Sustainability & Green Chemistry in Guatemala
In Guatemala, you will learn about the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and how different organizations are working towards these goals through the development of new technologies and processes. You’ll speak with experts from both Minnesota and Guatemala to find out how people all over the world are coming together to fight climate change and create a more sustainable future.
In this program, you will:
Explore the topic of green chemistry and sustainability through the history, culture, and focus on the community in Guatemala.
Stay in the UNESCO World Heritage City of Antigua and traverse the vast landscapes from lakes to ancient archeological sites.
Partner with local students to explore local solutions and discuss environmental challenges
Led by Edgar Arriaga, College of Science and Engineering
On-Campus Class: Fridays from 2:15–3:55 p.m., Smith Hall 111
Study Abroad: March 6–March 15, 2026
Receive credit for: CHEM 1917 or CHEM 2917
To receive credit for CHEM 2917, you must have completed one semester of a 1xxx level Chemistry course or receive instructor consent to enroll
Liberal Education Fulfillments: Global Perspectives: The Environment (approved for CHEM 1917, pending for CHEM 2917)
Application deadline: December 1, 2025
Fee reduction: automatically receive a $1000 fee reduction to the billed program fee if you are among the first 10 students to confirm your participation by December 1.
Contact Anna DeWitt at [email protected], or call at 612.626.2234.
Learn more at: z.umn.edu/guatemala-green
Health in Ecuador: History, Environment, & Culture
The future health of our world requires a generation of creative, motivated, strategic, expansive thinkers collaborating across disciplines and sectors to proactively protect the health of human and animal populations and the environment in which they live. Ecuador is an ideal location to incorporate cultural contexts with an understanding of the intersection between human health and the environment.
During this program, you will:
Learn about the intersection between human health and the environment by studying the history of health and culture of Ecuador.
Learn about the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and Ecuador’s efforts to meet those goals by 2030.
Discover Ecuador’s natural beauty by visiting the Andes mountains and a thermal spring, as well as learning about the unique culture and ongoing sustainability efforts.
Led by Karin Hamilton & Scott Simpson, Pre-Health Student Resource Center
On-Campus course: Tuesdays 2:30–4:25 p.m, A term (East Bank)
Study Abroad: March 6–March 15, 2026
Receive credit for: AHS 3004
Liberal Education Fulfillments: Global Perspectives
Application deadline: December 1, 2025
Fee reduction: automatically receive a $1000 fee reduction to the billed program fee if you are among the first 10 students to confirm your participation by December 1.
Contact Jemma Lund at [email protected], or call at 612.625.8827
Learn more at: z.umn.edu/health-ecuador
Undergraduate students: Share about your learning experiences at the University. The Twin Cities Sustainability Committee is looking for focus group participants to discuss how and what you have learned about sustainability during your time at the University. No previous experience with or interest in sustainability required. Participants will receive a $25 gift card.
Join a focus group
Questions/concerns? Contact the focus group coordinator, Nicki May.
Join us this spring for three Sustainability Coffee Chats featuring new campus facilities, plans, and clean energy projects shaping the University of Minnesota’s sustainable future.
- ☕ Flipping into the Future: NEW Gymnastics Performance Facility
Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 9:30-10:30 a.m. (watch recording) - ☕ NEW UMN Zero Waste Plan (in person!) (Register)
Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 9:30-11:00 a.m., RecWell Multipurpose Room 7 - ☕ NEW On-Campus Solar (Register)
Wednesday, April 8, 2026 | 9:00-10:00 a.m. (virtual)
Do you have input regarding the University of Minnesota Twin Cities' Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program? Submit your feedback using this public comment form, open year-round. Learn more about the U of M stormwater program.
The Office of Sustainability and Parking and Transportation Services launched our new hybrid electric buses with fall festivities! You will see three of the hybrid electric buses around campus currently, with five more coming this winter. We are always working to lower emissions as part of our Climate Action Plan. 🔋🔌 These buses are about three to four times more efficient overall than the standard campus buses. They use EV mode in more congested areas on campus and they recharge with regenerative braking between Minneapolis and St. Paul campuses and in less congested areas. Take a ride to see for yourself! 🚌 Click to read more details
Two Spring Break study abroad programs are now open for students interested in sustainability and global health. Spend March 6–15, 2026 exploring Green Chemistry in Guatemala or The Intersection of Health and the Environment in Ecuador. Both programs connect to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and include an on-campus course. Apply by December 1, 2025, with a $1,000 fee reduction for the first 10 confirmed students per program. Click to read the full article
We’re hiring a Student Sustainability Communications Assistant! Open to undergrads passionate about sustainability, social media, writing, and graphic design. Help advance campus sustainability and engagement through communications! 👉 Apply: Search Job ID: 370820 in the Student Job section.
The Office of Sustainability is rethinking how we engage our campus—and we need your perspective. Spend 2 minutes on this quick survey to help us create impactful events and programs that reflect what you care about. Take the survey.
Join us on Wednesday, November 5 for the official launch of our new hybrid electric campus buses! Stop by on Church St. outside Morrill Hall from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. for games, prizes, and cider. Take a guided tour of one of the new buses and learn about University of Minnesota sustainability initiatives, the Climate Action Plan, and campus bus routes. See you there! 🍁🎉🔋🔌🚌
For the first time, the University of Minnesota's Huntington Bank Stadium achieved zero waste–recovering an incredible 90% of waste (46,000 pounds) generated during the Farm Aid 40 concert. Learn about Gopher Athletics sustainability efforts
Join us for conversations on campus sustainability and climate action! This fall, we’ll explore two timely topics:
- Electrifying our Fleet – Wed, Oct 15 · 10–11am
Hear from UMN experts about recent progress and future plans for electrifying campus vehicles. - Net Zero Buildings – Tue, Nov 11 · 9–10am
Learn from UMN leaders and Darcy Solutions about designing and building net zero facilities, including the new Collections Facility powered by solar and a geothermal Darcy Well.
Free and open to the public on Zoom. More info