Universities are expected to play a pivotal role in promoting environmental conservation goals, yet a comprehensive analysis of their actual contributions remains limited. This study delves into the perceptions of socio-environmental responsibility among faculty members within Iran’s top 13 universities. Using random cluster sampling, we collected 410 questionnaires from these institutions, evaluating socio-environmental responsibility through eight distinct variables. The outcomes unveil widespread deficiencies in responsibility across all universities, with 66% exhibiting low levels of engagement. Notably, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources displays the lowest level, while Bu-Ali Sina University ranks highest. The research variables exhibit significant positive correlations, elucidating the interconnectedness of different aspects of socio-environmental responsibility. Furthermore, the study identifies a significant disparity in mean university socio-environmental responsibility concerning gender, although no significant relationships are found with factors such as professors’ academic rank, employment status or age. Sixteen codes are highlighted based on qualitative analysis. These findings underscore the urgency for universities to redefine their roles within the community and prioritize community empowerment, stakeholder engagement, capacity building and environmental education. By addressing these facets, universities can elevate their levels of socio-environmental responsibility and contribute more effectively to environmental conservation efforts.

大学有望在促进环境保护目标方面发挥关键作用，但对其实际贡献的全面分析仍然有限。本研究深入探讨了伊朗排名前 13 的大学教职人员对社会环境责任的看法。我们通过随机整群抽样，从这些机构收集了 410 份问卷，通过八个不同的变量评估社会环境责任。结果揭示了所有大学普遍存在的责任缺陷，其中 66% 的大学表现出参与度低。值得注意的是，戈尔干农业科学与自然资源大学的水平最低，而布阿里新浪大学排名最高。研究变量表现出显着的正相关性，阐明了社会环境责任不同方面的相互关联性。此外，该研究发现，大学平均社会环境责任在性别方面存在显着差异，尽管没有发现与教授的学术排名、就业状况或年龄等因素存在显着关系。根据定性分析突出显示了十六个代码。这些发现强调大学迫切需要重新定义其在社区中的角色，并优先考虑社区赋权、利益相关者参与、能力建设和环境教育。通过解决这些问题，大学可以提高其社会环境责任水平，并更有效地为环境保护工作做出贡献。