Tuition Discounts Rising in Step with Increasing Costs
As tuition revenue per student continued to climb between the fall of 2010 and the fall of 2011, tuition discounts grew as well, reports the Chronicle of Higher Education. The article sites the third annual analysis of tuition revenue by Moody's Investors Service based on responses from 257 of the institutions whose creditworthiness Moody's rates. Noting that discounts "are becoming increasingly important in attracting and retaining students in light of growing pricing sensitivity," the analysis revealed "more and more public institutions are following the private colleges' lead on discounting." About 42 percent of public universities increased their discount rates during the analysis period while nearly 54 percent of private colleges increased their discount levels.
U Chicago Adds Electric Vehicles to Campus Fleet
The University of Chicago's (IL) Facilities Services recently added three electric vehicles to its fleet. The first Neighborhood Electric Vehicles on campus, the 100 percent-electric cars will replace two gasoline-powered trucks and a van. The department aims to invest in further green technologies.
UC Santa Barbara Pilots 'Plastic-Free Campuses' Campaign
Four student organizations at the University of California, Santa Barbara have partnered with the Plastic Pollution Coalition to ban single-use plastic bags and raise awareness of the detrimental affects of plastics on the environment. The campus is the pilot institution for the coalition's global “Plastic-Free Campuses” project. The university will kick-off the campaign by displaying a single day’s worth of plastic on campus, as well as a sculpture made completely of plastic found on local beaches.
U District of Columbia Conducts Bottled Water Reduction Outreach
In a blind taste test held recently by the University of the District of Columbia's Sustainability Initiative and Student Government Association, 52 percent of campus participants preferred the taste of filtered tap water over bottled spring water. To promote the use of tap water on campus, the groups also gave each of the 54 participants a short quiz to gauge their knowledge of the bottled water industry. The university's director of planning and sustainability, Howard Ways, tells the Bulletin that 24 hydration stations will be installed throughout campus. Five stations have been installed so far.
U Manitoba Receives $3 M to Study Green Ag Practices
As part of a partnership among the Government of Canada, Canadian universities and industry to boost producer profitability through green agriculture technologies, the University of Manitoba has received $3 million to the to study cost-effective greenhouse gas mitigation practices for the cattle sector. Funded through the Agricultural Greenhouse Gases Program, a five-year, $27-million initiative that focuses on the development of on-farm greenhouse gas mitigation technologies, the university's research will lead to the development of new beneficial management practices toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the cattle sector.
U Minnesota Morris GreenCorps Prgm Receives Funding to Continue
The University of Minnesota, Morris has received funding to continue Minnesota GreenCorps, an environmentally focused AmeriCorps program administered by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, on its campus. The program is funded through a grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service with additional support from ServeMinnesota. The university's Morris Center for Small Towns, a community outreach program that serves as a point-of-entry to the resources of the university, is partnering to match five university students with community partners and projects this year.
U Nevada Reno Launches Renewable Energy Certificate
The University of Nevada, Reno has announced a new online graduate certificate in renewable energy, beginning in the spring 2012 semester. The online, 12-credit certificate is designed for professionals including business staff and managers, practicing engineers, government regulators and others interested in developing knowledge in the renewable energy fields. The multi-disciplinary curriculum includes elements of engineering disciplines as well as science, business and policy/political science.
U Pennsylvania Upgrades Campus Walkway Lights to LED Bulbs
The University of Pennsylvania has started upgrading about 500 existing campus walkway lights to LED bulbs and new higher-efficiency ballasts. The university expects the LEDs to use 75 percent less energy. The project is one of the first implemented as a result of the university’s Energy Reduction Fund, launched in September 2010 as a centralized mechanism to propose, prioritize and track energy-saving projects and energy retrofits for campus buildings.
