Interested in getting involved with an environmental student group? Below is a list of organizations that you can be part of! Updated Fall 2020.
Student Sustainability Committee (SSC)
Each year, two student fees generate just under $1.1 million, which the SSC allocates to projects that promote the University’s goals laid out in the Illinois Climate Action Plan and directly impact University of Illinois students through improved infrastructure, services, and educational events.
Students for Environmental ConcernS (SECs)
Students for Environmental Concerns (SECS) is a registered student organization of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign as well as a student program of the University YMCA. We promote environmental action on campus by spearheading campaigns or collaborating with other organizations on projects that lead to a greener earth. We believe that all individuals and institutions, particularly those in the Global North, have an important role to play in resolving the current climate crisis.
Engineers Without Borders is an international nonprofit organization committed to advancing the quality of life in impoverished countries via socioeconomically and ecologically sustainable engineering projects. Students from all disciplines design and implement these projects.
The Green Observer is the only entirely student-run environmental publication at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Our magazine was founded in 2006, and runs out of the University YMCA as one of eleven YMCA Student Organizations. We used to be a print publication, but as of 2018, we are entirely online to better align with our ideals and reduce our environmental footprint. We publish two online issues per semester.
The Illinois Biodiesel Initiative (IBI) is committed to fostering the ability of our members to realize and implement sustainable solutions for meeting our energy demands. At IBI, student members gain practical experience as they design and develop our biodiesel production process. As a registered student organization of the University of Illinois – Urbana/Champaign, we encourage any student who is interested in sustainable energy to get involved and grow the skills necessary to take on the energy issues we face today.
Red Bison Ecological Restoration
Red Bison is a registered student organization at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and is a program of the University YMCA. Our primary focus is on restoring natural areas on and near campus, though we also like to appreciate nature throughout Illinois.
Illinois Solar Decathlon is an interdisciplinary registered student organization with over 100 undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. We compete in the international, Department of Energy-sponsored Solar Decathlon Build and Solar Decathlon Design competitions. Illinois Solar Decathlon is comprised of an executive board, a build competition team, a design competition team, and a concept team, which fosters skills and knowledge development for younger organization members.
The Wildlife Society - Student Chapter at UIUC
We represent the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) Student Chapter of TWS, an international organization dedicated to inspiring, empowering, and enabling wildlife professionals to sustain wildlife populations and habitats through science-based management and conservation.
Science Policy Group (2017) is a nonpartisan, interdisciplinary registered student organization for undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). Founded in 2017, we strive to unify the voices of science, technology, and engineering students in matters of science policy. We provide opportunities for emerging scientists and engineers to learn more about policy, get hands-on experience with policymakers, and network with the local and national science policy community.