Southern Oregon University
IN-25: Innovation B

Upon completion of their degree work, Southern Oregon University (SOU) students are required to purchase a disposable cap and gown to wear at the commencement ceremony. The graduation regalia sold on behalf of the university are marketed as "green" robes made from natural wood sourced exclusively from renewable, managed forests; the fabric is proven to completely decompose in soil within a year. However, upon further investigation, students learned that the gowns will not completely decompose in soil within a year unless individuals remove the zipper, shred the gown, and have a productive compost system. Even so, students felt that having gowns that were only used once was wasteful and expensive. To remedy this situation, the Ecology and Sustainability Resource Center (ECOS) developed a Caps and Gowns Reuse Program. Each year at the commencement ceremony collection bins are made available at each entrance and exit to the event for graduates to donate unwanted caps and gowns after the ceremony. The commencement program and the President's script during the ceremony both include an announcement to make graduates aware of the program. Collection bins remain in front of ECOS throughout the summer for graduates who decide to want to hold on to their gown after the ceremony for pictures. During the academic year, all gowns are sorted by size and stored. In spring term, the gowns are made available for students planning to walk at the commencement ceremony for a reduced price. Gowns are sold for $10 each and caps for $5. This program benefits the campus and community on many levels. From keeping caps and gowns out of the landfill to providing affordable regalia to graduating students, this program has been a great sustainability initiative and a hugely successful campus service.