Appalachian State University
IN-1: Innovation 1

Appalachian State University's campus wide Strategic Plan is innovative because of its focus and the associated metrics used to measure its effectiveness over a five year period. Appalachian State University's Strategic Plan is one only a few in the country that is integrates sustainability throughout its campus wide strategic plan. The strategic plan titled, The Appalachian Experience: Envisioning a Just and Sustainable Future, provides direction for the campus over the course of the next five years. The plan serves as a recognition that the primary focus of the campus is to transform the lives of our students. We believe that this transformational Appalachian Experience results in engaged citizens who understand their responsibility to society. Our students leave with a clear charge to make a difference and to care for the planet and its people. Sustainability at Appalachian State University is not a trend, it is a tradition. We are active stewards of our State’s interconnected financial, cultural and natural resources. Through engaged scholarship, we balance critical, creative and global thinking in a living laboratory, transforming theory into practice and fostering responsible citizenship. Strategic Directions: 1: Creating the Transformational Educational Experience 2: Advancing Knowledge and Addressing the Challenges of Our Region, State and World through Creativity and Innovation 3: Engaging the State, Region and World 4: Embracing Diversity of Thought, Belief and Community 5: Preserving Faculty and Staff Excellence

The Strategic Plan will be evaluated annually between 2014-2019, through benchmarks tied to the AASHE's STARS report, Sustainability Literacy Assessment, the Green House Gas Inventory. Some of these benchmark and final measurable goals include: STARS 2.0 Academic Credits: Curriculum: = 65% achievement STARS 2.0 Engagement Credits: Campus Engagement: = 65% achievement Public Engagement: = 65% achievement Sustainability Literacy Survey:baseline and gain scores, research design under development. STARS 2.0 Academics Credits: Research: >= 65% achievement STARS 2.0 Planning &Administration Credits: Diversity & Affordability: >= 65% achievement STARS 2.0 Planning &Administration Credits: Health, Wellbeing & Work: >= 65% achievement Health, Coordination, Planning & Governance: = 65% achievement STARS 2.0 Operations Credits: All 8 subcategories: = 65% achievement STARS 2.0 Planning &Administration Credits: Health, Coordination, Planning & Governance: = 65% achievement Investment: = 65% achievement Greenhouse Gas Emissions: 68,000 eCo2 by ’18-19 Energy Consumption: 90,000 Btu/GSP by ’18-19 Renewable Energy Utilization: 0.5% of total consumed energy from university owned renewable energy systems by ‘18-19 Water Usage: 17.15 gallons/GSF by ’18-19 Transportation, Single Occupant Vehicle Utilization: student rate of 85% by ’18-19 and faculty/staff rate of 28% ’18-19 Zero Waste, Solid Waste Diversion Rate: 75% by ’18-19