19 Campuses Complete Climate Action Plans
Nineteen new campuses have submitted Climate Action Plans (CAPs) as part of the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) since the last update in the AASHE Bulletin on Nov. 1, 2011. CAPs illustrate the specific steps that institutions are taking to reach climate neutrality and are the second major reporting requirement of the Commitment, due within two years of signing. The new submissions are, in alphabetical order: Antioch University Seattle (WA); Castleton State College (VT); Community College of Baltimore County (MD); Edmonds Community College (WA); Gateway Technical College (WI); Lorain County Community College (OH); Montana State University – Bozeman; Northeast Lakeview College (TX); Northwest Vista College (TX); Palo Alto College (TX); San Antonio College (TX); School of the Art Institute of Chicago (IL); St. Philip's College (TX); University of Arizona; University of California, Santa Cruz; University of Maryland Baltimore; University of Wisconsin-Green Bay; and University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. In related news, Emory University (GA) has announced carbon reduction goals in a new Climate Action Plan.
5 Private Institutions Profiled for Tuition Cost Cuts
“A stagnant economy and declining attendance has prompted some colleges and universities to cut tuition costs for the first time in many years,” reports a recent article on Investopedia.com. The article profiles the affordability measures of five private institutions across the country including Cabrini College (PA), which cut tuition and fees by 12.5 percent; Lincoln College (IL), which cut tuition by 24 percent; Seton Hall University (NY), which cut tuition by 61 percent; Sewanee: The University of the South, which cut tuition by 10 percent; and the University of Charleston (WV), which cut tuition for new students by 22 percent.
Bainbridge Graduate Institute Offers New Sustainable Programs
The Bainbridge Graduate Institute (WA) has announced three new certificate programs for working executives seeking to develop skills in the areas of the sustainable built environment, sustainable food and agriculture, and sustainable energy solutions. The new programs are expected to provide students with a deeper understanding of the sustainability landscape and further prepare them to offer smart and sustainable business solutions.
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Conducts Hunger Assessment
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo's STRIDE (Science through Translational Research in Diet and Exercise) Center has partnered with the Food Bank Coalition of San Luis Obispo County to survey more than 600 low-income residents for data on how many people go hungry in the county. Funded by a $100,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, students are helping collect data that will be used to create a "hunger map" of food availability in the county, including price differences and food desert zones. The research will be used to create a countywide plan to combat hunger.
Clarkson U Receives Grant for Energy-Efficient Food Facility
Clarkson University (NY) has received a $40,000 Educational Partnership grant from the Dominion Foundation to support the university’s Local Energy Efficient Food Facility. The grant will be used to integrate a pilot greenhouse that will grow plants year-round utilizing a biomass-solar thermal heating system and an anaerobic digester. Real-time data generated for analysis and system monitoring will be used in classrooms across campus.
Cornell U Named Winner of New NYC Science School
Named as a top contender during the year-long international competition, Cornell University (NY) has been chosen by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg to partner with Technion-Israel Institute of Technology to create a new high-tech graduate science school. Cornell's proposed campus includes 2.1 million square feet of building space and a range of sustainable features including a heavy use of solar energy and geothermal wells. With the plan to make New York City a world leader in computer engineering and transform the city’s economy, Bloomberg announced that the $2 billion plan will include a $150 million venture capital fund for start-up companies that agree to remain in the city for three years, as well as math and science education support for 10,000 city children. With plans to complete 300,000 square feet of space on Roosevelt Island by 2017 and more than 2 million square feet by 2037, the campus is estimated to create 20,000 construction jobs and spin off 600 new businesses over the next generation.
Evergreen Valley College Breaks Ground on 1.5 MW Solar Project
Evergreen Valley College (CA) has started construction on a ground-mounted solar panel system with a capacity of about 1.5 megawatts of power. Expected to be completed in early 2012, the system will meet 33 percent of the college's energy requirements.
Fanshawe College Receives Donation for Renewable Energy Program
Fanshawe College (ON) has received $95,000 from the Alma College Foundation and $405,000 from the Dorothy Palmer estate to create a renewable energies technician program. Renovations to the college’s old theater area and the equipment needed to sustain the program are to be funded entirely by the two donations. The program is expected to launch in fall 2012.
Harvard U Labs Save Waste, Money with Reusable Glass Bottles
Two labs in the Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology Department at Harvard University (MA) recently switched from using disposable plastic bottles to reusable glass bottles for filtering media for tissue culture. The conversion has saved over $9500 in the first seven months and prevented 2600 plastic bottles from going into the waste stream.
