University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
ER-T2-1: Student Group

UWSP has many student groups that revolve around sustainability, natural resources, the environment, and what we can do to protect the earth and its resources. The Student Government Association has a Environmental & Sustainability Committee chaired by an E&S Director. SGA maintains a Sustainability Reserve fund that can be used by any student organization or individual on campus for sustainability-related projects. *Environmental Council – mission is to create and develop ecological awareness and an environmental concern throughout campus and the surrounding community. *Environmental Education and Naturalists Association (EENA) – mission is to promote awareness and understanding of the natural world and its function, promote skills and professionalism in environmental education and interpretation, and promote environmental action. The Earth Week Committee's mission is to organize and implement activities, events and demonstrations (including Earth Week Eco-Fair) for the benefit of students, staff, faculty and the public with the hope of increasing awareness of sustainable ideas and practices. *Izaak Walton League – mission is to assist in preserving and improving our natural resources and promote student interest with practical experience in resource management techniques. *Society of Ecological Restoration (SER) – mission is to develop an ecological awareness and assist in the recovery and management of ecological integrity by learning the ecological processes of natural ecosystems through awareness, ecological presentations, and hands-on experiences. *Soil and Water Conservation Society of America – mission is to promote the development and advancement of the conservation of natural resources including soil, water, forestry and wildlife beneficial to mankind. *Students for Sustainable Communities (SSC) – mission is to promote education and understanding of planning and plan implementation with regard to land use, environmental, economic, social, political and legal criteria. SSC also provides leadership experience, practical exposure to planning professionals, and involvement within the university and local community, as well as in the regional and national planning arena. *Sustainable Agriculture in Communities Society (SACS) – mission is to create a means for UWSP students to experience, explore, share, and learn about issues relating to sustainable agriculture and community development. *Waste Management Society – mission is to provide additional activities in the field of waste management in order to facilitate unity and exchange of experiences and information. *Wildlife Society – mission is to provide opportunities for better liaison among members, chapters, sections, and the society, evaluate and respond to proposed/enacted societal actions that could affect wildlife/its habitats, encourage professionalism and high standards of scholarship, focus aims/objectives to professional wildlife needs, and encourage communication to improve understanding of resource management sciences. *E.A.R.T.H (Knutzen Hall’s Eco-group)- purpose of E.A.R.T.H is to promote and facilitate a variety of environmental programs, both active and passive; to raise awareness and involve the target audience on environmental issues and concerns by bringing them closer to nature; to enhance interaction and cooperation among hall residents; to provide an opportunity for the residents to grow in leadership abilities; to serve as an effective liaison between Knutzen residents, Knutzen Hall Government, the University, and the community.

1. The Sustainability Reserve funds of the Student Government Association were used for a variety of campus projects - Rethinking Recycling campaign, e-recycling program, bike rental program, Earth Day tree planting, sustainable garden, solar powered compactor and others. Each year, $30,000 is provided for sustainability related projects. 2. The United Nations Student Organization (UNSO) of the University of Wisconsin -Stevens Point went to New York City to attend the National Model United Nations conference. The conference lasted five days and gathered more than 5,000 students from around the world. The trip was punctuated with a visit to the UN building. The country the UNSO was assigned to represent at the conference was Iraq. Organization members spent months researching different aspects of Iraqi government and political issues in preparation for the conference. The group was split up into different committees and each committee dealt with a different issue, for example peacekeeping, human rights, economic and social development and the environment. At the conference, delegates from each committee collaborated and wrote working papers containing the framework for formal resolutions similar to those passed by the United Nations. 3. The Student Wisconsin Education Assocation put on a professional development seminar about Differentiation. There were about 200 attendees. 4. HaSEAAC held their 11th annual fall event based on the southeast Asian or Hmong culture. The Hmong people have been in the Stevens Point area for over 30 years. There were over 350 people in attendance.