Student focus groups: Advancing sustainability literacy
focus group opportunity poster

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.

Join a focus group

Questions/concerns? Contact the focus group coordinator, Nicki May.

All Sustainability News
President Cunningham signs the Okanagan Charter on April 7, 2026, accompanied by students Flora Yang and Yvonne Mongare
President Cunningham signs the Okanagan Charter on April 7, 2026, accompanied by students Flora Yang and Yvonne Mongare

Today, on World Health Day, University of Minnesota President Rebecca Cunningham signed the Okanagan Charter, making the University a designated Health Promoting Campus.

The signing ceremony took place during the University’s Climate Resilience Teach-In, heralding the organization’s commitment to prioritizing health and sustainability. Read more about the University's commitment to the Okanagan Charter

EV test drive April 29

Explore the future of sustainable transportation at the Fleet EV Test Drive and Car Show! Stop by Maroon Lot to check out electric vehicles available through University Fleet Services, learn more about EV options for departments that purchase or rent fleet vehicles. Wednesday, April 29, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Maroon Lot, north side of Huntington Bank Stadium

Register for the EV Test Drive

Earth Month Events 2026

April is Earth Month! Check out our frequently updated list of events to get involved. Check it out.
Have an event to share? Email us.

Climate Resilience Teach-In

The Climate Teach-In returns on Tuesday, April 7 (World Health Day), this year with a focus on climate resilience. Check out the events of the day. 🏆 Know someone doing impactful climate justice or resilience work at the University? Nominate a faculty, staff or student colleague for the Climate Resilience Teach-In Honorary Recognition.

Focus group opportunity

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. Learn more about the session or sign up by using the form

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.

Students walk by hybrid bus

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! 🚌Read more about the hybrid electric campus bus launch

Students pose on a colorful Guatemala street

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. Read more about the study abroad program

Hiring Student Sustainability Communications Assistant. Job ID: 370820

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.