Advisors, faculty, and mentors: Do you have a student interested in sustainability?
The Sustainability Toolkit presents the many opportunities for students to apply and grow their interest in sustainability through academia, service, advocacy, and more. Please download the toolkit below and share widely with any interested students!
If you would like a laminated copy of the Sustainability Toolkit, please contact Savannah Denlinger at SLD127@pitt.edu.
Download the Sustainability Toolkit PDF
The University of Pittsburgh defines sustainability as balancing equity, environment, and economics so current and future generations can thrive.
There are many opportunities for your students to grow and apply their sustainability interests in academia, service, advocacy, and more.
- Certificate in Sustainability
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Open to all undergraduate students, the certificate provides a formal opportunity to include sustainability in academic studies. The 18-credit certificate is
interdisciplinary, with each student completing two (2) core courses: Current Issues in Sustainability at the beginning and Sustainability Capstone at the end. Three electives can be chosen, though only one (1) elective may be in the student’s home department.Other Certificates, Minors, Majors, Etc.
Pitt offers many academic opportunities to engage with sustainability, including at the graduate student level.
For more information, visit Undergraduate Certificate in Sustainability.
- MCSI Summer Research
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The Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation’s (MCSI) Summer Sustainability Research Program (SSRP) is a 10-week program for undergraduate and master’s students to pursue hands-on sustainability research. Participants develop their own ideas while working independently
under faculty guidance.Learn more at MCSI Summer Research Program in Sustainability.
- Sustainability Transcript Distinction
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The Sustainability Distinction gives students recognition and credit for sustainability work beyond the classroom, while encouraging broader undergraduate participation in campus initiatives.
Learn more at Sustainability Distinction.
- Sustainability-related Courses
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Students who wish to simply incorporate sustainability into their course of study without pursuing a full certificate can refer to a list of Pitt courses with
sustainability content at Courses with Sustainability Content. - Sustainability Presentations
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MCSI offers a 15-minute sustainability presentation, live or on video, for undergraduate and graduate students in any discipline. It introduces sustainability basics, academics, campus operations, service, and student organizations. Instructors can contact Savannah Denlinger to schedule a student leader visit or use the video in their course.
For more information about sustainability academic opportunities, contact Savannah Denlinger at sld127@pitt.edu.
- Basic Needs
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The University of Pittsburgh is committed to supporting students through assessing and meeting their basic needs as they develop. Developing student-centered, evidence-based solutions which address basic needs and insecurities is critical to a student’s holistic success.
For information on immediate food, housing, employment, and health assistance, visit the Pitt and Community Assistance Resources libguide.
- Green Fund
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The Pitt Green Fund is a student-run advisory board that finances and supports student-initiated projects and programs that make Pitt operations more
environmentally sustainable, socially equitable, and energy efficient.Students can apply for funding at pittgreenfund.com.
- Green Guide
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The Pitt Student Green Guide can help answer all of your remaining sustainability questions. Take a look at some of the ways you can do your part and get involved! Visit Pitt Green Guides.
- Office of PittServes
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PittServes works to help students enhance their personal growth and development by providing meaningful opportunities for service and reflection. By
engaging in service opportunities through PittServes, students cultivate relationships within the community, complement their classroom learning experience, and lay the foundation for a lifelong commitment to service. Visit PittServes. - Pitt Pantry
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The Pitt Pantry is dedicated to ensuring that everyone in the Pitt community has regular access to a balanced and nutritious diet. Located in the O’Hara Student Center (4024 O’Hara St), the Pantry has regular shopping hours to obtain food and services. Visit Pitt Pantry.
- Student Office of Sustainability (SOOS)
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The Student Office of Sustainability (510 WPU) is a collaborative and programmatic workspace for students interested in sustainability and environmental justice issues. The SOOS offers meeting and social space, Green Fund grant assistance, and supports more than two dozen affiliated student organizations working sustainability-related initiatives! To learn more, visit Student Office of Sustainability.
- Thriftsburgh
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Located in the O’Hara Student Center, Thriftsburgh sells second-hand clothing, shoes, and accessories. Buying second- hand clothing reduces textile waste, cuts carbon, and promotes a culture of reuse. All items sold in the store are $10 or less. Visit Thriftsburgh.
Contact Us
Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation
sustainabilityinstitute.pitt.edu
MCSI@pitt.edu
Pitt Sustainability
sustainable.pitt.edu
sustainability@pitt.edu
For Academic Opportunities:
Savannah Denlinger
Sustainability Academic Programs Manager
sld127@pitt.edu
For Student Engagement Opportunities:
Susanna Hamilton
Student Sustainability Engagement Manager, Student Affairs
sch122@pitt.edu