A survey was sent out during the month of October to 70,000 students, faculty and staff. Over 3,000 responses were received and are still being analyzed. 64% of the total responses were from students, 27% from staff and 7% from faculty. The short survey was designed to encourage as many in the campus community as possible to weigh in.
Preliminary analysis shows a significant majority (80% overall) believes that sustainability should be a high priority for the university. Broad consensus also exists around using resources wisely, investing in research and innovation, making fresh and local food more available, and teaching students to live sustainably. These priorities and others will be echoed in the drafts of the plan to be reviewed in the spring. The plan will also address topics on which there is less consensus, such as social equity, divestment from fossil fuels, and transportation options.
The full survey results, including verbatim comments, will be posted as part of the UT Sustainability Master Planning process once the final analysis is completed.
We will continue to engage stakeholders over the winter, and look forward to presenting our first drafts after classes resume in the spring.
For more information about the Sustainability Master Plan process, see our webpage!
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