Engagement

Engagement is a key stepping stone to effective sustainability efforts. It drives positive change by uniting people and accelerating collective action towards our shared future. CSUDH Sustainability is committed to engagement and bringing students, staff, faculty, and the wider community together on our sustainability mission.

We offer a range of opportunities for you to get involved and contribute to our collective efforts. Explore this page to discover how you can make a positive impact in various ways and help us build a sustainable future.

If you have ideas for advancing sustainability on campus or are interested in collaborating with us, we’d love to hear from you! Just email: sustainability@csudh.edu


For Everyone

Events:

Every year, the Office of Sustainability hosts several signature events designed to engage our community and promote sustainability. These events offer unique opportunities to learn, connect, and take action for a greener campus.  Visit our News & Events page for the current event schedule.  

Event Collaborations (CSUDH Staff, Faculty, and Students):

Do you want the Office of Sustainability to provide training on a sustainability topic or provide an educational booth at your event? Please contact the Office of Sustainability by emailing sustainability@csudh.edu

Planning an event on campus? (Campus Event Organizers):

Consult our Green Event Checklist [PDF] and get Green Event Certified by learning and adapting your eco-friendly options for supplies, food, waste receptacles, and more. 

Take Further Action:

Students, staff, faculty, and visitors are all part of our campus community. Our efforts to “go green” begin and end with them. Want to take action and get involved? Take our Toros #TakeCharge Planet Pledge to find out what you can do to be a greener Toro. Download our Green Guides to learn more about how to recycle, take advantage of our alternative transportation programs, and more!

Contact Facilities Service Work Control to report water leaks, hot/cold problems, or recycling issues at x3804.Take a self-guided walking tour of our major campus sustainability features.  Check out our Sustainability Walking Map here [PDF].

Join a Committee (CSUDH Students, Staff, and Faculty):

  • University Sustainability Committee Meetings 

    • The CSUDH University Sustainability Committee serves in an advisory capacity to the President and is charged with cultivating interest, promoting, and supporting efforts to educate the campus community and institutionalizing sustainability at CSUDH. Equally important, it ensures the university’s ongoing prominence as a sustainability leader in higher education locally, regionally, and nationally. (For full charter information on the University Sustainability Committee, please view PM 2021-02 (Revised).

    • While voting members are elected by their respective divisions and units per the charter’s guidelines, anyone from the CSUDH community is eligible to participate in the University Sustainability Committee and the various workgroups and sub-committees operating under its umbrella as a non-voting, general member.  The University Sustainability Committee meets monthly during the semester and hosts a public townhall meeting once a year.

    • To join the University Sustainability Committee as a general non-voting member and/or its affiliated work groups, and to be invited to monthly meetings, please reach out to sustainability@csudh.edu with your preferred e-mail address.

    • To present a topic to the University Sustainability Committee, please e-mail sustainability@csudh.edu to request to be added as an upcoming agenda item at the monthly meetings. 

    • To access the current roster of chartered committee members, past presentations and committee meeting notes, and recommendation reports, view the full Dropbox folder here.    

  • Join Our other Sustainability Sub-Committees: 

    • The University Sustainability Committee has several sub-committees, including the Sustainable Landscape Committee and Alternative Transportation Committee. To become a general member and learn more about any of these committees, please email sustainability@csudh.edu. Get involved and help shape the future of sustainability on our campus!

For Staff/Faculty

Sustainable STAR Training (CSUDH Staff & Faculty):

Join our four-class series and learn how to become a sustainability advocate and leader in your department. This virtual annual program takes place throughout March and offers invaluable insights and skills. Designed to equip you with a comprehensive introduction to sustainability, this program will show you how to contribute to our sustainability goals through your work. Revisit this page to access the registration link (closed for 2024, re-opens December 2024 for March 2025).

Academic Infusion (CSUDH Faculty): Schedule a Sustainability Presentation

Interested in guest presenters and speakers for your class or general content on sustainability topics? Please contact the Office of Sustainability by filling out ourRequest Form to schedule a presentation and/or for resources.

For CSUDH Students

Sustainability Club (CSUDH Students):

Are you passionate about sustainability and looking to make like-minded new friends? The Sustainability Club is the perfect place to learn about eco-friendly living and build your network. As a member of the Sustainability Club, you'll:

  • Make New Friends: Meet fellow students who share your interest in sustainability and forge lasting connections through group activities and social events.
  • Learn About Sustainability: Gain valuable knowledge on various environmental topics through monthly workshops, guest speakers, and engaging discussions.
  • Expand Your Network: Build relationships with peers and professionals in the sustainability field, opening doors to future opportunities and collaborations.
  • Gain Practical Experience: Participate in hands-on projects and initiatives that allow you to apply what you’ve learned and gain real-world experience.

Whether you’re looking to enhance your understanding of sustainability, find a community of supportive friends, or build your professional network, the Sustainability Club offers a vibrant and inclusive environment for personal and academic growth. Join us and start making meaningful connections while contributing to a greener campus! Email our Club President: csudhsustainability1@gmail.com to join and receive more information. You can also read more about the club on our Torolink page: CSUDH Sustainability Club

Sustainability Volunteer & Volunteer Internship Program (CSUDH Students):

Are you looking to boost your resume while making a meaningful difference on campus? The Office of Sustainability offers a Volunteer Program (with five different levels of commitment to choose from), where you can actively contribute to essential sustainability initiatives. As a volunteer, you'll be instrumental in advancing our campus sustainability goals. You can choose a commitment level that fits your schedule, from 2 to 20 hours per week.

This program offers valuable hands-on experience, skill development, and the chance to earn academic credit and/or transcript credit by registering through SLICE. Additionally, you’ll have access to letters of recommendations and proof of attendance from the Office of Sustainability to further enhance your credentials. To get started, please submit the Interest Request Form and a staff member from the Office of Sustainability will contact you to schedule an interview. For details on the different volunteer levels and requirements, click here.

Toro Green Initiative Fund (CSUDH Students):

In 2018, President Parham distributed $10,000 towards the first Toro Green Initiative Fund (TGIF), allowing CSUDH students to suggest sustainability projects for the campus. The TGIF is now an annual grant program offered by the Office of Sustainability.  

The 2024-25 award cycle is officially open! If you are a student with an idea for how the campus can go green, you can fill out a short application here with your green idea and receive up to $5,000 to fund your project by February 1,2025 (or have the Office of Sustainability implement the idea for you).

  • Want more information on how to apply?  View this five-minute Youtube video walking you through the application process here

Want to see how funds were distributed and what student-led initiatives resulted in previous grant cycles? Read past reports below:

Green Graduation Pledge (CSUDH Students):

Are you a Toro graduating before 2025? Take our Green Graduation Pledge and Facilities Services will allocate $1 of its existing budget to plant new trees in your honor in your graduating year. View the Green Graduation Pledge flyer [PDF].

CSUDH Sustainability on Instagram: