National sustainability organization ranks University of Richmond as top performer in diversity and affordability

November 21, 2017

University of Richmond has been recognized as a top performer by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education.

UR ranked fifth in the area of Diversity and Affordability in the 2017 Sustainable Campus Index, an AASHE publication that highlights top-performing colleges and universities in 17 areas and overall by institution type. The rankings are based on the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System or STARS.

UR was the only baccalaureate program ranked as a top performer for Diversity and Affordability in the index. STARS is a self-reporting system that allows universities to measure their sustainability performance. UR’s STARS report is publicly available.

The university earned high marks for providing programs to support low-income and non-traditional students and students from under-represented groups. Such programs include Spider Firsts, which provides community-building and academic support to first generation students, and Safe Zone, which provides on-going training and networking to support the LGBTQ community.

“Through our recent strategic planning process, we identified access and affordability, thriving and inclusive community, and stewardship in a changing world as three of five pillars that support the mission of the university,” said Rob Andrejewski, director of sustainability. “Recognition as a top performer in diversity and affordability signals success in combining our strengths to create a culture where everyone feels valued and respected.”

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