Closing the Commitment Gap: Enhancing Student Engagement in Sustainable Development Goals

Building sustainable behaviors in university students is essential for fostering a generation equipped to tackle environmental challenges. A previous study (Phase 1) conducted by the College of Engineering at the Applied Science University (ASU) assessed students' awareness and engagement levels regarding the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The findings revealed that while students possess knowledge about sustainability, there is a significant commitment gap when it comes to participating in sustainability initiatives. The aim of this study (Phase 2) is to identify barriers to participation in these initiatives and propose strategies to enhance student involvement. A questionnaire was designed and distributed among engineering students at ASU. Students' responses illustrate that time constraints, informational gaps, and perceptions of interest and impact are critical factors affecting student engagement in sustainability initiatives on campus. Additionally, many students noted that the absence of incentives can hinder their engagement. The assessment allows us to propose strategies to improve student engagement and bridge the commitment gap. Recommendations include integrating sustainability topics into the curriculum, offering flexible participation options, establishing mentorship programmes that connect students with sustainability leaders, creating incentives for participation, and enforcing sustainability regulations on campus. To ensure the effectiveness of these suggestions, further research should investigate student engagement rates and measure improvements in participation in sustainability initiatives over time. This study highlights the challenges faced by students and provides actionable recommendations to cultivate a culture of sustainability in higher education.