AASHE Workshop: STARS 3.1 Data Quality Training & Certification
This virtual workshop offers strategies and tools to develop and hone literacy around STARS version 3.1, with the ultimate goal of helping institutions efficiently submit, review and publish a high-quality and accurate report. This workshop will cover the basic principles of STARS data quality, the review and revision process, and key data quality resources. It takes place from 2-4:30 p.m. Eastern on Dec. 7 and 10.
STARS Discount & 2027 STARS Support Cohort
Through the end of 2026, AASHE offers two opportunities to help institutions participate in the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS)–a cohort support program and a 20 percent discount off a new STARS subscription. The deadline to sign up for the cohort discount is Jan. 4, 2027, and the discount deadline is Dec. 31.
Call for Proposals: Southeastern Student Sustainability Conference
Organizers of the Southeastern Student Sustainability Conference invite students and student advisors to submit proposals highlighting work that advances institutional sustainability. Organizers welcome works in progress and the insights that emerge from testing ideas, navigating challenges, and adapting along the way. The conference is hosted by the University of South Carolina from Feb. 19–21, 2027. The proposal deadline is Nov. 15.
Participation Invitation: Study on the Implementation of the UN SDGs at Universities
Researchers are inviting faculty and sustainability staff to complete a survey designed to understand how higher education institutions in the U.S. and Canada integrate the SDGs into teaching, research, institutional strategies, and campus operations. This survey is being coordinated by the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, the European School of Sustainability Science and Research, the Inter-University Sustainable Development Research Program, and the European-North American Sustainability Research Consortium.
Wikipedia: 24Hr Editathon for COP31
The Wikipedia COP31 editathon is a worldwide event on Nov. 11 in which participants join one two-hour session to improve the climate content and mis- and disinformation. It is organized by the University of Exeter in collaboration with the International Universities Climate Alliance and is open to everyone regardless of editing experience.
Planetary Health Report Card Student Volunteers
Planetary Health Report Card organizers are recruiting health profession students to complete the Planetary Health Report Card and produce a comprehensive assessment of the planetary health education at their institution. Recruitment is open until Dec. 17.
Call for Sessions: Higher Education Climate Leadership Summit 2027
Second Nature encourages session proposals and contributors from all disciplines and perspectives that intersect with climate action and higher education for its annual event, taking place in Denver, Colorado, from March 7-9, 2027. The deadline for submissions is Nov. 6.
The Nine Dots Prize
The Nine Dots Prize is a prize for creative thinking that tackles contemporary societal issues. The aim of the prize is to promote, encourage and engage innovative thinking to address problems facing the modern world. The winner receives $100,000 and editorial support from and their book published by Cambridge University Press. The deadline to submit is Jan. 27, 2027.
Global Sustainability Challenge
The Global Sustainability Challenge is an annual challenge for students to design, implement and showcase real-world sustainability solutions. In 2027 the two themes are adaptation and resilience, sustainable energy. The deadline to register students teams is Nov. 22
2027 Campus Energy Transition Academy
The AASHE 2027 Campus Energy Transition Academy is a six-month cohort-based program helping higher education leaders navigate the energy transition by improving campus buildings and energy systems. It is designed to help institutions, especially those with central plants and deferred maintenance, assess energy opportunities, cut costs, and make informed infrastructure investments amid aging infrastructure and rising energy demands. It runs virtually starting Feb. 11, 2027, with bi-weekly sessions over about six months. The application deadline is Jan. 29, 2027.
AASHE Course: Behavior Change for Collective Climate Action
This four-part online, interactive course explores the theory of collective action and how behavior change principles can be incorporated into sustainability programs, courses, and initiatives. Participants will learn evidence-based tools, including social norms, social identity, increasing efficacy and legacy motivation, with opportunities to practice applying these approaches to different audiences and situations. The course meets from 2–3:30 p.m. Eastern on Oct. 27 and Nov. 3, 10 & 17.
