A critical assessment of the Higher Education For Sustainable Development from students' perspectives – a Chinese study

The last decade has witnessed a growing public awareness of sustainability. The sustainability issue in higher education is no exception. This study was designed to investigate the awareness of students on sustainability and their perceptions on Higher Education for Sustainable Development. Particular focus was placed on university students' perceptions of factors that contribute towards the Higher Education for Sustainable Development. 1134 students from all divisions of the Shandong University were invited to participate in this study. The results showed that university students were generally aware of sustainability issues. The top priorities for Higher Education for Sustainable Development from the students' perceptions are generally environmentally oriented. However, students highlighted the importance of social aspects of sustainability by ranking security within the campus and providing access to disability people two of top 10 factors of Higher Education for Sustainable Development. Similarly, students perceived that students opportunities and conducting sustainability related researches as critical to Higher Education for Sustainable Development goal. On the contrary, sustainability curricula, the faculty and staff development, and rewards are perceived by students as less important compared to other factors. These research findings provide a useful reference to both the top management and educational authorities for their decision-making processes to further develop Higher Education for Sustainable Development.

► Questionnaire survey to investigate students' perceptions on campus sustainability. ► Analysis of factors affecting higher education for sustainable development. ► Different results from students of different divisions and educational levels. ► A reference for sustainable campus planning and development.