Mills College
EN-3: Student Life

Earth CORPS: The Community Organized to Respect, Protect, and Sustain the Earth. Earth CORPS has a strong track record at Mills, including an annual Earth Week, successfully leading the effort for the dining hall to go trayless, implementing a compost program in the residence halls, and supporting the creation of the Re-Use Depot.

The Mills Botanic Garden includes a community vegetable garden which the student Garden Club and Mills volunteers are heavily involved in cultivating. The garden provides opportunities to learn how to plant seeds, water, harvest, manage pests, and more, while remaining in balance with natural cycles and patterns. The Botanic Garden's greenhouse is also home to a student-run aquaponics system. The Director of the Botanic Garden, who is also a professor in the Biology department, oversees the gardens with the help of a work study student. The Mills College Urban Farm (MCUF) is managed by a full-time Farm Manager. Students have a number of avenues through which to gain sustainable agriculture experience and training at the farm on topics such as composting, irrigation, etc. This includes regular volunteer hours and integration with course requirements/and or credit in a number of departments' courses, including the biology and policy departments.

Teams of students, including at least one undergraduate student, can apply for Green for Green funding for campus sustainability projects. These project applications are reviewed by a committee of students, faculty, and staff, and then submitted for approval for the Associated Students of Mills College (student government) board. This is the inaugural year of the annual $30,000 fund.

As part of Black History Month, a number of campus entities, including the Ethnic Studies Department and Sustainability Center, will be co-sponsoring "Reclaiming Nature: a Panel Discussion with Outdoor Afro and Urban ReLeaf." Guest speakers will discuss connections to the natural world and how blacks and people of color can claim and hold space in ensuring access and stewardship. Mills College hosts an annual student organized Earth Week in April. Events throughout the week provide students with the opportunity to hear influential speakers, learn about natural design principles, participate in hands-on activities, and meet community partners. This year will also include an environmental careers panel. Every year has a unique flavor and presents a variety of opportunities to engage. The Mills Center for Socially Responsible Business hosts an annual all-day conference in collaboration with Mills Net Impact Graduate and Undergraduate Chapters. This year's conference theme is Building Vibrant Cities Through Community Capital. The conference will include multiple keynote presentations, speaker panels, and opportunities for networking.

Founded in 1925, the Mills College Art Museum is a forum for exploring art and ideas and a laboratory for contemporary art practices. Through innovative exhibitions, programs, and collections, the museum engages and inspires the intellectual and creative life of the Mills community as well as the diverse audiences of the Bay Area and beyond. Many themes that encompass social justice and sustainability are presented in the art and dance of the museum.

Recreational excursions provide Mills College students with opportunities to take fun trips off campus to experience some of the amazing sites and activities that northern California has to offer. Past excursions include: hiking, horseback riding, whale watching, kayaking, and rock climbing. Students, faculty, staff, alumnae, and guests are welcome to participate on a space-available basis. Leave No Trace principles are included as part of the safety talks before launching.

Larsen House is a sustainable co-op located close to the center of campus. The students living in Larsen share house duties and decision making, and work to raise awareness around environmental issues through campus-wide programs and events. Sustainable living skills are developed through collective decision-making, weekly cooking from the items in a CSA box, the opportunity to grow food in raised beds in their yard, the maintenance of a vermi-compost worm bin, and supporting programs such as campus creek restoration and the farm. Residency for Larsen House Co-op is determined through an application and interview process.

Eco-Reps are work-study students who raise awareness about sustainability issues and encourage more sustainable behaviors throughout the academic year. Eco-Reps plan and implement projects, events, and volunteer opportunities including Creek Care Days, Farm Days, and Recyclemania. and plan related events, activities, and volunteer opportunities. They are also in charge of educational presentations, tabling, and educational materials development.

There is an annual Lokey Graduate School of Business Oath, started at Mills College Commencement on 5.17.2014. The Lokey GSB Oath As a reflective leader I recognize my role in society. My purpose is to serve people with integrity and manage resources to create shared economic and social value. My decisions affect the well-being of individuals inside and outside my organization, today and tomorrow. Therefore, I promise that: I will manage with loyalty and care, and will not advance my personal interests at the expense of my organization or society. I will act with transparency, diligence, and ethical responsibility to uphold the laws and contracts governing my conduct and that of myorganization I will refrain from corruption, unfair competition, or business practices harmful to society. I will respect the human rights and dignity of all people, and I will oppose discrimination and exploitation. I will safeguard the health of the planet and the needs of future generations. I will report the performance and risks of my organization accurately and honestly. I will invest in developing myself and others, helping the management profession continue to advance and create sustainable and inclusive prosperity. In exercising my professional duties according to these principles, I recognize that my behavior must set an example of integrity, eliciting trust and esteem from those I serve. I will remain accountable to my peers, to myself, and to society for my actions and for upholding these standards. This oath I make freely, and upon my honor