2026 SPLC Leadership Awards
The Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council (SPLC) Leadership Awards recognize and honor the organizations and individuals demonstrating exceptional dedication and innovation in integrating sustainability into core procurement practices. The deadline to submit is Oct. 5.
Wege Prize 2027
Wege Prize challenges transdisciplinary teams of university students to develop real-world solutions to complex problems through the framework of the circular economy. Wege Prize is organized by Kendall College of Art and Design at Ferris State University. Team applications are due Oct. 4.
October Sustainability Sprint
Ecochallenge.org's October Sustainability Sprint (Oct. 19–Nov. 1) is a free, two-week program offering 38 actions across five place-based categories to help participants reduce waste. Participants can join solo, form a team, or join the global Community Team, earning points for completed actions toward measurable environmental impact. Registration opens Sept. 21.
Call for Societies Special Issue Contributions: Higher Education and Social Change
Guest editors invite article contributions to a special issue of Societies. Editors invite articles, conceptual papers and reviews that offer perspectives on long-term outcomes, imperatives and roles of higher education in societies as well as case studies of transformative innovations in teaching, learning and knowledge-making. The manuscript submission deadline is Jan. 14, 2027.
2026 AASHE Virtual Annual Member Meeting
The annual member meeting is an opportunity to connect with fellow members and hear directly from AASHE leadership about the year ahead. During this interactive session, AASHE leaders will reflect on key highlights, accomplishments and milestones from the past year, share plans and priorities for the future, and provide insight into the work underway to support and advance sustainability in higher education.
2027 Campus Energy Transition Academy
AASHE's 2027 Campus Energy Transition Academy is a six-month cohort-based program helping higher education leaders navigate the energy transition by improving campus buildings and energy systems. It is designed to help institutions—especially those with central plants and deferred maintenance—assess energy opportunities, cut costs and make informed infrastructure investments amid aging infrastructure and rising energy demands. It runs virtually starting Feb. 11, 2027, with bi-weekly Thursday sessions over about six months. The application deadline is Jan. 29, 2027.
International Peace Scholarship Fund
The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship Fund is a fund to provide scholarships for women from other countries for graduate study in the U.S. or Canada. The maximum award amount is $12,500.
Call for Applications: AASHE Board of Directors
AASHE seeks candidates to serve on its board of directors. Board directors advise, govern and oversee the policy and direction of AASHE, and assist with general promotion. Interested candidates should submit an application by Oct. 16.
AASHE 2026 Conference Learning Labs
AASHE 2026 is happening Oct. 4-6, in Baltimore, Maryland. Nine sessions types allow for a variety of learning formats. To allow more time for participation, discussion and practical application, learning labs give participants the opportunity to dig into a topic and leave with ideas they can bring back to their campus.
WOHESC Call for Proposals
Organizers for the Washington Oregon Cascadia Higher Education Sustainability Conference (WOHESC) invite proposals for program content, sessions and speakers. Happening March 3-5, 2027, the event is themed The Future Starts Now: From Action to Sustainable Impact. The deadline to submit a proposal is Oct. 16.
Net Impact Recruitment Services
Net Impact offers student recruitment support to help graduate and certificate programs connect with Net Impact’s network of students and early-career professionals.
2026 Election Rapid Response Mini-Grant Program
The Election Rapid Response Mini-Grant Program through Campus Compact provides funding of $500 to $5,000 per award to support immediate, high-impact, nonpartisan activities that prepare students and campus communities for purposeful engagement around the 2026 midterm elections. Apply by Aug. 21.
Second Nature Climate Luminary Honors
The Climate Luminary Honors recognize projects that demonstrate leadership, collaboration and measurable progress toward a more sustainable and just future. The seven award categories are decarbonization, justice, community, workforce, research, climate resilience, and education (new). The deadline to apply is Oct. 31.
