Ball State University: Ball State University

Vision:
Ball State University seeks to be a campus where:

All students, faculty and employees are provided opportunities to become literate in the environmental, social and economic interactions of human and biophysical systems.
Such opportunities are made available through strong undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as professional-specialization, faculty development and staff training offerings that provide diverse opportunities for learning.
Collaborative faculty and student research on related issues is encouraged and supported.
Development of university leadership and expertise is seen as a continuous, participatory process of learning that contributes to local and regional sustainability efforts, fostering links with other institutions.
Understanding and concern for sustainability issues provide the foundation for a dynamic sense of campus cohesion and community.
The University's practices reduce both the consumption of materials and energy and the emission of pollutants to their lowest levels possible, without decreases in the level of education, scholarly work, and services provided.
Commitment:
We, the Ball State University community, affirm our commitment to protect and enhance the environment through our learning, research, service and administrative operations. We seek to foster a community that sustains ecological systems and educates for environmental awareness, local action, and global thinking. We seek to incorporate environmental principles and environmentally responsible practices as fundamental and integrated components of all BSU operations and programs. Our fundamental principles are to:

Incorporate environmental concerns as a significant priority in university decision making.
Seek alternative practices and procedures to minimize negative impacts on the environment.
Conserve natural resources and restore environmental quality.
Protect the biodiversity of our region and serve as a living laboratory and habitat for local species.
Consider the social, economic and environmental impacts of Ball State University's operational policies and foster a participatory process in developing these policies.
Our decisions and actions will be guided by the University's Mission Statement, reflective of the University's resources, and informed by the University's Strategic Plan. As a learning institution, we recognize that planning for sustainability will be an evolving practice.

Sustainability Statement
Ball State University, Muncie, IN 47306

25 March 2002: Adopted by COTE
15 April 2002: Endorsed by - Senior Staff
17 April 2002: Endorsed by - Academic Deans
25 April 2002: Endorsed by - University Senate
7 February 2003: Accepted by - Board of Trustees

For information contact:
BSU Council on the Environment

Telephone: 765.285.1135
Fax: 765.285.5622
Email: cote@bsu.edu