Student Organizations

Students often contribute to creating a more sustainable campus through organized activities. If you are interested in exploring and learning about sustainability, consider joining a student club or organization. If you are experienced and passionate about sustainability, and looking for a more formal commitment, check the list below of student committees that make important decisions impacting the sustainability of our campus.

The suggestions below are not exhaustive. If you have a student group that wants to help, the Office of Sustainability is eager to partner with you.

STUDENT CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS:

Sustainability is a balancing of environmental, social, and economic concerns. Students interested in these issues team up in many clubs and organizations to learn and make an impact on our campus and in our community. The list below ranges from one of the oldest student organizations, the Earth Club, to diverse groups addressing social justice, citizenship, health, technology, nature, and career paths. Click on each club’s name to view their Niner Engage page.

49er Democracy Experience: Faculty, civic-minded students and community partners that deliver programming and activities that enhance public understanding of and participation in the democratic process.
49er Urban Planners: Encourages dialogues and initiatives related to urban planning on campus.
AI for Earth: Promotes the responsible and sustainable use of artificial intelligence to support the environment, global communities, and human development.
American Conservation Coalition: Promotes a mix of market-based, pro-business, and limited-government environmentalism and prepares and encourages students to care for their environment.
American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing Chapter at UNC Charlotte: Promotes imaging and geospatial science for informed, scientifically valid, and technologically sound observations of Earth conditions and trends for decision-making.
American Society of Civil Engineers: Encourages student involvement in the surrounding community and industry.
American Water Works Association – Water Environment Federation (AWWA-WEA): Brings together students who are interested in water, waste-water, environmental and sustainable practices.
Biodiversity Club: Promotes understanding and appreciation of Earth’s living systems through hands-on learning, collaboration, and community engagement through workshops, research projects, and educational events.
Biology Club: Working to develop common interests, and promote sustainability, scholarship, professionalism, and self-development through education and action.
Charlotte Birding Club: Dedicated to the advocacy, protection, and admiration of birds in the Charlotte Metropolitan Area.
Culinary Club: Opportunities to learn about food preparation, invest in a healthy lifestyle, and support the community.
Earth Club: Striving to help UNC Charlotte become a more sustainable campus through education, volunteering, and community involvement.
GEO Club: A student chapter of the Association of Environmental & Engineering Geologists
Global Medical Brigades: A secular, international student-operated volunteer organization whose mission is to provide sustainable development to underserved communities throughout the world.
Graduate Public Health Association: Supports graduate students interested in public health jobs.
Graduate Student Organization of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Addresses the academic and professional concerns, goals, and careers of graduate students and others.
Jamil Niner Student Pantry Organization: Serves food-insecure students and employees every week by offering free nutritious non-perishable and fresh groceries.
Mycology Club of UNC Charlotte: Offers opportunities to learn fungal facts, hear from experts in the field, go on fungal identification walks, watch fungal documentaries, and more!
National Council of Negro Women: Lead, develop, and advocate for women of African descent as they support their families & communities.
Norms Vintage Market Club: Supports small businesses marketing recycled textile goods, rare vintage apparel, and uniquely crafted items.
North Carolina Public Research Group: Organizes and trains students to be civic engagement leaders on issues of environmental protection, consumer protection, promoting democracy and civic engagement, and alleviating hunger and homelessness.
Plants for People: Promotes use of student gardens and the Jamil Niner Student Pantry gardens.
Pollinator Club: Increases awareness of pollinator species on campus by protecting and maintaining natural habitats for such species.
Power and Energy Society: Promotes cooperation and exchange of technical information and topics advancing the field of power and energy.
Red Cross Club: An extension of the American Red Cross that offers students volunteer and leadership opportunities and health and safety training.
SDG Club: Working to implement the 17 Sustainable Development Goals set by the UN.
Sigma Gamma Epsilon: Campus branch of the National Honor Society for the Earth Sciences that recognizes scholarship and professionalism in the Earth Sciences.
Student Organization of Meteorology (STORM): Brings together students interested in meteorology in a professional and social capacity.
Undergraduate Public Health Association (UPHA): Supports undergraduate students’ interest in public health while advancing their knowledge of careers and enhancing their academic and professional goals.
University Honors Program Student Association: Provides an enriched, interdisciplinary experience to motivated high-achieving students.
Venture Outdoor Leadership: A comprehensive outdoor leadership program for adventure trips and team building.

The Niner Engage website provides a complete listing of student organizations including information about the group and how to join.

STUDENT COMMITTEES:

Students can apply for positions on key committees that decide policies and actions that impact sustainability of the campus.

Charlotte Green Initiative (CGI): Decides on the use of student-generated funds based on proposals that advance environmental and social sustainability.
Resident Students Association: Promotes an appreciation of housing and residence life and the well-being of our community.
SERVE Team: Planning, recruiting and implementing community engagement events for: Hunger & Homelessness; Environment & Animals; Civic Engagement & Democracy; Youth & Education; and Public & Community Health.
Student Centers Advisory Board: Provides voice from the constituents on the role of the student union as well as operations of the buildings.
Student Advisory Board: Serves in a consultative role to Student Health regarding college students’ physical and mental health.