Sustainable Development Goals at Baku State University.

Baku State University has implemented assessment tools to evaluate sustainability literacy and SDG knowledge across the entire university community, including academic staff, professional staff, and students.

Institutional Sustainability Literacy Assessment

The university conducts a comprehensive sustainability literacy survey designed to measure understanding, awareness, and engagement with sustainability concepts. This survey includes:

• Students (undergraduate and graduate)

• Academic staff (faculty members)

• Professional staff (administrative and support personnel)

The survey evaluates knowledge of environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Its goal is to identify knowledge gaps and opportunities for enhancing literacy, promoting awareness, and fostering active participation in SDG-related initiatives.

Survey link:

• https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdB4UL1ixI8JyeVnwxflONzDy7cZGrJDivjD1M6TFcIZigEcA/viewform

SDG Knowledge Assessment Tools

To complement the survey, the university encourages participation in the SDG quiz by Times Higher Education, which evaluates knowledge of global sustainability challenges and SDG-related concepts for students and staff alike.

SDG Quiz link:

• https://www.timeshighereducation.com/datapoints/sdg-quiz

Supporting Resources

Baku State University also provides curated resources and tools to enhance sustainability literacy, available on its SDG platform:

• Useful links on sustainability: https://sdg.bsu.edu.az/useful-links

• Surveys and assessments: https://sdg.bsu.edu.az/surveys

• FAG: https://sdg.bsu.edu.az/frequently-asked-questions

These assessments help the university:

• Monitor sustainability literacy and SDG knowledge among students, academic staff, and professional staff

• Identify gaps to inform targeted training and awareness programs

• Strengthen active participation in SDG-related initiatives across the university

• Embed sustainability principles into institutional culture and decision-making

By systematically assessing students, faculty, and staff, Baku State University ensures a holistic understanding of sustainability literacy and drives continuous improvement in sustainability education and engagement.

To evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and engagement of both staff and students regarding sustainability and the institution’s sustainability initiatives. This helps in tailoring training, awareness campaigns, and curriculum integration.

Assessment Domains

Assessment Methods

1. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) – Test factual knowledge.
   Example: “Which energy source is renewable?”

2. Likert Scale (1–5) – Measure awareness, attitudes, and self-reported behaviors.
   Example: “I actively participate in campus sustainability programs.”

3. Scenario-Based Questions – Evaluate practical application and decision-making.
   Example: “You notice excessive paper use in your department/class. How would you reduce it?”

4. Open-Ended/Reflection Questions – Capture ideas, engagement, and personal action.
   Example: “Describe one sustainable action you’ve taken in the past month.”

Scoring & Evaluation Grid

Analysis of Results

1. Aggregate Scores:

   • By domain, department/faculty, and staff/student category.

   • Identify strengths and gaps in sustainability literacy.

2. Trend Analysis:

   • Compare year-on-year results to monitor progress and improvement.

3. Behavior vs Knowledge:

   • Compare awareness scores with self-reported behaviors to identify engagement gaps.

4. Institutional Insights:

   • Identify whether staff/students are aware of policies and programs, and how that relates to their behavior.

Action Planning & Recommendations

Based on the last analysis, we created targeted interventions: