Carnegie Elective Classification for Sustainability

A Milestone in Sustainability

We are thrilled to share that the University of Arizona officially submitted its application for the Carnegie Elective Classification for Sustainability on September 15, 2025. This milestone reflects months of collaboration, data gathering, and shared commitment across campus.

The Core and Advisory Teams extend sincere thanks to everyone who contributed insights, examples, and support. The application is now in national peer review through December, with final results expected in January 2026.

Stay tuned for updates as we continue advancing sustainability together at the U of A!

Helping to Develop National Standards

The University of Arizona is one of only 21 institutions nationwide selected to participate in the Carnegie Elective Classification for Sustainability pilot program, representing a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to sustainability and climate action. Our participation allows us to contribute to the development of this classification while also evaluating and refining our own sustainability initiatives.

About the Classification

The Carnegie Elective Classification for Sustainability recognizes higher education institutions that integrate sustainability and climate action into their academic missions. This classification provides a rigorous framework for evaluating sustainability efforts across the curriculum, research, operations, and community engagement. It highlights institutions that prioritize sustainability as a core value, fostering leadership and accountability in higher education.

The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the American Council on Education (ACE) developed this classification following a multi-year process, beginning with a feasibility study in 2023, followed by stakeholder engagement in 2024 that gathered input from over 40 institutions and sustainability organizations.

Our Timeline

Between January and September 2025, we gathered data, assessed our programs, and compiled a comprehensive report on our sustainability practices, research initiatives, and community engagement efforts. In September 2025, each institution submited a detailed report to inform the final framework of the classification. Following evaluation and feedback from each institution participating in the pilot, the Carnegie Elective Classification for Sustainability will officially launch in early 2026, offering higher education institutions the opportunity to apply for formal recognition. While participation in the pilot does not guarantee classification, it provides a strong foundation for the University of Arizona’s future submission and continuous sustainability improvements.

Our Teams

The University of Arizona’s participation in the Carnegie Elective Classification for Sustainability is guided by a Core Team and an Advisory Team, working together to ensure a comprehensive and impactful submission. These teams are responsible for aligning the university’s sustainability initiatives with the classification framework, coordinating outreach efforts, and developing our institutional responses for the application.

The Core Team is leading the university’s participation in the pilot program, including a Community of Practice, overseeing data collection, stakeholder engagement, and application development.

The Advisory Team consists of faculty, staff, and students who are providing guidance and expertise throughout the process.

Both teams play a crucial role in ensuring that the University of Arizona’s sustainability leadership is well-documented and accurately reflected in the Carnegie Classification framework. Below is a list of individuals supporting this effort.

Core Team

Advisory Team