed to the STARS Steering Committee will be able to bring their knowledge and experience to a program with tremendous potential for positive change. Steering Committee members will help shape the technical content of STARS and advise on corresponding aspects such as education and resources.

Roles and Responsibilities

Steering Committee members will provide strategic advice to ensure the success of the program. The decision-making purview of the committee will focus on shaping the technical content of STARS. The group may also advise on STARS policy, finances, and strategic positioning. The Steering Committee may be requested to provide feedback on topics such as educational offerings, revenue opportunities, partnerships or other activities related to the success of the program.

Terms

Those appointed to the STARS Steering Committee will need to ensure they meet the qualifications listed above and can participate in all committee activities. Term limits for committee members are three years and members may be reappointed for a second term (not to exceed 6 years). AASHE’s Executive Director and STARS Program Manager reserve the right to remove a Steering Committee member from the position without cause.

Time Commitment

The committee will meet once a month by conference call and in-person as needed. Members will be expected to attend calls and contribute sufficient time to address the continued development and strategic positioning of STARS. Members will receive no remuneration for their services.

Eligibility

Preference will be given to those individuals that are from an AASHE member organization and STARS Charter Participant.

Compensation

Steering Committee members are not compensated for their service.