Abstract

Sustainability has become an important aspect of higher education around the world. Sustainability has been the thrust of Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia for ten years now. Various programmes, efforts and activities have been conducted as part of becoming an institution renown for sustainability and sustainable practices. This paper compares the policy related to sustainability implemented by the university and the understanding and expectation of sustainability among undergraduate students at the university. Data for this study was collected by conducting four focus group interviews. Data analysis shows that students have both realistic and unrealistic expectations towards the university in regard to sustainable practices. In addition to this, there are some mismatches between their understanding and the policy of the university. Managing these mismatches, realistic and unrealistic expectations are important not only for the successful implementation of the policy but also to ensure that students have a meaningful education at the university.