FOR STUDENTS
JOIN A STUDENT GROUP
The University’s undergraduate, graduate, and professional students have developed a wide range of groups on environment-related topics. Some groups are open to a broad population and others are tailored to those enrolled in a specific program. If you do not find a group here that fits your interests, you can also consider starting your own. If you have a group that isn’t featured here, let us know.
Undergraduate Student Groups
Environmental Justice Task Force (RSO)
The EJTF is committed to achieving social and ecological justice. It organizes campaigns to place pressure on elected officials and leaders in the community to take action on climate and environmental injustice. Member of the UChicago Environmental Alliance. https://blueprint.uchicago.edu/organization/ejtf
Environmental Research Group (RSO)
An undergraduate science and policy think tank devoted to interfacing science and social good to create sustainable change in Chicago through applicable, data-driven modeling. Member of the UChicago Environmental Alliance. https://www.facebook.com/envirochicago/
Energy & Climate Club
EPIC’s Energy & Climate Club aims to foster a community of undergraduate students interested in learning more about climate and energy and meeting peers interested in them too. The club will meet weekly on Thursdays from 12:30-1:30 in SHFE 146 for lunch. Every other week, we’ll organize programming driven by student requests and ideas. On the off weeks, students can come, eat, be social, and talk climate and energy! Check out the quarter’s schedule here.
Food Recovery Network (RSO)
The Food Recovery Network is a service organization dedicated to addressing environmental justice and food insecurity by recovering leftover food on campus for local shelters and community centers. https://blueprint.uchicago.edu/organization/foodrecoverynetwork
Horticultural Society (RSO)
The purpose of the Horticultural Society is to achieve an understanding of horticulture from scientific, artistic and ecological perspectives, to bring together individuals across a diverse range of academic pursuits who share an interest in plants, and to apply this interest to benefitting community organizations involved with urban gardening and other natural restoration in the area.
Paul Douglas Institute
The Paul Douglas Institute is a nonpartisan, nonprofit student-run public policy think tank that seeks to channel public policy interest on campus into evidence-based, collaboration-oriented, solution-minded projects as well as celebrate the value of public service.
Phoenix Farms (RSO)
Phoenix Farms is a student group whose primary goal is to educate the student body and surrounding population on urban gardening and beekeeping practices. Phoenix Farms keeps bees and grows food for students and others across the South Side.
Phoenix Sustainability Initiative (RSO)
The Phoenix Sustainability Initiative seeks to develop and implement sustainable practices at the University and in Hyde Park. Centered upon a project group structure and partnership model, we create lasting change and impact by getting directly involved in planning, directing and executing initiatives. Member of the UChicago Environmental Alliance.
Student Government Committee on Campus Sustainability (CCS)
A standing committee of Student Government that is focused on furthering three main goals: advocacy, awareness, and action. In 2019, the CCS helped found the UChicago Environmental Alliance in partnership with other student leaders and environmental activists. Member of the UChicago Environmental Alliance.
UChicago Audobon Chapter
UChicago Audobon is a chapter of the National Audobon Society that focuses on exploring and advocating for the natural world through bird-watching, engaging with conservation initiatives in the Chicagoland area, and learning about current issues and careers in the environmental sector.
UChicago Environmental Alliance (UCEA)
The UCEA is a partnership between five sustainability-focused student organizations or project groups. They aspire to grow their support on campus to become a recognized alliance of voices for environmental good.
Graduate/Professional Student Groups
Chicago Booth Energy Club
The Chicago Booth Energy Club serves as a platform for discussion on all major drivers of the energy industry such as technology, public policy and regulation, energy security, and the environment.
https://groups.chicagobooth.edu/energy/home-/
Environmental Law Society (Law)
The Environmental Law Society (ELS) is a group of students interested in environmental protection. ELS hosts a number of speakers to discuss green policy issues and organize a variety of activities to engage students in environmentally-related pursuits, such as decreasing carbon footprints, buying organic and enjoying the environment we work to conserve.
Harris Energy and Environmental Association (Harris)
HEEA is a student organization at the Harris School that seeks to contribute to ongoing energy and environmental policy discussions and to expose members to various learning and networking opportunities within these areas.
Harris Sustainability Initiative (Harris)
The Harris Sustainability Initiative aims to improve sustainability within the Harris School as well as the broader UChicago campus through policy-focused sustainability solutions and community-level engagements. The initiative falls under the purview of the Harris Energy and Environmental Association.