SCSU FEATURED IN “THE PRINCETON REVIEW’S GUIDE TO 332 GREEN COLLEGES: 2014 EDITION”
Southern Connecticut State University is one of the 332 most environmentally responsible colleges in the U.S. and Canada, according to The Princeton Review (www.PrincetonReview.com). The education services company known for its test prep programs and college rankings, ratings, and guidebooks profiles Southern in the fifth annual edition of its free downloadable book, “The Princeton Review’s Guide to 332 Green Colleges.”
The Princeton Review chose the schools for this guide based on a survey it conducted in 2013 of administrators at hundreds of four-year colleges to measure the schools’ commitment to the environment and to sustainability. The institutional survey included questions on the schools’ course offerings, campus infrastructure, activities and career preparation. (Notes follow on how schools were chosen.)
Published April 17, a few days before the April 22 celebration of Earth Day, the 216-page guide is the only free comprehensive resource of its kind: it can be downloaded at www.princetonreview.com/green-guide and www.centerforgreenschools.org/greenguide.
The Princeton Review created its “Guide to 332 Green Colleges” in partnership with the Center for Green Schools (www.usgbc.org) at the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
The 322 school profiles in the guide feature essential information for applicants – facts and stats on school demographics, admission, financial aid – plus write-ups on the schools’ sustainability initiatives. A “Green Facts” sidebar reports on a wide range of topics from the school’s use of renewable energy sources, recycling and conservation programs to the availability of environmental studies and career guidance for green jobs.
In the guide’s profile on Southern, The Princeton Review highlights the fact that at Southern “Sustainability is integrated into everyday life on campus. SCSU’s Dining Services has become more environmentally friendly through trayless dining, cage-free eggs, and a commitment to buying locally-grown produce. What’s more, the campus bookstore has championed recent initiatives such as selling a large line of recyclable products—including notebooks, biodegradable plastic folders, sketchbooks created with recycled vinyl albums, and t-shirts made from recycled bottles — promoting the use of e-textbooks to save paper, and even providing graduation gowns made of 100 percent recycled plastic bottles!”
Robert Sheeley, associate vice president for capital budgeting and facilities operations, said that Southern’s inclusion in the guide is “great news for our University” and represents a “great team effort.” He praised the dedication of campus Sustainability Coordinator Suzanne Huminski.
Said Rob Franek, Senior VP/Publisher, The Princeton Review, “We are pleased to recommend Southern Connecticut State University to the many students seeking colleges that practice and promote environmentally-responsible choices and practices.”
Franek noted his Company’s recent survey findings indicating significant interest among college applicants in attending “green” colleges. “Among 10,116 college applicants who participated in our 2014 ‘College Hopes & Worries Survey,’ 61% said having information about a school’s commitment to the environment would influence their decision to apply to or attend the school,” he said.
Rachel Gutter, director of the Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council, commented, “In collaborating with The Princeton Review on this annual guide, we have seen that sustainability on campuses continues to be an important deciding factor for today’s four-year college bound students. We are excited to once again provide prospective students and their parents with a resource to help them navigate this often daunting decision-making process.”
How Schools Were Chosen for the Book
The Princeton Review chose the schools based on a survey the Company conducted in 2013. The survey asked administrators at hundreds of colleges across the U.S. and Canada about their institution’s sustainability-related policies, practices, and programs. Using survey data that covered more than 25 fields, The Princeton Review tallied its “Green Ratings” (scores from 60 to 99) for 832 schools and reported them in the school profiles on the Company’s website and in its college guides in summer 2013. The 332 schools in this guide received scores of 83 or above in that assessment. (Note: The Princeton Review does not rank the schools 1 to 332, nor does it report their Green Rating scores in this book.) Information about the Company’s Green Rating and its “Green Honor Roll” list of 22 schools that received the highest possible score, 99, is at www.princetonreview.com/green.aspx
About Southern Connecticut State University
Founded as a teachers college in 1893, Southern has evolved over the past century into a comprehensive university offering 114 graduate and undergraduate programs. More than 700 faculty members lead students through a wide range of studies and research specialties. With its commitment to going green, the university is earning the nickname “Sustainable Southern.” At Southern, a charter American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) signatory, sustainability means engaging everyone from students to faculty, staff, and administration to “make healthy and environmentally conscious decisions in all aspects of campus life.”
About The Princeton Review
The Princeton Review is a leading test preparation and college admission services company. Every year it helps millions of college- and graduate school-bound students achieve their education and career goals through its test preparation, tutoring, and admissions services, its online resources, and its more than 150 print and digital books published by Random House LLC. The Company delivers its services via a network of more than 4,000 teachers and tutors in the U.S.A. and Canada, and through its international franchises in 14 other countries. The Company also partners directly with school districts and non-governmental organizations to provide students with college readiness services including college selection, test preparation, financial aid advice, and admissions support. The Princeton Review is headquartered in Natick, Mass., and is privately held. For more information, visit www.princetonreview.com and www.facebook.com/ThePrincetonReview. Follow the Company’s Twitter feed @ThePrincetonRev
About the Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council
The Center for Green Schools at USGBC is making sure every student has the opportunity to attend a green school within this generation. From kindergarten to college and beyond, the Center works directly with staff, teachers, faculty, students, administrators, elected officials and communities to drive the transformation of all schools into sustainable places to live and learn, work and play. For more information, visit centerforgreenschools.org or find us on Twitter and Facebook.
About the U.S. Green Building Council
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. USGBC works toward its mission of market transformation through its LEED green building program, robust educational offerings, a nationwide network of chapters and affiliates, the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, the Center for Green Schools and advocacy in support of public policy that encourages and enables green buildings and communities. For more information, visit usgbc.org, explore the Green Building Information Gateway (GBIG) and connect on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
