blog navigation

Sustainable Design Opportunities & Events

blog posts

  • Everyday Environment: Watershed Planning.

    In this installment of the monthly webinar series from U of I Extension, learn how Illinois conservation professionals are working with local stakeholders to preserve our natural resources. "Watershed Planning: Helping Communities Meet Their Water Resource Goals" will be presented by Extension Watershed Outreach Associate Jennifer Jones. The webinar is presented every second Thusday, with future sessions on solar energy, composting, and squirrels!1-2 p.m. | Thursday, Sept. 10 | Register

  • Everyday Environment Webinar Series

    In this free series from U of I Extension, learn about natural resources and how to make small changes in your life to positively impact our environment!

    Solar Energy for the Home

    August 13, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time

    Is solar energy right for you? As renewable energy production is increasing in popularity, opportunities to incorporate solar panels on your home have become more available and affordable. In this webinar, University of Illinois Extension Energy & Environmental Stewardship Educator Erin Garrett will cover the basics of solar energy, what options are available for homeowners, and what points to consider when considering if your home is suitable for solar panels. Presenter: Erin Garrett

    Watershed Planning: Helping Communities Meet Their Water Resource Goals

    September 10, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time

    Join University of Illinois Watershed Outreach Associates Haley Haverback-Gruber and Jennifer Jones to learn how watershed-based planning is a collaborative, stakeholder supported approach to improving and protecting water resources. Learn how Illinois conservation professionals are working with local stakeholders to preserve our natural resources. Presenters: Jennifer Jones and Haley Haverback-Gruber

    Composting Do's and Don'ts

    October 8, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time

    Composting does not have to be rocket science, but folloiwng some basic rules will help make your compost the best it can be. Join Duane Friend for a discussion of the composting process, what works in compost and what should be left out, and basic management of air, moisture, and temperature. Presenter: Duane Friend

    Vermi-composting: Turning Leftovers into Soil

    November 12, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time

    When we are asked to describe an ocean, forest, desert, or even our backyard we can give a pretty clear description about what one might find there. When asked what is under the ground, we tend to be unsure and it becomes clear how little we know about what is below our own backyards. Worms come to mind but what purpose do they have and how can we harness what they do best? We can vermi-compost at home. Join Peggy Doty for one of her favorite topics, and personal activities, she utilizes at home and at work. Vermi-composting is one of the easiest ways to compost at home. It is odorless, easy, and makes winter composting so much more fun! Presenter: Peggy Doty

    All About Squirrels

    December 10, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time

    This webinar focuses on the ever present urban gymnasts that live up in the trees. Squirrels are a staple on many college campuses, backyards, and of course our forests, but how much do we really know about these mischievous rodents? Join Abigail Garofalo as she delves into the ecology and life of squirrels so that we can understand these amazing creatures. Presenter: Abigail Garofalo

  • art of science

    Explore IGB's 'Art of Science' Art Gallery

    Join the Carl R. Woese Institute of Genomic Biology (IGB) for the opening of its Art of Science exhibit at the Illini Union Art Gallery! Select pieces from the program will be on display Nov. 4-30. The Art of Science program celebrates the common ground between science and art, with images from IGB’s research portfolio enhanced to highlight the beauty and fascination of daily scientific endeavors.

  • Explore the Woods with Red Bison!

    Saturday, April 23, 9:40am – 12pm. A Bioblitz is an attempt to record a snapshot of a specific area’s plant and wildlife species within a restricted time period. We'll be using iNaturalist to upload photos, videos, and sounds to a worldwide database of observations created and curated by fellow naturalists. This is a great opportunity to get outdoors, develop your identification skills, and contribute to science. All are welcome, and no experience is required!

  • internship

    FAA 398 Sustainable Design Internship

    If you have obtained a part-time or full-time internship (spring, summer, or fall), you can enroll in a this 0-credit hour course so that experience is recognized on your transcript. There are minimal assignments to complete. Registration only with permission (submit your internship job description and offer letter to sustaindesign@illinois.edu prior to the 1st day of class).

  • internship

    FAA 398 Sustainable Design Internship

    If you have obtained a part-time or full-time internship, you can enroll in a this 0-credit hour course so that experience is recognized on your transcript. There are minimal assignments to complete. Registration only with permission (submit your internship job description and offer letter to sustaindesign@illinois.edu prior to the 1st day of class).