CDP Supply Chain Network Membership
Second Nature, in collaboration and support of the AASHE Scope 3 Community of Practice, has negotiated an opportunity for higher education institutions to take part in a unique, networked one-year CDP Supply Chain Membership, giving campuses access to emissions data, KPI reports, and scope 3 reports for 100+ suppliers of the network's choosing. Membership also comes with support and other resources from CDP (webinars, guidance, working groups). Sign up by July 31.
AASHE 2026 Conference & Expo: Full Conference Schedule
This year’s program covers a wide range of topics, including campus and community engagement, resilience and adaptation, curriculum innovation, governance and institutional strategy, facilities and decarbonization, student leadership, and more. The conference platform also includes all speakers.
Launching Investment for Future Transformation Student Competition
The UNC Kenan-Flagler Ackerman Center for Excellence in Sustainability encourages undergraduate and graduate students to participate in the Launching Investment for Future Transformation (LIFT) Challenge, a free, global case competition focused on blended finance, impact investing, sustainability, and the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals. The competition includes $15,000 in prizes, and students from all majors and backgrounds are welcome to participate.
Bicycle Friendly University Open Application Period
The League of American Bicyclists invites applications for the Bicycle Friendly University (BFU) recognition, a program that recognizes institutions of higher education for promoting and providing a more bikeable campus for students, staff and visitors. The BFU program provides a roadmap and technical assistance to create cycling-friendly campuses. The application deadline is Aug. 5.
Students Taking on Oil and Petrochemicals (STOP) Fellowship Cohort
The Post-Landfill Action Network is accepting applications from students who want to learn about and take direct action against the plastic, oil and petrochemical industries in their region. This paid fellowship is meant for undergraduate college and university students located near petrochemical sites, with an additional focus on the Ohio River Valley (Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Tennessee, and Kentucky) and Gulf Coast regions (Louisiana, Texas, and Florida).
ISCN Excellence Awards
The International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN) Excellence Awards recognize outstanding contributions made by universities to advancing sustainability initiatives, programs and projects. The ISCN Awards recognize excellence in the areas of Whole Systems Approach, Partnerships for Progress, and Cultural Change for Sustainability. Applications are accepted through July 3.
AASHE Sustainability Education Forum 2026
The Sustainability Education Forum 2026 is a two-day virtual convening focused on advancing sustainability education through dialogue, collaboration and shared learning. The event takes place June 4-5. Registration is $30 off now through May 29.
Call for Proposals: 2026 Campus Farmer Summit
Organizers of the Campus Farmer Summit encourage session proposals from individuals engaged with or interested in campus farms. The summit theme is building adaptability and resilience. The event happens on Nov. 14 at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, with pre-summit programming on Nov. 12-13. The deadline to submit a proposal is June 7.
Youth Innovation Challenge 2026
The Global Environmental Education Partnership invites students across the globe to submit proposals that tackle marine issues, provide healthy habitats for marine life, and protect human health. Winning solutions receive global recognition and a $1,000 prize. Applications are due May 31.
National Wildlife Federation Campus Pollinator Pledge
By taking the Campus Pollinator Pledge, administered by the National Wildlife Federation, campuses protect pollinators by providing habitat through creation, restoration and protection efforts and commit to engage and educate their campus community.
Sustainability Education Forum 2026
The Sustainability Education Forum, happening on June 4 and 5, is a virtual event designed to collaboratively address challenges and opportunities in sustainability education. It is intended for faculty from various disciplines, those integrating sustainability into courses, and anyone passionate about sustainability education and research in higher education. Sessions aim to encourage discussion, challenge conventional wisdom, and stimulate new ideas, thoughts and actions.
AASHE Workshop: Introduction to STARS V3: Chart Your Course and Complete Your Journey
This introductory level workshop on May 7 will provide an overview of the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System™ (STARS) and how it can be used to advance institutional sustainability. The workshop will cover the framework, the reporting process from start to finish, and where to find resources for submitting a completed report to earn a STARS rating.
