Innovations and challenges in SDG integration and reporting in higher education: a case study from the University of South Florida

Abstract

Purpose

As the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been widely adopted since 2015, higher education institutions (HEIs) are experimenting with ways they can be measured, reported and incorporated into all realms of the university. In this process, the challenges of SDG integration into HEIs have become more evident, from lack of resources and sustainability literacy to having multiple disconnected programs that feature the SDGs.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed methods approach using archival materials, literature reviews, interviews and participant observation has been adopted for a case study at a university in the process of adopting the SDGs in multiple areas.

Findings

The University of South Florida began with efforts to incorporate SDGs at the undergraduate level, such as the Global Citizens Project that brands both events and courses with SDGs. Institutional changes coupled with the launch of the Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings provided more opportunities to have broader conversations about SDGs in all areas of campus.

Citation

Hansen, B., Stiling, P. and Uy, W.F. (2021), "Innovations and challenges in SDG integration and reporting in higher education: a case study from the University of South Florida", International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, Vol. 22 No. 5, pp. 1002-1021. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSHE-08-2020-0310