Students volunteer for Green Grove.
Student Sustainability Opportunities
There’s never been a better time to get involved as a student on campus with sustainability initiatives. Whether you are a freshman, a senior, or graduate student, there are opportunities for you.
Internships
The Office of Sustainability employs student interns each semester to work on its initiatives as a part of the Green Student Intern Program (GSIP). These internships are highly valuable paid opportunities. Learn more here.
Sustainability Clubs
The university has several sustainability-related clubs. Students can participate in the UM Garden Club, Real Food Rebels, Hill Country Roots, UM Beekeepers, and find other similar organizations through ForUM.
Leadership Opportunities
There are several ways students can get experience in sustainability leadership on campus. They include:
Green Grove Team Leaders – Green Grove Team Leaders serve a vital role in the Green Grove program by coordinating volunteers in the Grove and in the Circle during football season. Learn more about the Green Grove Team Leader program here.
Eco Reps – The Eco Reps program is facilitated by the Office of Sustainability. Eco Reps conduct sustainability outreach in the residence halls. Learn more about the Eco Reps program here.
UM Green Fund Committee – The UM Green Fund is a designated fund for sustainability projects. Members of the UM Green Fund Committee evaluate and select project proposals to fund. Students can serve on the committee and are a valuable part of the process. Learn more here.
Attend an Event
Our office plans and facilitates fun, engaging events around sustainability all year long, from Food Day in the fall to Green Week in the spring. Popular events our office has facilitated in the past have included film screenings, interactive panels, farmers markets and festivals. Check our calendar or subscribe to our newsletter to keep up with the latest events from our office.
Volunteer
Our office is very thankful to the effort of our many passionate volunteers. Anyone can volunteer with our office, whether a student, member of faculty or staff, or an individual from the community. We have regularly occurring volunteer opportunities through the Green Grove and UM Compost programs, but we also occasionally have other opportunities as well, including work days at the Woodlawn-Davis Nature Center, and others. If you are interested in volunteering but don’t know where to begin, or if you would like to inquire about a particular opportunity, email green@olemiss.edu.
Propose a Project
Students may propose sustainability projects through the UM Green Fund. If funded, the Office of Sustainability will help facilitate the project, but the student will lead its implementation. Students can have a major impact on campus sustainability through the UM Green Fund. Example projects that started as UM Green Fund proposals include the UM Compost Project, the Native Plant Demonstration, Lenior Dining’s Green Restaurant Certification, and others. Learn more here.
Environmental Studies Minor
The Environmental Studies program at the university offers an exciting, multidisciplinary minor that can help support the studies of any major, whether biology, English, international studies, or engineering. Students from across campus participate in the environmental studies minor and have had opportunities to study abroad to Costa Rica and Tanzania, conduct field studies on the Mississippi River, engage with speakers, and more. Learn more about the environmental studies minor by visiting their website.
Careers in Sustainability
Students entering the job market with an understanding of sustainability are competitive; sustainability continues to grow as a leading concern in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Learn more about job opportunities in sustainability.
In the Community
Volunteer at the Oxford Community Market
Promote climate advocacy through the local chapter of the Citizens Climate Lobby
Volunteer with Strawberry Plains Audubon Center