Sustainability and sustainable development are essential and interconnected concepts that require a comprehensive understanding. These topics have gained increasing prominence in contemporary discussions, engaging multiple sectors of society. As such, universities must adopt a proactive approach to socio-environmental challenges, fostering critical reflection and empowering individuals to become agents of transformation. In order to understand how these themes are perceived, this study aimed to analyze how staff at the Federal University of Itajubá (UNIFEI) perceive sustainability and sustainable development. We administered a questionnaire to both professors and administrative staff to assess their perceptions of the university’s sustainability-related actions in teaching, research, outreach, and institutional management, as well as their level of engagement with these issues. The results indicate that, despite the high educational background of respondents, their understanding of sustainability remains superficial—primarily due to a perceived lack of institutional support and encouragement. Advancing sustainability within the university requires a collective commitment, with university leadership implementing effective management strategies and actively supporting staff, who, in turn, play a key role in transmitting sustainability values to students. Strengthening sustainability initiatives within the institution demands the integration of sustainability principles into both academic and operational practices, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility, and promoting of interdisciplinary collaboration.