Sustainability

USD is home to more than 170 student organizations, including Environmental Club, United Nations Association of the USA, Alternative Week of Off-campus Learning, and Food Recovery Network (part of SERVE).

Explore Student Organizations

There are even more ways to get involved! Check out our campus and community sustainability initiatives below to learn more about how you can make a difference at USD.

Bike Share

The Muenster University Center offers a fleet of red bicycles that students may check out for free from the front desk. Biking is a great way to get around! If you have your own bicycle, you may register it at the University Police Department for peace of mind.

Recycling Team

Students run our campus recycling program - it's a great opportunity for students to earn money, gain work experience, and reduce waste. Check Coyote Careers for openings.

Vermillion Community

Our community features the Vermillion Area Farmers Market, Vermillion Community Garden, Heikes Family Farm CSA, Missouri Valley Recycling Center, Spirit Mound Historic Prairie, and Missouri National Recreational River. Visit Greening Vermillion's website to learn about other off-campus opportunities. 

Move-Out Donation Days

Move-Out Donation Days helps prevent usable items from going to the landfill when students move out at the end of the year.  This event provides students convenient donation options that educate them of the benefits of reuse, waste reduction and local donation.

Dining

Campus dining strives for sustainability through responsible sourcing, plant-based options, waste reduction, and more. Learn more about dining commitments here.

Buildings & Grounds

Our Facilities Management staff maintain water bottle refill stations in every building, use green cleaning practices, and continually work to improve energy efficiency. We are a certified Tree Campus, and our landscaping includes attractive and drought-tolerant native prairie plants.

Memberships

USD is a member of Association for Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), Upper Midwest Association for Campus Sustainability (UMACS), and Post-Landfill Action Network (PLAN). Students are encouraged participate in conferences and events through these organizations.

Recycling

The student-run recycling program accepts paper, cardboard, cartons, cans, tubs, jugs, bottles, and jars (both glass and plastic). Watch what happens to our recyclable materials here. Learn more or submit a recycling request on Coyote One Stop.

Academics

We are the only school in the region offering degrees in Sustainability from a minor through a PhD. Many courses are open to students of all majors. Learn more about the Department of Sustainability & Environment here.

USD offers a range of scholarships for students, including scholarships specifically for sustainability majors looking to make a positive difference. The Department of Sustainability & Environment strives to recognize and reward outstanding students for their accomplishments and potential whenever possible.

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