What does it take to become a Fair Trade University?

Criteria for Becoming a Fair Trade University

1. Form a Fair Trade Committee.
The Fair Trade Committee includes students, faculty, and representatives
from a variety of campus organizations. The Committee has responsibility to:
• Hold regular meetings as appropriate to the school’s schedule;
• Oversee a Fair Trade University campaign action plan;
• Develop a Fair Trade University Advisory Board when appropriate;
• Monitor the progress of the Fair Trade University campaign and policy
implementation;
• Submit an annual progress report to the national Fair Trade University governing body.

2. Make Fair Trade products available in university-owned/operated outlets as well as included in service contracts wherever possible.
• Each outlet must offer a minimum of two Fair Trade products (includes Fair Trade Certified™ products, such as coffee and tea, and products sold by member organizations of the Fair Trade Federation).
• In cases where this is not possible, a plan should be developed to introduce Fair Trade
products in a timely manner.
• Product availability should be publicized and promoted appropriately.

3. Use Fair Trade products at university meetings, events hosted by the university and in university offices.
• Offer Fair Trade coffee, tea, sugar, and other products in faculty lounges, at special events,and in administration offices.

4. Develop a Fair Trade Resolution and Fair Trade Procurement Policy.
• The procurement policy can apply to food and beverages, sports balls, clothing (sweat-free or Fair Trade Certified™), including products available from Fair Trade Federation members.
• The resolution and policy must be approved by appropriate student, faculty, and administration governing bodies (sample resolutions and policy statements will be available in the Fair Trade Universities Resource Guide).

5. Commit to Fair Trade education, awareness raising and growth of the Fair Trade campaign.
• In order to maintain momentum, it is recommended that the university community complete at least two activities per semester/trimester or one activity per quarter related to Fair Trade education, awareness-raising, and growth of the Fair Trade University campaign. This includes inclusion of the subject of Fair Trade in class curricula, seminars, etc.
• Campus publications and other media should provide coverage of the campaign.
Each institution will develop its campaign according to the academic schedule,
structure of the school, and campus culture. Fair Trade institutions become part
of a growing national network of organizations promoting the values and benefits
of Fair Trade and contribute to the growth of the global Fair Trade Movement.

http://www.fairtradetownsusa.org/why/universities/