A qualitative and quantitative study: What are the current strategies among sustainable research and education at the University of Stavanger, and how can they develop their sustainable campus initiatives to engage students and staff.

Abstract

Background: Sustainable development, first introduced by Gro Harlem Brundtland in 1987, has become increasingly relevant to society. It involves balancing current resource use with conservation for future generations, as reflected in the UN's 17 Sustainable development goals. Universities play a crucial role in achieving these goals by innovating in education, research, and community engagement. Enhancing sustainability in university programs is essential to improve learning and understanding among students and staff, hence contributing to a more sustainable future. Thereby, this thesis addresses the following main research question: How does the University of Stavanger embody sustainability within its strategic operations and educational framework?

Material and Method: The thesis combines qualitative and quantitative methods to examine sustainable education and research at the University of Stavanger (UiS). Data were collected from a survey of 175 students, semistructured interviews with 24 informants, and an analysis of the university's strategic documents. The survey was analyzed using exploratory statistical methods to identify patterns and trends. Interviews with educators, administrators, and student organizations were recorded, transcribed, and thematically coded for analysis. The strategic documents were systematically reviewed and quantitatively analyzed.

Results and Conclusion: Although UiS has sustainability initiatives, the thesis finds that there are significant challenges in their implementation. The survey reveals varying levels of student awareness and engagement in sustainability initiatives, and the interviews highlight the need for better communication and integration of sustainability in education and research at UiS. The strategic documents underscores the university's commitment to sustainability and identify the need for more precise guidelines and better resources to support sustainable actions. The thesis concludes that while UiS has a strong focus on sustainability, improved communication and resources are necessary to enhance the effectiveness of sustainability efforts. This includes increasing student’s and staff’s awareness and engagement in sustainability, and ensuring that sustainability principles are better integrated into teaching and research.

Keywords: Sustainable Development, Sustainable University, Environmental Awareness, Environmental Impact, Sustainable Education, University of Stavanger, Sustainable Development Goals, Work-Integrated Learning and Key Competencies.