  • sustainable design

    FAA 491 Special Problems in Sustainable Design

    This course provides between 1 and 4 credit hours for directed independent creative activity or research. To enroll in this course you must have junior standing and a 3.3 GPA minimum. You must submit a plan for what your independent creative activity or research entails. Email sustaindesign@illinois.edu to enroll.

  • Origin Ventures Academy for Entrepreneurial Leadership

    Fall 2021 Applications are Open for the Illinois Impact Incubator

    Apply by Sept 20. The Illinois Impact Incubator is a co-curricular incubation program for students (all majors, levels) who have a passion to develop an idea or early-stage venture focused on social or environmental impact. All types of ventures are welcome (e.g., nonprofits, social enterprises, social businesses). Includes a structured Impact Bootcamp startup curriculum with workshops, curated  resources, peer feedback, access to mentors and expert advisors. Members are eligible for seed funding and micro-grants to support stakeholder discovery, prototyping, and pilot projects. Individuals or small teams may apply. 

  • isee congress

    Fall iSee Conference: Circular Food Systems

    Oct. 26-27 | The eighth iSEE Congress will return to the topic of feeding the world: providing a safe, secure supply of food and fuel to an ever-increasing human population using agricultural practices that are ecologically sustainable and adaptable to climate change. Influential speakers and panelists will offer cutting-edge thinking about advancing the sustainability of our agriculture and food systems. Register now>>>

  • FGI

    FGI Webinar: Use of Geomembranes in CCR Landfills and Impoundments

    Nov 11, 12–1 PM  Learn how the use of geomembranes provide base liners for coal combustion residuals (CCR) landfills, aiding in CCR landfill operational issues and closure systems for landfills and impoundments. Applications of geomembranes for CCR storage facilities will be discussed, as well as potential constructability issues that may impact the design of a landfill or pond closure.

  • Finding and Internship, IL Career Center

    Gaining experience while in college is very important when it comes to finding employment after graduation. Learn how to search for internships and other opportunities by using different search engines including Handshake, Illinois' campus-wide recruiting platform. Nov 4th 5-6pm. Register: go.illinois.edu/FindingAnInternship2. Also, check out BSSD internship info at https://faa.illinois.edu/current-students/career-services/sustainable-design

     

  • Flower (locally grown) Arranging Workshop@Allerton

    Meet us in the Allerton Mansion for a blooming night! We will learn about a variety of autumn flowers and basic floral designs to take your arrangements to the next level. Participants will have the opportunity to create beautiful floral arrangements (you can take home!) using technique and the fresh flowers and greenery grown on Delight Flower Farm. Find more information and register here. September 23, 6–8 pm • Allerton Park & Retreat Center

     

  • Follow Professor Eric Benson...

    www.climatedesigners.org

    www.re-nourish.org

    www.freshpress.studio … follow me on Instagram @freshpresspaper !

  • Bailey Scholarship

    FRED S. BAILEY SCHOLARSHIP FOR CAUSE DRIVEN LEADERS

    The Bailey Undergraduate awards are $3000 awards ($1500/semester) given each year to undergraduate students at the University of Illinois who have demonstrated positive impact and commitment as a result of service, community involvement, leadership, and action. Financial need and academic achievement will also be considered. University of Illinois - Urbana campus undergraduate students in all programs are eligible to apply. 

    For more information or to apply online, visit: universityymca.org/bailey/undergrad

  • FRED S. BAILEY SCHOLARSHIP FOR CAUSE DRIVEN LEADERS

    The Bailey Undergraduate awards are $3000 awards ($1500/semester) given each year to undergraduate students at UIUC who have demonstrated positive impact and commitment as a result of service, community involvement, leadership, and action. Financial need and academic achievement will also be considered. Application deadline: February 28. Note: A Sustainable Design major was awarded this scholarship once already, you could be next!

  • Fresh Press Sustainable Papermaking Apprenticeship

    This academic year, Fresh Press, a UIUC sustainable papermaking lab run by Graphic Design Associate Prof. Eric Benson is looking to train a new crop of papermakers to help out in paid commissions and an interdisciplinary research project with the Univ. of IL. Library Conservation Lab. No experience in papermaking is necessary, but an interest in climate action and sustainability in the arts is a must! Over the past 8 years, Fresh Press has trained some amazing folks. You can see a few here! Megan Diddie, Clair Reynes, Sophia Pipathsouk, Chloe Torri,Veronica Pham. If you'd like to set up a meeting to learn more about this opportunity, please reach out to Eric Benson at ebenson@illinois.edu

  • F&S Internship Opportunities

    (CHECK OUT THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE INTERN) F&S is dedicated to establishing a diverse and inclusive workplace that unleashes the talents of all employees to create value, deliver superior support, and develop innovative solutions for the campus community. That commitment is exemplified by student opportunities in the Diversity Internship Program. Roles in engineering, construction, communications, sustainability, etc., are available

  • Fulbright UK Summer Institute on Global Sustainability

    The Fulbright UK Summer Institute on Global Sustainability hosted by the University of Exeter is a four-week cultural and academic programme for undergraduate students, focusing on climate change issues in South West England. 

