There are many ways to channel your inner environmentalist at the University of Chicago. From clubs to courses, volunteer positions to paid internships, there's always something to be done.
[Registered Student Organizations (RSOs)]
Green Campus Initiative (GCI)
The Green Campus Initiative (GCI) at the University of Chicago is dedicated to reducing the environmental impact of the University. Through its efforts, it promotes sustainable practices that include energy efficiency, waste reduction, and improved recycling. GCI works closely with staff, faculty, and administration officials to achieve our goals. Its purpose is to encourage a culture of sustainability on campus that engages University community members in efforts to protect the environment and make responsible environmental choices.
Environmental Concerns Organization (ECO)
If you're inclined towards activism, ECO may be the club for you. ECO frequently organizes and participates in protests on campus and downtown.
Green Awareness In Action (GAIA)
Green Awareness in Action (GAIA) is a student-volunteer organization, affiliated with the University of Chicago, which seeks to integrate environmental issues into the daily lives of youth in the Chicago area. It runs an outreach program designed for students in elementary through high school. GAIA's goal is to introduce students to complex environmental issues, providing them with the knowledge and skills to become responsible citizens capable of making informed choices in their everyday lives.
Religion and Environment Initiative (REI)
The University of Chicago Religion and Environment Initiative (REI) is a community of students, scholars, activists, and others unified by their shared concern over the environmental crisis.
The University of Chicago Sustainability Council
The Sustainability Council was founded to provide a forum where students, faculty and staff could address issues relating to campus sustainability. Together, they evaluate opportunities for environmental improvements in new and existing buildings, improve recycling on campus, monitor energy efficiency, and much more. In 2006 the Council was integrated into the University's administration.
The University of Chicago Environmental Center (UCEC)
The UCEC is located in the basement of the Reynolds Club - room 002A. It is usually open during weekdays from 10am to 4pm. The UCEC is a great place to find out more about any one of the University's environmental clubs. You will also find the UCEC library, which contains over one thousand books including fiction, textbooks, pamphlets and reference materials on a wide variety of environmental topics. These topics include ecology, energy, sustainable business, gardening, activism, economics and much more.
[Internships, Volunteer Positions, Jobs and Graduate Schools]
The UCEC is a great place to visit to find information on internship opportunities. You can find current listings for internships and volunteer opportunities there as well as pamphlets from graduate schools such as Duke's Nicholas School of the Environment, and Yale's School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. Representatives from organizations and schools visit the UCEC throughout the school year to provide you with information about them - look out for flyers on campus or emails advertising these visits.
CAPS, located in Ida Noyes Hall, can provide you with a list of environmentally related job opportunities and can assist you in looking for a summer internship or job.
[Environmental Studies at the U of C]
The Environmental Studies Program addresses the full range of environmental issues - scientific, political, social and cultural. How do humans use the natural world and how does human activity impact nature? How shall we best interact with our environment both for ourselves and on behalf of future generations and the web of life? To explore these far-reaching questions, the Environmental Studies Program offers a curriculum that is both broadly multidisciplinary and focused.
[ Web Resources ]