Southern Oregon University
IN-40: Sustainability Projects Fund

The Green Fund makes possible a unique & student-led process that empowers sustainable initiatives on campus. Projects that have been funded in the past include the Stevenson Union solar installation and The Farm at SOU. Projects can be big or small but must contribute to sustainability at SOU. Generated by the Green Tag student fee of $10- $15 per student per term, the ASSOU Environmental Affairs Committee (EAC) oversees and allocates the Green Fund. The Green Fund provides students with the funding to execute sustainable and environmentally regenerative initiatives on campus, in addition to supporting renewable energy generation and offsetting the campus water footprint.

Projects should directly address sustainability in operation of the SOU campus or in the capacity that off campus activities influence on-campus sustainability. This includes a broad range of environmental considerations, including but not limited to energy efficiency, water efficiency, waste reduction, transportation management, green procurement, green buildings, and education.

This excludes travel and conferences. They must have a clearly-defined, measurable outcome within the proposed timeframe. All projects shall have a mechanism for evaluation and follow-up after funding has been disbursed. Projects that are not completed within a single academic year should have a plan for continuation during the following year, or until the project is complete. Projects should include a report made to the Environmental Affairs Committee after successful or unsuccessful implementation. They must incorporate publicity, education and outreach. The project should include some component that raises greater awareness of sustainability issues on campus. This might include an outreach component, a press release, or the fact that the project is conducted in public view.

Finally they must contain a component of direct student involvement. Such projects include, but are not limited to internships, initiatives with students in oversight bodies, student research, and projects proposed by students.

Project proposals may only be submitted by SOU students. Individuals and organizations outside of SOU may not submit proposals. A completed application includes an itemized project budget, to the Associated Students of Southern Oregon University (ASSOU) Director of Sustainability. Proposals are accepted on a rolling basis during fall, winter, and spring terms.

All applicants will give a brief presentation to the Environmental Affairs Committee (EAC) outlining their proposal. Proposal presentations are scheduled at the discretion of the EAC. The Environmental Affairs Committee is part of the Student Body government, ASSOU on campus. Funding requests exceeding $5,000 must be reviewed by the SOU Sustainability Council prior to submitting final proposal to the EAC. The Sustainability Council meets during week two or three of each term. The Sustainability Council is made up of representatives from staff, faculty and students.

https://news.sou.edu/tag/green-fund/

https://sou.edu/financial-aid/cost-of-attendance/tuition-fees/

https://sustainability.sou.edu/campus-operations/