Student Organizations
Sustainability is a Major Component of Many of our Student Organizations
Idea Fund:
Encourages and support student-innovators who design projects to enhance the social and / or environmental atmosphere of any aspect of the entire Dickinson College community.
Eco-Reps:
The
Eco-Reps program at Dickinson College, coordinated by the Center for Sustainability Education (CSE), connect sustainability to the residential experience. Eco-Reps are volunteer peer-educators that coordinate outreach and education to a residence hall community about
sustainable living, including energy efficiency and the current
infrastructure for composting and recycling. Eco-Reps also host events
in their residence halls, ultimately seeking to create a culture of sustainability
and education in the residential neighborhoods.
The “E” Environmental Newspaper:
A resource for members of the Dickinson community looking for
sustainability-related news and analysis, The “E” offers monthly
reflections on many different topics such as health, energy, and
ecology. The context of any given piece ranges from news and events
at the campus community level, to issues demanding international
attention. Contributors range from students to faculty to alumni, and
the newspaper features a variety of mediums, including visual art,
essays, articles, and poems.
Biodiesel Shop:
The Biodiesel Shop is operated and maintained by CSE. Student volunteers in the shop can create renewable biodiesel fuel from waste vegetable oil as well as liquid and bar soap from glycerol, a byproduct of fuel production. Dickinson’s biodiesel shop offers a sustainable, innovative, and financially beneficial alternative to the use of fossil fuels on campus, and creates educational opportunities for service and experience.
The Handlebar Bike Shop:
The Handlebar, operated and maintained by the Center for Sustainability Education (CSE), offers peer-to-peer learning opportunities for students. The shop operates on a strict “hands off” policy, where volunteers teach shop-goers how to maintain their bikes, re-assemble parts and make repairs when necessary. Volunteers are always welcomed, and can be trained through our educational workshop program. The shop and its volunteers reuse parts donated to our Bike Swap Shop in order to operate in a sustainable manner.
The Treehouse:
The Treehouse functions as both a Special Interest House and a student organization. Also known as the Center for Sustainable Living, The Treehouse promotes sustainable living practices and sharing of sustainability information through events such as soup and breads, open mic nights, and open houses.
EarthNow:
A student-run environmental advocacy group, EarthNow initiates sustainability-related projects and initiatives such as a campus-wide ban on the sale of plastic water bottles, an audit on paper use, movie showings for the community, and an annual EarthFest celebration on Morgan Field with live music, student performances, activities hosted by other clubs on campus, and fresh food from local farmers.
Outing Club:
The Outing Club is a great outlet for Dickinson students looking to try their hand at a wide range of outdoor activities. Often, off-campus activities range from camping to kayaking to rock climbing. The club provides the necessary gear and funding for trips, and participants often carpool to their destinations. Dickinson students are welcome to attend the weekly meetings, or to contact the club if an upcoming outing has sparked their curiosity and interest.
Sustainable Food Committee (SFC):
The Sustainable Food Committee consists of students, faculty & staff who are passionate about food and looking to engage with related issues on the campus, local, or national level. The committee works with Dining Services to offer more local and seasonal options for students, as well as foods with a relatively small energy or carbon expenditure in their production process. In the past, the group has initiated themed dinners such as a grass-fed burger night to raise awareness about ethical eating. They also serve as a liason between Dining Services and the student body regarding all dining operations and practices.
Students Interested in Sustainable Agriculture (SISA):
SISA is an organization designed to raise awareness of agricultural issues on campus and to connect students to the College Farm. Each year, SISA organizes the Harvest Fest and Local Foods Dinner, and in the past, the group has initiated themed dinners such as a grass-fed burger night to raise awareness about ethical eating.
Students for Social Action (SSA):
SSA addresses social justice issues at the campus, local, national or international level. SSA hosts events to raise awareness about current problems and to urge a response from the college community. Past events include the Fair Trade craft fair in the HUB social hall and an organized campaign addressing workers’ rights and fair labor.