Illinois Central College Announces New Solar Technology Program
Illinois Central College has announced plans to offer courses in solar photovoltaic and solar thermal technology as part of a new energy-efficiency and renewable energy program. Working closely with local members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers to craft the program, the college aims to train students to become certified to install and maintain solar panels.
Long Island U C.W. Post Installs Hydration Stations
In an effort to reduce plastic bottle waste, Long Island University - C.W. Post Campus has installed three hydration stations on campus. The initiative was approved after students in the geography department presented a cost benefit analysis to the Provost. Students and faculty are campaigning to have hydration stations installed in every main building on campus and residence halls.
Mass College of Liberal Arts Awarded Co-Gen Feasibility Grant
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts has been awarded $120,000 to determine what it will take to renovate its power plant with a co-generation unit and update its boilers to provide additional steam to heat the campus. The feasibility study, which will determine the savings derived from the biomass project, is the result of a previous energy study by the state's Division of Capital Asset Management that looked at what renewable energy sources that college might use.
McMaster U Makes Canadian List of Top Bicycling Campuses
With 37 percent of students who walk or cycle to campus, Maclean's magazine has named McMaster University (ON) as one of Canada's top five bicycle-friendly schools. The university promotes sustainable travel by focusing on initiatives aimed at reducing single-occupancy vehicle use; promoting sustainable alternatives modes of transportation; and by responding to requests from the campus community for a better cycling environment.
Metro State College to Create Water Studies Minor
Metro State College (CO) has received an anonymous gift of $1 million to implement a minor in water studies. The program, which will begin in fall 2012, will enhance water stewardship on and beyond the campus by promoting the effective use of water resources. Classes will explore issues including urban waterway restoration, water law, hydro-philanthropy, conflict resolution, conservation and stream reclamation.
Stanford U Unveils New Campus Energy Improvements Plan
Stanford University’s (CA) Board of Trustees has given concept approval for the Campus Energy System Improvements project, designed to meet the university’s energy needs through 2050. Under the proposed $438 million plan, the university will purchase electricity via direct access to the energy market; build a new central energy facility that recovers waste heat from the campus chilled water system to meet the bulk of campus heating needs; build a new and expanded electrical substation; and decommission the current aging power plant and the existing electrical substation. The largest component of the university's Energy and Climate Plan, the initiative is expected to reduce campus greenhouse gas emissions to less than half of what they are today.
Texas Tech U Debuts Green Business Building
Texas Tech University has opened its newest green building, designed to meet LEED requirements. Sustainable features of the Rawls College of Business building include recycling stations and four detention ponds to capture stormwater. Seventy-five percent of construction waste was diverted from landfills.
U Calgary Lab to Seek LEED Platinum
The University of Calgary (AB) has debuted its Energy Environment Experiential Learning laboratory building, which will seek LEED Platinum certification. Sustainable features include the redistribution of sunlight using reflective surfaces, high-efficiency light fixtures controlled by a computerized system using occupancy sensors and smart time scheduling, fixed and moving sunshades, and cooling towers.
U Colorado Boulder Signs Fair Food Pledge
In response to student enthusiasm, the University of Colorado Boulder has signed a pledge to provide healthy food for students and buy food from sources that have safe and fair agricultural practices. The university has pledged to have 25 percent of its food offerings be organic, 25 percent be natural and 25 percent be locally grown by 2015. The statement also says that the university will buy from vendors that are curbing their use of pesticides.
U Maryland Launches Sustainability Studies Minor
The University of Maryland has launched a new sustainability studies minor for students looking to learn about green practices and how to address issues including decreasing energy consumption and water runoff. Students can begin taking classes to complete the 15-credit minor this spring. The first introductory course is designed to familiarize students with the concept of sustainability and encourage them to examine global issues in the field.
U North Dakota Researchers Convert Coffee Waste into Energy
The University of North Dakota’s Environmental Research Center has partnered with bioenergy firm Wynntryst LLC and Green Mountain Coffee Roasters to develop a gasification power system powered by coffee residue, plastic packaging, textiles and single-serve plastic cups. The research center has already developed small gasifier systems powered by a variety of feedstocks including forest residues, railroad tie chips, turkey litter and other biomass.
