The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point has been listed among top schools in the first national survey of college and university environmental practices conducted by the National Wildlife Federation (NWF).

"State of the Campus Environment: A National Report Card on Environmental Performance and Sustainability in Higher Education," released last week, states that UWSP is among a handful of campuses making the grade by embracing sound environmental practices.

UWSP was a leading school in two categories, "offering majors and minors requiring environmental courses" and "supporting and evaluating faculty on environmental studies." UWSP was the only UW System campus to be listed in more than one category. UW-River Falls was the only other UW System campus listed in NWF�s national report card.

"This survey underscores UWSP�s national leadership role in natural resources and environmental education," said Chancellor Tom George. "Our College of Natural Resources, as well as a long-standing commitment by this and previous UWSP administrations, are key to this national recognition."

"A surprising number of colleges and universities, of all types and sizes and in all regions of the country, are taking a lead role in striking a balance between the needs of people and the environment," said Julian Keniry, manager of NWF�s Campus Ecology program. "The best campuses in this survey are providing a green compass for others to follow." The survey, conducted in partnership with Princeton Survey Research Associates (PSRA), found enhanced environmental responsibility driving decisions in every part of campus life, affecting everything from curriculum to purchasing decisions to landscaping.

In order for a student at UWSP to obtain a bachelor�s degree, he or she must successfully complete three credits of environmental literacy (studies). According to the survey, only eight percent of campus respondents require all their students to take an environmental studies course.

Nearly 22 percent of U.S. higher educational institutions responded to the first-of-its-kind survey. Responses came from schools that are excelling in their environmental performance as well as those at which more work needs to be done. NWF and PSRA believe the response rates are truly representative of college environmental practices across the nation.

National Wildlife Federation�s Campus Ecology Program was established in 1989 to work with colleges and universities to promote ecological stewardship on campuses and in surrounding communities. The National Wildlife Federation is the nation�s largest member-supported conservation advocacy and education group.

To access or order a complete copy of the report, visit www.nwf.org/campusecology.

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tmiller/vc/NWF survey