     

  • Geographic Information Science (GIS) Day poster competition & prizes!

    GIS Day is the annual salute to geographic information science (GIS) and geospatial technologies, which are applied across disciplines including agriculture, public health, and urban planning. This online event will include a keynote, opportunities to engage with corporate sponsors, and a student poster competition with cash prizes. STUDENTS: submit a poster or web map here by Sunday, Nov. 15. November 18, 10 AM • Zoom (Click to register in advance)

  • Get Fresh! Seasonal Food Program at ARC

    Get Fresh!

    Get Fresh! is a seasonal program that increases the availability, accessibility, and consumption of fresh produce on campus. Get Fresh! is cost-effective for all UIUC members. It's sponsored by Student Wellness, McKinley Health, and Student Sustainable Farm. Participants will pick up a Get Fresh! tote of fruits, vegetables, recipes and other resources at the ARC Instructional Kitchen on Tuesdays. 

    September 15–October 20, 1–4 pm • September 15 - October 20, 1-4 PM - Every Tuesday • ARC Instructional Kitchen

    Alana Harris • Department of Campus Recreation

  • Getting Involved in Environmental Policy Advocacy (during COVID-19 & beyond!)

    Join Illinois Environmental Council Executive Director, Jennifer Walling to learn more about the latest in environmental policy and politics in the State of Illinois and how you can get involved! From general strategies to specific opportunities to speak up and act, IEC will share ways you can shape policy for a greener world.

    Link to join Webinarhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/89394498689

  • Getting outside this fall- check out some interesting parks and paths around Champaign Urbana!

    Meadowbrook Park        Crystal Lake Park              Mattis Park and Boulware Trail

    Kickapoo Rail Trail            Robeson Meadows Trail                Long list of other options here!

  • Getting Started in Undergraduate Research Workshop (GSIRW) Virtual Edition

    During this workshop, we will discuss the various forms of undergraduate research that take place on campus, guide students to develop a plan of action to locate research opportunities on campus, and discuss ways to contact faculty research mentors. Students will leave the workshop with (1) a better understanding of undergraduate research and how it takes place on our campus, (2) increased confidence to contact faculty research mentors, and (3) a list of faculty mentors to contact.

    Participation is by advanced registration only; there are limited spots available. We have several date offerings available, students only should register for one date.

    Details and registration link can be found at: http://undergradresearch.illinois.edu/programs/workshops.html

  • GIS Day

    GIS DAY 2021

    Nov 17, 11am. Virtual & Illini Union. Geographic information science and systems (GIS) and geospatial technologies are applied across disciplines. This hybrid event will begin with a virtual student poster session followed by an in-person keynote by CS prof. Arindam Banerjee, career panel, and poster award ceremony. RSVP & Student Poster submissions (by 11/14).

  • GOALOOP - Connecting the World through Goals® hiring Innovation Interns

    Interns choose a specialty area such as Climate Change/Public Policy/Public Health/Social Causes. Apply by December 30. Based in New York City. Remote work allowed. An example of an interdisciplinary goal: Convince news anchors to report on the state of the climate as they do the stock market, daily, showing key metrics. (This goal includes outreach to climate scientists and others.) Underway at https://goaloop.com/takeaction/climate

     

  • Go for a walk or bike ride!

    Go for a walk or bike ride at any of these places around campus: 

    Red Oak Rain GardenArboretum & 4k/5k/6k/8k at the ArboretumJapan HouseHessel Park ; Boulware TrailKickapoo Rail Trail

  • Government Job Fair for public service careers

    Friday 11/13/2020 from 1-4pm on Handshake. Students and alumni seeking public services careers are invited to participate and meet with recruiters from a range of government areas, including city, county, state and federal. Register early for the available group and one to one sessions with recruiters.  Be aware the MOST of the employers at this fair will require CITIZENSHIP for their opportunities. Research each organization prior to the fair, prepare a professional resume and practice appropriate employer etiquette.