U South Dakota Offers New Sustainability Degrees
The University of South Dakota has announced a new Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts in sustainability starting in fall 2012. The programs are designed to train students in wind energy, hydroelectric power, geothermal energy technologies, biofuels and green construction practices.
U Southern California Students Host Community Skillshare
Student groups at the University of Southern California recently hosted a Community Skillshare for local neighborhoods. Community members and students showcased specific skills and activities including planting vegetable seedlings in recycled containers and screen-printing. Leftover sandwiches from the event were passed out to the homeless.
U Wisconsin-Waukesha Undergoes Energy Audit
The University of Wisconsin-Waukesha has begun an in-depth energy analysis of all campus facilities to identify opportunities for energy savings and infrastructure improvements. The viability of various renewable energy opportunities on campus will also be examined through the audit. All costs incurred for the implementation of any energy conservation measures will be funded by the state’s performance contracting program for energy efficiency.
Yale U Researches Advance Solar Power Efficiency, Affordability
A team of researchers at Yale University (CT) has developed improvements in basic solar power technology that could result in lower-cost, higher-efficiency photovoltaic systems. The research has yielded a new way of guiding and channeling electrons within hybrid organic-inorganic photovoltaic devices by better controlling the structure and alignment of the materials in the system. This improves efficiency by maximizing the amount of light that is successfully converted into electricity. Support for the research was provided by the National Science Foundation.
Allegheny College Installs Six Solar Panels
Allegheny College (PA) has installed a new array of six solar panels that was funded by savings generated by a campus energy conservation challenge. The panels are expected to produce more than 2,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity per year.
Appalachian State U Works to Implement Duplex Printing
To save paper and cut costs, Appalachian State University’s (NC) Technology Support Services is working with the Student Government Association and Office of Sustainability to implement a new duplex printing initiative this spring. Double-sided (duplex) printer settings in campus printing stations would curb the university’s current $50,555 in annual printing costs.
Arizona State U Debuts Solar Panels on Downtown Campus
Arizona State University has installed 322 solar panels on the roof of its Walter Cronkite School of Journalism. The university will purchase the energy produced by the 77-kilowatt installation from independent solar power producer Solar Power Partners, which owns and operates the panels.
College of the Atlantic Students Install Campus Solar Panels
As part of a “Practicum on Solar Energy” course, students at the College of the Atlantic (ME) helped install a solar energy array on campus. The class developed a budget, chose the panels, learned how to assemble them and completed the installation within eight weeks. The students also worked with a local organization to educate the public about solar energy and increase private funding for the systems. The connection maximized the college’s original grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, allowing the campus to double the size of the array.
Council of Graduate Schools' Annual Meeting Examines Diversity
Appealing to a more diverse group of students was discussed as one strategy for helping institutions adapt to economic realities and rapidly changing demographics during the Council of Graduate Schools annual meeting, reports The Chronicle of Higher Education. A major concern among the hundreds of graduate school deans and administrators in attendance was the difficulty of achieving diversity and maintaining quality in graduate programs at the same time they are also cutting costs.
De Anza College Installs Solar Energy System
De Anza College (CA) has installed a solar panel array that doubles as shading for campus parking lots. The panels will have a capacity of 1.1 megawatt hours and are expected to save the college $250,000 per year in electricity costs. The power generated from the panels will be tracked and integrated into a campus-wide system showing all green energy production on campus. The $1.4 million project was funded through Measure E.
Delaware Technical & CC Energy House Earns LEED Platinum
Delaware Technical & Community College’s Energy House has been awarded LEED Platinum certification. The house was constructed on campus to serve as an educational lab for students to learn about innovative energy-efficient and renewable technology and materials. Included in the design of the building are solar systems, wind generation equipment, a living green roof, radiant floor heating, geothermal options and examples of efficiency in construction and appliance usage.
