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New Students

There are many ways for students to get involved with sustainability at OSU! Students are the university's largest constituent group. Student participation in campus development, research, events, and policy enriches the student experience and helps OSU achieve excellence in best practices and academics. 

  • Eco-Reps Program – Eco-reps are responsible for encouraging a culture of sustainability in the residence halls. They help educate students about sustainability, assist the Sustainability Office in outreach, and plan and execute sustainability events.
  • Sustainability Clubs & Organizations – Joining student clubs and organizations is a great way to be active on campus while working towards a more sustainable community at OSU.
  • Student Projects – The projects in this list represent hands-on learning opportunities for deeper student engagement around sustainability. Please note that projects will be limited due to COVID-19 restrictions.
  • Academics – Are you interested in incorporating sustainability into your degree? OSU offers multiple sustainability courses and a Sustainability Double-Degree!

Tips for New Students

What to bring:
  • Reusable water bottle – There are numerous water bottle filling stations around campus!
  • Reusable coffee mug – You can receive a discount of 20-25 cents when you bring your own mug to any coffee shop on campus.
  • Bike – The League of American Bicyclists named OSU a Gold-level Bicycle Friendly University! OSU provides bike lockers, an on-campus bike shop, covered and uncovered bike parking, and more to support a bike-friendly community.
  • Reusable utensils and napkins – Many meals at OSU will continue to be served to-go due to COVID-19 precautions. Consider bringing a to-go kit with multiple utensils to keep in your resident hall!
  • Reusable bags – Bringing a reusable shopping bag to stores will help you minimize waste and avoid single-use bag fees.
  • Rags/washcloths for cleaning – Rather than using lots of single-use paper towels to clean, bring multiple rags and washcloths that can be cleaned and reused!
  • Energy Star or EPEAT certified computer – Check out these certifications to make sure your computer is energy efficient.

Once You're Here:

  • Check out the OSUsed Store to purchase secondhand items, such as computers and computer accessories, furniture, office supplies, household items, bicycles, and more!

  • Consider sharing a mini-refrigerator with your roommate to save energy. 
  • All dorms and dining halls on campus provide microwaves – using these rather than your own will save space and energy!
  • Review OSU's recycling guidelines to ensure you recycle right when you get to Corvallis.
  • If you're living in the dorms, take the Recycling in the Res Halls course!
  • Download Ecosia on your existing browser to turn your internet searches into trees! All ad revenue will be used for reforestation efforts.
  • Follow this self-guided tour at your own pace to see some of the many ways OSU is working towards a sustainable future. However, some sites may not be open due to COVID-19 restrictions.




OSU Community Engagement & Leadership creates more caring and equitable communities. CEL keeps you up to date on community service, action weeks, social impact workshops, political engagement, and more! Imagine a better world. Make it happen.

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Campus Recycling manages a comprehensive waste management system at OSU. They focus on reducing, reusing, and recycling with disposal as the last resort. Campus Recycling offers various ways for students to get involved, including the Waste Watchers club, Repair Fairs, and student employment opportunities. 

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Sustainable transportation at OSU is achieved through OSU Transportation Services. There are various ways to get around Corvallis, including safe bike routes, Corvallis Transit Service's free bus service, the Beaver Bus, and ride shares! 

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Environmental Justice Resources

Sustainability is not only about preserving our natural environments. True sustainability protects people and addresses the systemic inequities that exist in people's environments and experiences due to class and race-based inequalities. In order to achieve a sustainable community, we must also have economic and social sustainability.

There are many OSU organizations, clubs, and initiatives that address social justice and provide ways to get involved:

  • OSU Institutional Diversity – The Office of Institutional Diversity plans, leads, and implements actions and initiatives to advance equity, inclusion, and diversity at OSU. On their webpage, you will find links to initiatives, community diversity relations, and diversity education, bias incident response, and the Innovate & Integrate: Plan for Inclusive Excellence. 
  • Diversity and Cultural Engagement – DCE provides information about the seven cultural resource centers at OSU and various programs and initiatives, such as retreats and clubs, to get involved with!
  • Community Engagement & Leadership – Looking for ways to get involved at OSU and in the community? CEL is the place to look! Their Students page lists information about days of service, action weeks, and more.
  • List of Clubs and Organizations – This page directs you to all clubs and organizations at OSU. 
  • Social Justice Education Initiative – The SJEI provides interactive workshops for faculty, graduate students, and staff that work to increase the capacity for curiosity, communication, self-awareness, leadership, and growth.

 

Difference, Power, and Discrimination Courses

There are various courses offered through the DPD Program that focus on sustainability and environmental justice. To see the full list of DPD courses offered, click here.

  • Food Justice – ANTH 361 / FCSJ 361
  • Environmental Racism – ES 353
  • Farmworker Justice Movements – ES 357
  • Multicultural Perspectives in Natural Resources – FW 340
  • Environmental Justice – GEO 309
  • Climate Justice – GEOG 100
  • Sustainability, Justice, and Engagement – SUS 331
  • Native North America – HST 366
  • Ecosystem Science of Pacific NW Indians - AG 301
  • Native American Agriculture - AG 311
  • Transforming Environmental Conflicts - GEOG 241

 

External Resources