Imagining a More Sustainable Future: A Survey of Sustainability Planning at MTSU and Peer Institutions

Abstract

Unlike many universities in its region, Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) has enacted no comprehensive sustainability plan. This study aims to document and compare the campus sustainability planning and programming of the universities and colleges MTSU considers, and were recommended to the author, as its peers; establish programming models that are "best-fit" for adaptation to the unique needs and attributes of MTSU; and submit the recommendations of campus employees whose work relates to sustainable campus operations for university officials’ consideration. The results suggest that a staffed Office of Sustainability founded with the mission of improving student accessibility to engagement opportunities, academic resources, and exposure to careers in environmental sustainability would be of great benefit for MTSU’s campus community.