Elon U Housing Units Receive LEED Platinum
Six houses in Elon University's (NC) Loy Center have received LEED for Homes Platinum certification. The residences, occupied by fraternity and sorority students, were designed with water- and energy-efficient features and recycled materials. House managers in each residence have completed a training session on the operations and unique features of the center, and there is a Sustainable Living Guide for residents.
Grand Valley State U Approves Gender Neutral Housing
Grand Valley State University (MI) has announced plans to offer a gender neutral housing option on the 2012 student housing application. The new policy will provide lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students with a supportive roommate situation. The Student Senate initially passed the resolution in March and a student-led Gender Neutral Housing Coalition has been actively seeking equality since early 2011.
Michigan State U, OnSite Energy Partner for Biodiesel Training
Michigan State University has announced a new partnership with OnSite Energy for its Freeway to Fuels project. The project will test the potential of growing oilseed crops for bioenergy production. A portable unit that contains the equipment to crush oil from seed and convert it to biodiesel has been developed. Equipment will be transported from farm to farm to teach farmers how to make their own biodiesel fuel.
Missouri State U Expands Recycling Efforts with Electric Truck
Missouri State University has purchased an electric utility truck through the university's Student Sustainability Fund to be used in the campus recycling program. The truck is expected to make the program more efficient and allow the university to expand recycling efforts to its off-campus buildings.
Northwestern U Names First Director of Sustainability
Northwestern University (IL) has appointed Robert W. Whittier as its first director of sustainability. Whittier, who most recently was the manager of sustainability and climate change at Deloitte Consulting, will lead the effort to integrate sustainability into both operational and academic functions of the university. He will work closely with the Initiative for Sustainability and Energy at Northwestern and develop partnerships with the cities of Evanston and Chicago.
Portland State U Science Building Awarded LEED Gold
Portland State University’s (OR) renovated Science Research and Teaching Center has received LEED Gold certification. Sustainable features of the eighth LEED-certified building on campus include new low-flow laboratory hoods, high performance windows, energy-efficient lighting, occupancy sensors and new mechanical and heating systems. The $46.5 million makeover will reduce energy use by 20 to 30 percent with a potential cost savings of $300,000 per year.
San Francisco State U Demos Fuel Cell Project
San Francisco State University (CA) has partnered with Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) to connect a new fuel cell plant with its heating infrastructure. The demonstration project is part of a California Public Utilities Commission-approved initiative to construct fuel cell facilities on several California State University and University of California campuses. The plant, funded by PG&E, will generate a total of 1.6 megawatts of electrical power connected directly to PG&E’s local distribution grid. The university will earn back its $550,000 investment through an estimated $250,000 in annual energy savings.
Southern Methodist U Offers Graduate Sustainability Degree
Southern Methodist University (TX) has announced a new graduate degree in sustainability and development. Debuting in January, the interdisciplinary program’s coursework will focus on sustainability-related topics from policy to design in both developed and developing worlds. The program will advance wise use of sustainable resources in urban development with the goal of creating and rebuilding economically and environmentally healthy cities.
St. Edward’s U Announces Paperless Office Initiative
St. Edwards’s University (TX) has launched an initiative to go paperless in its campus offices. Paychecks have been replaced by email notifications and electronic paystubs. The Business and Human Resources offices have replaced paper paystubs with email notifications and introduced an online time-keeping system. The university expects to save 96,000 sheets of paper and $7,900 of supply expense annually.
Towson U Earns First LEED Gold Certification
Towson University's (MD) West Village Commons has received LEED Gold certification, the first building on campus to receive the designation. Sustainable features of the dining and student life building include a roof garden, organics composting system, single stream recycling containers and convenient bike parking. At peak performance, the building is designed to reduce energy consumption by 50 percent, water use by 40 percent and solid waste by 70 percent.
UC Berkeley to Step Up Financial Aid to Middle-Income Students
Described as the "most significant such move by a public institution," the University of California, Berkeley has announced plans for more financial aid offerings to middle-class students starting next fall, reports a recent New York Times article. In an effort to grow the number of students from middle-class families, which has remained stagnant over the last several years, families earning up to $140,000 a year will be expected to contribute no more than 15 percent of their annual income. The program is expected to cost $12 million a year and will be paid for from out-of-state and international student tuition, as well as private donations.
