Research and Solutions: Campus Sustainability through Civic Engagement at the University of Wyoming

The higher education system in the United States has a long history of fostering civic engagement among students. The need for young people to be involved with their communities is even greater today as we face the challenges and realities of climate change. This article looks at the necessity of engaging college students with sustainability issues as a means to affect change within their communities, starting on the college campus. We look at specific projects, programs, and courses that have been put into place since the president of the University of Wyoming signed the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) in 2007. We also look at ways the University of Wyoming could improve its stand on sustainability, and we make suggestions for more effective management of sustainability initiatives on campus.