  • gov job fair

    Government Virtual Job Fair Nov. 5th from 1 to 4 pm CST

    Want to work for your local city government, another city, Conservation Corps, the FBI, IL Action for Children,  IL Housing Development Authority, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, Peace Corps, Illinois Tollway, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the USDA Forest Service or more? Attend the fair! You must register and you must show up for any sessions you register for.

  • Greener Campus Workshop

    Join us for this interactive workshop to learn more about iSEE's Certified Greener Campus Programs and how you can make your office, events, student organization, or fraternity/sorority more sustainable!4-5 p.m. | Thursday, Jan. 21 | Zoom link (Password 949274)

  • Green Quad Day

    Main Quad

    Friday, April 22nd (Earth Day)

    11am-3pm

    Join the Student Sustainability Leadership Council (SSLC) and a bevy of student environmental organizations on the Main Quad

    Organizer: Student Sustainability Leadership Council

    We would highly recommend you all attend so that you can learn about Green organizations and opportunities on campus!

  • Green Town Rockford

    Green Town Rockford: Free webinar on Building Equitable & Sustainable Communities

    Thursday, September 30, 10-11:30am. The climate crisis is upon us. GreenTown Rockford will address how climate solutions and equity go hand-in-hand to create a healthy, sustainable Rockford Region for all. Topics Include: Building locally equitable and sustainable food systems; Affordable housing and net-zero developments; Energy assistance programs. Speakers: Lindy Wordlaw, Elevate, Chicago, IL ; David Pope, Oak Park Residence Corporation, Oak Park, IL ; Reverend Marvin Hightower, Mount Zion Baptist Church, Rockford, IL ; Bryant Jones, Twin Cities Relief Initiative, Minneapolis, MN

  • Handshake Paid Internships in Chicago PART 1

    Chicago Commitment Intern - Summer 2021 and John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. The summer intern will focus on the Chicago Commitment areas: Advancing Leadership; Culture, Equity, and the Arts; and Vital Communities. Due May 31. (they also have a Social Impact and Communications Internship)

    Interior Design Intern at AECOM due April 25

    Real Estate / Hotel Development Internship at Grand Transformations LLC due July 1

    GIS Field Intern at Urban GIS due May 31

    UX Design Summer Intern at Intelsat due May 13

    INTERN, STRATEGIC & CORRIDOR PLANNING intern, and Regional Coordination Internship at Regional Transportation Authority due May 30

     

  • Handshake Paid Internships in Chicago PART 2

    Packaging Summer Intern at Barilla America due May 31

    Design Intern at KitchenLab Interiors due April 26

    Construction Cooperative Learning Experience & Internship at OSLO Builders due August 15

    Construction Intern (Architecture firm) at Epstein, due April 30

    Alight Campus - Product Design User Experience Intern at Alight Solutions due May 31

    Summer Internship at Ardagh Group -a leader in metal and glass packing solutions with a focus on sustainability due May 31

    Restoration Ecology Intern at Baxter&Woodman due April 30

    Seasonal Field Technician for Construction & Ecological Restoration Practice Area at V3 due October 31 (apply earlier for summer)  

  • umacs

    Healthy Planet, Healthy People: 2021 UMACS Conference

    Live virtual event Sept. 23-24; registration closes Sept. 21.The Upper Midwest Association for Campus Sustainability (UMACS) provides cutting-edge research and data from regional colleges and universities on policy and practice. The 2021 conference, "Healthy Planet, Healthy People: Advancing Justice in Challenging Times," focuses on recent health, social justice, and environmental challenges, including COVID-19, Black Lives Matter, and climate change.

  • Help Make Your Community Bike-Friendly!

    On behalf of Ride Illinois, the Champaign County Regional Planning Commission is hosting a daylong 2020 Illinois Bike Summit. Register to network with advocates, planners, engineers, and other professionals to learn about bikeway design, advocacy, programs, grants, and more! The keynote speaker is Bill Nesper, Executive Director of the League of American Bicyclists. In-depth online training for professionals is Monday, Sept. 14; continuing education credit available.Tuesday, Sept. 15 | Online

  • School of Art and Design

    Hiring Lab Assistants

    The School of Art + Design is hiring. Apply now!

  • iSee

    "How Can We Reduce Waste from Agricultural and Food Systems?"

