Designations

The AASHE STARS (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System) Report is a comprehensive framework used by colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance. Developed by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), STARS covers a wide range of criteria including academics, operations, engagement, and planning. Institutions earn a rating—Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum—based on their performance, promoting transparency and continuous improvement in sustainability efforts.

Tree Campus Higher Education, a program of the Arbor Day Foundation, recognizes colleges and universities that effectively manage their campus trees and promote community engagement in forestry efforts. To earn the designation, institutions must meet five core standards related to tree care, planning, and education. The program supports sustainable campus landscapes and fosters environmental awareness through student involvement and public outreach.

Bee Campus USA is a program designed to recognize and support campuses that are committed to creating sustainable habitats for pollinators. Administered by the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, the program encourages institutions to engage in habitat restoration, reduce pesticide use, and educate the campus community about the importance of pollinators. Becoming a certified Bee Campus highlights a college or university's dedication to biodiversity and environmental stewardship.