University of Texas at El Paso
EN-3: Student Life

Student Group are as followed: 1. Permaculture Society The Permaculture Society aims to bring together students and organizations alike to promote ecological sustainability and community outreach by using different systems of ecological design. 2. Environmental Advocates Is a student organization dedicated to promoting environmental issues and awareness on campus and in the community. 3. Miner Recycling System (MRS) Mission is to implement a top quality sustainable recycling program for the University of Texas at El Paso integrated by strategic partners working together to generate a social movement in our city and our campus. The innovative approach will establish a successful infrastructure driven as a student business entity to change UTEP community behavior. This will manage growth and increase university sustainability. The vision of the MRS is to make UTEP a Net Zero Waste institution and an example of how it can be accomplished for other Universities in Texas and the country. 4. Student Government Association We provide the official voice through which student opinion may be expressed. We ensure student participation in the University decision-making process. We help to defend the rights of each student and we work together with the administration for the advancement of the University community. 5. Green Fund Committee Is a fee referendum that will cost $3 per student per semester, raising up to $40,000 per year for campus sustainability projects. Reviews project applications and recommend funding allocations to the University President. 6. Geology Students Association Sigma Gamma Epsilon/UTEP Geology Club is a student-run group that is interested in the exploration, understanding and promotion of Earth Sciences.The members of our group work together to organize geologic field trips and hikes. We hope to educate and excite our community about geology. We are also interested in helping our fellow students with professional development and research. Sigma Gamma Epsilon/UTEP Geology Club is open to any UTEP student that is interested in the Geological Sciences.

Organic Gardens 1. Chihuahuan Gardens Desert Consist of a number of adjacent gardens designed to show the attractiveness of native desert plants for landscaping, demonstrate landscaping techniques the conserve water in this desert region, and serve as resource for both formal and informal botanical and environmental teaching.The Chihuahuan Desert Gardens were formally dedicated in September 1999 and currently 625 different species of plants, thus comprising one of the largest captive assemblages of Chihuahuan Desert Flora in the world. 2. Ocotillo Garden (Miner Heights)

Permaculture Society- The Permaculture Society aims to bring together students and organizations alike to promote ecological sustainability and community outreach by using different systems of ecological design Miner Recycling System (MRS) - Mission is to implement a top quality sustainable recycling program for the University of Texas at El Paso integrated by strategic partners working together to generate a social movement in our city and our campus. The innovative approach will establish a successful infrastructure driven as a student business entity to change UTEP community behavior. This will manage growth and increase university sustainability. The vision of the MRS is to make UTEP a Net Zero Waste institution and an example of how it can be accomplished for other Universities in Texas and the country.

Green Fund – This student-led fee referendum was voted on and passed in Spring 2010. The fund provides monies for projects that Help reduce UTEP’s negative impact on the environment Help make UTEP more energy sustainable Support educational initiatives related to energy conservation. Funds are generated though a three-dollar fee that applies to each enrolled student per semester. A Green Fund Committee comprised of students, faculty, and staff votes on Green Fund proposals for award. The following programs/initiatives/studies have been funded using Green Fee funds: Title Amount Funded Description Miner Recycling System $17,580 12/4/13 Funding provided to continue the progress made by the Miner Recycling Program. Solar Panels $33,000 7/29/13 Funds were allocated to purchase solar panels for Cottonwood Building in Miner Heights. Energy savings realized will be use for additional panels. Rent-a-bike program $33,600 5/1/13 Bike kiosks will be strategically located throughout campus where bikes can be rented on an hourly basis. The funds will be used to supplement a $176,000 commitment by El Paso’s Metropolitan Planning Organization, which will then result in a $1.5 million grant from the federal government. Residential Garden at Miner Heights $5,256 4/4/13 Funds were used to purchase equipment, supplies and student wages. Miner Recycling System $14,400 2/28/13 Feasibility study to design and implement a Miner Recycling System. Green Fund Awareness Initiative $11,684 12/14/12 Inform UTEP students about the benefits and opportunities associated with the Green Fund. The primary goal is to increase the number of Green Fund applications. Bus System Study $36,781 10/03/12 Feasibility study to consider the implementation of an off-campus bus system for UTEP students. Wise Family Theatre $32,040 6/25/12 Funding was allocated to replace incandescent theatrical lighting with LED fixtures that will increase bulb life and reduce power consumption. Energy Dashboard $30,200 6/29/11 This project was developed by students from the College of Engineering to help Facilities Services monitor energy efficiencies with on-campus buildings. The Energy Dashboard monitors electric energy use from campus buildings for the purposes of analyzing consumption and trends. The UTEP Library is the only building currently connected to the Energy Dashboard. The dashboard is accessible to the public at Energy Dashboard at UTEP

Earth-week, is a week long full of events that focus on sustainability and the arts.

1. The Department of Recreational Sports (RSD) Provides access to innovative programs, services and facilities inclusive to all UTEP students that build a balance of lifelong healthy habits with academic excellence. The RSD is global leader in educations students on the values of balanced active lifestyle and academic success. 2. Miner Recreational Club To serve student triathletes of all abilities by providing support, education and events to encourage and promote triathlon as a sport and a healthy lifestyle, and to encourage contact with other athletes and the triathlon community as a whole.

The GREEN FUND has employed student for research and implementation of the sustainable projects.

All student organization at UTEP are considered to co-curricular opportunities for students. MineTYracker keeps record of all students who are involve sustainability programs and gives credit to the students by transferring their record as co-curricular.