    Nov 3, 12–1 PM. True food circularity must include waste reduction on the agricultural and consumer sides. Don't miss this third iSEE Congress webinar on "Circular Food Systems"

  • How to Find a Job in Sustainability Webinar

    Join our free webinar to hear from Bard faculty, students, and alumni to learn how to leverage your work experience into advancing your purpose-driven career! After the presentation, there will be a live Q&A. The webinar link will be sent upon completion of registration. Thurs Nov 12th, 5:30-6:30pm.

  • How to Use Adobe InDesign

    February 14, 10 am, Main Library Room 314. This Savvy Researcher workshop is designed for those with little to no experience with Adobe InDesign to help them learn the basics of using this document design program. https://uiuc.libcal.com/event/8792346

  • career fair

    Illini Career & Internship Fair

    Illini Career & Internship Fair is on Thursday, April 1st from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm virtually in Handshake!

     

    Register here for the Illini Career & Internship Fair, where you will have the chance to sign up for one-on-one and group sessions. This is your chance to speak directly with employers about job and internship opportunities! Registration in advance is required.

  • Illini Lights Out

    Join us to shut off lights in buildings around campus to save energy and reduce the environmental impact of our massive university! Students are invited to sign up for the remaining dates this semester: Feb. 25; March 25; and April 8 and 29.

    https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeb2EYdDc05Ou3OA6oyE4mDYHfyIo7bWLkHQR3RPZcf8uSeuQ/viewform

  • Illini Lights Out

    Student volunteers turn off lights in campus building to reduce energy, emissions, and money over the weekend5 p.m. | Friday, April 29 | Meet at Foreign Languages Building 

  • Extension

    Illinois' Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) Overview

    November 9, 11 AM–12 PM • CEJA will play a large role in the state’s efforts to scale up renewable energy, address climate change, and create equitable access to the new clean energy economy. This webinar will provide an overview of CEJAs many provisions, including decarbonization, renewable energy, equitable workforce development, utility accountability, and consumer protection. 

  • Illinois Club Scholarships

    Diverse and welcoming, The Illinois Club draws its membership from all areas of the University and the surrounding community.  This year, we will be awarding scholarships that range from $4,000-$4,500.

    Applications Open: September 8, 2020

    Application Deadline: 5 PM, October 17, 2020

    To apply for these scholarships, please complete the application at go.illinois.edu/TICScholarship

  • the illinois club

    Illinois Club Scholarships

    Due Oct 16 at 5pm. You must be an undergraduate at UIUC, have earned at least 60 credit hours by the beginning of the Spring 2022 semester, and graduate no earlier than December 2022. A minimum GPA of 3.0 at both the time of application and winning of award is also required.

  • Illinois Design Challenge

    Interested in creating innovative designs and products to push the boundaries of technology? This year's Illinois Design Challenge starts Thursday, April 14, runs through Sunday, April 17, and is open to all.

  • IEJP

    Illinois Economic Justice Program (IEJP)

    App due Sept 30. IEJP is an inclusive entrepreneurship outreach initiative to support local enterprises created by women, BIPOC, veterans, and other underserved entrepreneurs. It creates opportunities for transformational learning, economic inclusion, and social impact. We anticipate a variety of experiential learning opportunities for students, including social media, web development, graphic design, multimedia, and software development.

  • Illinois Enactus Information Night

    Join us Monday, February 8th at 7:00 pm via Zoom conference to learn more about the mission of Illinois Enactus. We strive to contribute to sustainable development goals all around the world. Groups of students from all majors develop collaborative business ventures that work towards social, economic, and environmental equality in all communities. We encourage all majors to apply to join our projects to eliminate waste, provide quality education, tackle social injustice, and more. 

  • now hiring

    Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant hiring interns for summer 2021

    Five positions available for the 2021 Summer Internship Program. Successful applicants will work closely with IISG staff on issues affecting the Great Lakes. These paid internships can include research, communications and outreach components. Internships are available in the following areas: Climate Communication; Great Lakes Education; Sustainable Communities; Water Quality; Youth Education

  • Illinois Innovation Prize

    Are you a creative and passionate student working towards solutions that could have a positive societal impact? Innovations developed as a response to the pandemic are encouraged as this illustrates the power of innovation during times of ambiguity and uncertainty. The IIP is for $20,000 and students must be nominated by a faculty member, mentor, or advisor- contact us at sustaindesign@illinois.edu if you think you deserve to be nominated!