Carnegie FAQs

A: While all institutions will be applying for the Sustainability Classification for the first time during the 2027 cycle, those that receive the designation will be eligible to apply for “reclassification” in 6 years (2033). Labeling the application as “first-time” helps the Carnegie team track data across cycles and distinguish from future “reclassification” applications.

A: Yes. The application framework includes a list of all questions that appear in the application. There is also an accompanying guidebook with thorough descriptions of the purpose of certain questions and the type of information that is expected in applicants’ responses. It is strongly recommended that institutions use this framework and guidebook when collecting data and drafting responses to the application questions. Transferring responses from the framework to the online application should be the last step in the process prior to submitting the application. 

A: Yes. Applicants can view the application sections, finish parts of the application, save drafts, and come back to it later as needed. The application framework can also be used to view a list of all questions that appear in the application. 

A: Yes. Applicants that have created an account on GivePulse may save drafts of the online application and then edit and/or continue later. You will need to log in to retain access to the online application and save it in draft mode. As a GivePulse user, your role as a “Collaborator” on the platform will allow you to see that the application is automatically saving your work as you go. If you forget your password, you can easily reset it. 

A: Yes. Most application questions require responses that do not exceed a certain word limit, and the text boxes will not allow for more than the word limit. The word limits are indicated in the application framework for each question. You will find a word count calculator under each text box in the online framework.  If a response provided by an applicant exceeds the word limit, the online application software will only submit the maximum number of words allowed for that question, resulting in an incomplete response. Therefore, it is recommended that applicants draft their responses in a word-processing application (e.g., Microsoft Word, Google Docs) and use the word-count feature before cutting and pasting text into the online application. Upon pasting your answer into the online application, please make sure to read it fully to make sure that the full answer was captured. 

A: No. Paragraph marks in a response are not treated as words in the word count limit. 

 A: Applicants should provide web links to relevant campus resources where requested in the application. There will be specific fields to add weblinks, where allowable. Reviewers may want to examine websites for additional clarification of the responses in the application. 

A: Application instructions will specify acceptable documentation formats. In general, applicants are encouraged to provide publicly accessible URLs as supporting materials. Where file uploads are permitted within the application platform, specific guidance will be provided. 

A: The response boxes in the application only accept non-formatted text (i.e., no font enhancements, such as bolding, italicizing, or underlining, and no tables). In addition, the response boxes do not allow embedded hyperlinks.  

A: It is not advisable to leave any sections blank. If you cannot respond by providing evidence, explain why the evidence does not exist and what the campus is doing to be able to provide the evidence in the future. 

A: Each application is reviewed in its entirety by the same reviewer (with multiple reviewers reviewing each application); thus, acronyms may be used provided they are defined at first reference. If there is any potential for confusion, terms should be written out fully. Departmental abbreviations may carry different meanings across campuses and should be spelled out to ensure clarity and consistency for reviewers.