Rooted in the University of St. Francis' Franciscan values, the Greening of Campus Committee is charged with leading the campus community in making decisions that will enhance sensitivity to the environment by preserving precious resources, reducing waste, utilizing best practices and technology, beautifying campus and providing educational programming.

Greening is characterized as a holistic approach that is accomplished through many actions, big and small. It promises to penetrate every aspect of the university community from buildings and grounds, food services, and residence life, to academic curricula, ministry, and community service.

Greening, a philosophy rooted in Catholic Franciscanism, is a philosophy for life. The ultimate goal of Greening of the Campus is to cultivate among students, faculty, and staff a humble recognition that God made humanity the steward of creation, with personal responsibility for the care and survival of all. Such an understanding of the environment necessitates lifelong respect and care that may be carried on with individuals as they move into other communities.

The University of St. Francis accepts the challenge to green its campus and do its part to effect change on the global stage. Greening is an organic process. It must evolve to suit the needs of an ever-changing campus and community population. This constant challenge for sustainability lends vitality to the Greening of the Campus movement.