University of Iowa
EN-3: Student Life

ECO Hawk: Easy Change Overall Eco Hawks are a network of students, staff, faculty, and community members committed to advancing the University of Iowa's 2020 Sustainability Vision. The group aims to provide opportunities for students to develop sustainability projects by appealing to individual interests. ECO Hawk members, or representatives, work within and across committees, departments, student organizations, and campus service organizations to make the University of Iowa more sustainable Engineers for a Sustainable World ESW is an action-oriented organization focused on networking students and professionals in technical modes for advancing society's approach to sustainability. ESW mobilizes engineers through education, collaboration and practical action. With over 20 chapters at universities across the United States, as well as a network of over 4000 individuals interested in sustainability, ESW is involved in everything from sustainability promotion and development activities on university campuses to projects across the world. ESW is open to all majors and seeks opportunities to collaborate with health professionals, urban developers, businesses, and anyone who is working toward a more sustainable world. Environmental Coalition The UI Environmental Coalition cares for the environment through activism, education, and enjoyment. Their goal is to instill a sense of pride in our natural environment and to share passion for protecting our home. Some projects include an organic student garden, the Sustainability Living and Learning Community, Green Consulting, Recycling, and a Bike Share proposal that is currently under consideration. UIEC also conducts an annual weatherization project, hosts several smaller events throughout the year, and works with the Office of Sustainability and other environmental organizations. The group is always looking for new leaders and friends to lend a hand. NextGen UIowa NextGen's goal is to mobilize University of Iowa students to #ActOnClimate and bring climate change to forefront of Iowa politics. Sierra Student Coalition The Sierra Student Coalition (SSC) is a broad network of high school and college-aged youth from across the country working to protect the environment. The SSC is the youth-led chapter of the Sierra Club, the nation's oldest and largest grassroots environmental organization. (www.ssc.sierraclub.org). The mission is simple: "to train, empower, and organize youth to run effective campaigns that result in tangible environmental victories and that develop leaders for the environmental movement." The priorities of UI SSC will parallel that of the nationwide SSC. The UI SSC will, above all, empower students to realize and unleash their sense of power and responsibility to make or influence real change--the changes that today’s youth and elders commonly feel are necessary and overdue for a sustainable future.

UIowa Gardeners The mission is to demonstrate an educational model of sustainable food production and consumption and to address environmental, social, cultural, and economic issues. The garden is nestled on a 1/3 acre plot on the far west campus near the Hawklots and community gardens used by University Apartment residents. Although the garden is not certified organic, the gardeners grow delicious produce following organic practices using no pesticides, herbicides or artificial fertilizers. The gardeners collaborate with the University of Iowa Food Services and sell produce to Iowa Memorial Union for use in the River Room and IMU Catering. Goals include: 1. Create mentoring opportunities for students who want to learn practical skills. 2. Provide sustainably grown produce to the University of Iowa Food Services. 3. Provide options for sustainable food choices and lifestyle practices all UI students. 4. Promote interdisciplinary cooperation between student environmental organizations. 5. Serve as a resource for research and education for students and faculty in all colleges and departments.

Net Impact Net Impact is a nonprofit membership organization for students and professionals interested in using business skills in support of various social and environmental causes. It serves both a professional organization and one of the largest student organizations among MBAs in the world. Students serve as board advisers and consultants for area businesses on sustainability and social responsibility topics. From its central office in San Francisco, the organization supports over 200 autonomous volunteer-run chapters and a membership base of over 10,000, with programs and networking events centered on topics such as corporate social responsibility, social entrepreneurship, nonprofit management, international development, and environmental sustainability.

Iowa Climate Change Festival The Iowa Climate Festival is an educational opportunity to learn about climate science through discussions and hands-on experimentation. Topics included the Paris Climate Agreement, a climate-themed science fair, and panel discussions. Iowa Organic Conference The conference features roundtable discussions and an organic luncheon, as well as information from keynote speaker Jeff Moyer. Workshop tracks include: Crop production Livestock production Local foods Policy Beginning farmers https://sustainability.uiowa.edu/2017-iowa-organic-conference/"

The Department of Dance utilizes themes for their Dancers in Company performances, The first theme in the series was water; notably using dance to investigate personal, local, and global issues underlying the beauty, vitality, and necessity of water. There were performances held here on campus, as well as a tour throughout the state. The concluded the semester with a Symposium with discussions and performances.

Outdoor-based classes are offered through our Lifetime Leisure Skills (LLS) academic department. All of the outdoor-based classes advocate and follow what the department calls a “Land Ethic” (Aldo Leopold), which is in line with Leave No Trace principles required for National Park Trips. Examples of programs include Introduction to Camping, Exploring Iowa's Natural Wonders, Hiking, Backpacking, Flat Water Canoeing, River Canoeing, and Expedition Canoeing, just to name a few.

The University of Iowa's Theme Semester is a collaboration that brings diverse perspectives to bear on a topic of importance to Iowa and the world. Grounded in the education mission of the university, the Theme Semester provides opportunities for teaching, engagement, and learning both on campus and throughout the state of Iowa. The events and activities surrounding each theme are meant to help the university forge new partnerships, promote publicly engaged scholarship, and contribute to communities statewide. Currently, the spring Theme Semester, "Climate for Change", will bring together the university and state to explore topics related to sustainability. Sustainability is defined as meeting our needs without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same. In addition to environmentalism, sustainability concerns itself with social equity, community health, and economic development. An example of a past theme semester include sustainable Food Systems.

The green adventures living community is an on-campus housing community is rooted in recreation, an appreciation for the outdoors, and the shared pursuit of sustainability. Students enjoy on- and off-campus excursions, an active lifestyle, and advocacy for the health of our earth.

The Office of Sustainability hires undergraduate and graduate students to work on various projects within the office, including RecycleMania and the STARS data collection! All University of Iowa hiring is done through the financial aid site. The University of Iowa Student Government also employs a Director of Sustainability.

Case Competitions The Tippie Impact Case Competition is geared towards students who are interested in sustainability issues facing our society, specifically in the business environment. Students learn how to develop a sustainable business model and identify environmental and social components that factor into the long-term profitability and viability of your business. Throughout the competition, students will consult with faculty, business owners, and sustainability professionals to work through your business model canvas. During the finals, pitch your sustainable business concept to a panel of judges. Cash prizes will be awarded to winners, as well as an opportunity to develop your business inside the Bedell Entrepreneurship Learning Laboratory (BELL).