Leading the Way
At the University of Iowa, student organizations provide opportunities to gain personal and professional growth. By participating, students can develop leadership skills, gain insight into university policies and procedures, and learn how to navigate them to turn ideas into reality. These groups also foster meaningful connections, offering chances to network with peers and future colleagues, enhance resumes, and contribute to a more sustainable campus.
Below is a list of student organizations engaged in sustainability efforts. Please note this list may not be comprehensive, and some groups might currently be inactive.
See a list of all student orgs on campus
Sustainability-Focused Student Orgs
American Wind Energy Association (Student Chapter)
The student chapter promotes wind energy on campus through projects, events, and professional development for careers in wind energy and other areas that focus on the environment and sustainability.
UI Biological Interests Organization (UIBIO)
Dedicated to student development in the biological fields. This organization provides research opportunities, career networking, and pre-professional experiences intended to cultivate interest in biology and the surrounding community while fostering an environment of fellowship among students and faculty. @uibioclub
City Planners at Iowa
Bring awareness to social and equity issues around current urban development in Iowa and around the United States. These issues include auto dependency, lack of pedestrian friendly environments, and a severe lack of dense urban development. We hope to bring awareness to these issues and advocate for solutions through public transit, city planning and city beautification. We hope to be a positive force in undoing the decades of damage to our communities, in order to create sustainable and vibrant communities for ourselves and our posterity.
Connecting Science to Society
Bridging the gap between scientists, policymakers, and the general population. We do this by providing an outlet for students interested in science policy and communication to learn about and practice skills pertaining to these areas.
Determined Gardeners Incorporating Radical Farming at the University of Iowa (D.I.R.T.)
Formerly known as the University of Iowa Gardeners, D.I.R.T. was established in the Spring of 2009. Growing sustainable, accessible produce is where our passion lies. Our 1/3-acre garden provides an educational model that addresses environmental, social, cultural, and economical issues that affect our contemporary food system. To ensure quality produce, we create an environment that is rooted in the principles of organic agriculture. @uigardeners
Environmental Coalition at Iowa
Dedicated to caring for and protecting the environment through activism, education, and enjoyment. We strive to instill a sense of pride in our natural environment and to share our passion for protecting our home. Some of our projects include a sustainability lecture series, film screenings, re-usable bag and bottle promotion, the Treasure Trade (a big clothes swap!), and a yearly benefit concert. We are always looking for new leaders and friends to lend a hand with one of our current projects or to bring to life a project of their own! @envirocoalition_iowa
Environmental Law Society (ELS)
Exposing the Law School community to environmental law and policy issues through volunteer and informational events. ELS also hopes to educate law students in what legal opportunities and careers are out there.
Environmental Science Club
A resource for environmental science and geoscience students, creating more of a community within the majors. In addition, we accept and welcome all people from any major who enjoys exploring the outdoors, wants to help fight issues such as climate change, or just want a great group of people to call your new friends!
Hawkeye Sunset Club
Students can come to socialize, listen to music, or just simply be present in the moment and enjoy sunsets together. The one goal of every sunset is to give it a rating on a scale of 1-10. We meet at the Old Cap steps on the Pentacrest every night there's a sunset. @hawkeyesunsetclub
Iowa Community Integrated Geography Organization (ICIGO)
A student organization within the Department of Geographical and Sustainability Sciences that utilizes experiences and skills gained in the classroom to support projects focused on sustainability in the community and state.
Net Impact
Net Impact focuses on sustainability and social responsibility in business. The mission of Net Impact is to inspire, educate, and equip individuals to use the power of business to create a more socially and environmentally sustainable world. Our chapter focuses on building knowledge about sustainability and sustainable practices that can be used here on campus as well as in students’ future professions. @net_impact_uiowa
Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR)
Working for more than 50 years to create a healthy, just and peaceful world for both the present and future generations. PSR advocates on the issues you care about by addressing the dangers that threaten communities, using our medical and public health expertise.
Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS)
SACNAS chapters are a powerful and inclusive source of community that provides local and regional support for college students and professionals to succeed in STEM. Collectively, our chapters are the on-the-ground ambassadors behind SACNAS’ movement to achieve true diversity in STEM.
Wilderness Medicine Interest Group
Formed for students whose interests go beyond providing medical care in a traditional hospital or clinic setting. We are medical students who enjoy the great outdoors, and we like to apply our knowledge wherever we find ourselves. WMIG comes together a few times a year for lectures, procedural clinics, and outdoor excursions (rock climbing in nearby state parks, ice climbing, mountain biking at Sugar Bottom, or paddling Lake Macbride). Annual events include a canoe derby and camping trip as well as the challenging Wilderness Medicine Race.
Student Orgs Embracing Sustainability
These organizations have missions that extend beyond sustainability, but they have embedded sustainability into their leadership and operations.
Campus Activities Board (CAB)
CAB has adopted sustainable practices into their events and activities and seeks advice from the Office of Sustainability and the Environment on ways to continue their efforts toward becoming more sustainable.
Dance Marathon
Dance Marathon has been a longstanding leader in campus sustainability. With a dedicated sustainability leadership position and a sustainability committee, the organization has developed its own sustainability goals and works collaboratively to embed sustainable practices into all aspects of its operations.
Graduate and Professional Student Government (GPSG)
GPSG has been a key leader in advancing sustainability on campus. With a dedicated sustainability director and active sustainability committee, the organization drives initiatives, advocates for policy changes, and fosters a culture of environmental responsibility.
Undergraduate Student Government (USG)
USG has been a longtime leader in promoting sustainability on campus. The organization features a dedicated director of sustainability in its executive branch, along with representation in the legislative branch through the sustainability committee, including its chair. USG has consistently championed sustainability by advocating for initiatives, amplifying the student voice on critical environmental issues, and driving efforts to bring sustainability projects to fruition.
