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Tours

1. Self-Guided Sustainability Tour

   The University of South Dakota has taken significant steps via student-led projects aimed at furthering campus sustainability efforts.

   Stops

   1. Charlie’s Career Closet

      Located on the first floor of East Hall, Charlie's Career Closet provides new and gently-used professional attire to USD students at no cost.

      By offering this resource to all students and giving new life to used clothing, the Closet supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and 12 (Responsible Consumption & Production).

      For hours and donation drop-off locations, visit the Charlie’s Career Closet webpage.

   2. Charlie’s Cupboard

      Recognizing the need to address food insecurity at USD, students created Charlie’s Cupboard to offer free food to fellow students.

      This on-campus food pantry helps USD achieve United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger).

      For more information, visit the Charlie’s Cupboard webpage.

   3. Sanford Coyotes Sports Center

      The Sanford Coyotes Sports Center earned a silver rating from LEED, a globally recognized system for measuring the sustainability of buildings based on energy efficiency, water conservation, air quality, and other metrics. Other LEED certified buildings on campus include the Muenster University Center, Wellness Center, Coyote Village, Lee Medicine & Science Building, and the Center for Health Education.

      LEED certification supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure).

   4. Native Landscaping

      On the east side of Slagle Hall, USD Grounds & Landscaping maintains an area of plants native to our region. This is one of many native gardens around campus! Native plants conserve water, protect soil from erosion, feed pollinators, provide habitat, and require minimal or no pesticide.

      Native landscaping supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities & Communities) and 15 (Life on Land).

   5. Akeley-Lawrence Science Center

       Akeley-Lawrence Science Center is home to the Department of Sustainability & Environment, a regional leader in sustainability education. USD is one of the only universities in the country to offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in sustainability from a minor through a doctorate.

      The Department’s efforts support United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education).

      To learn more, visit the Department of Sustainability & Environment webpage.

   6. North Complex

      North Complex houses the Sustainability Living Learning Community (LLC), where students interested in sustainability live together and enjoy activities that make a difference.

      As a supportive and empowering community, the LLC promotes United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health & Wellbeing).

      To learn more about this and other LLCs, visit the LLC webpage.

   7. Muenster University Center

      The MUC is USD’s student union and home to several sustainability initiatives. The bike rack on the MUC’s north side hosts bicycles that students can check out at the information desk inside. Coyote Dining offers plant-based options and donates meal swipes to students dealing with food insecurity. The Student Government Association has their office on the first floor across from Charlie’s Bookstore & Fan Shop and has supported and advocated for sustainability.

      The second floor hosts the Office for Multicultural Affairs, which works to make USD a welcoming place for all, particularly by advising USD’s multicultural student organizations. The Office of Service Learning helps students find meaningful volunteer experiences.

      Together, these initiatives support United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger), 3 (Good Health & Wellbeing), 10 (Reduced Inequalities), 12 (Responsible Consumption & Production), and 16 (Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions).

      Learn more on the Sustainability Initiatives webpage.

   8. Recycling

      Each building on campus has centralized recycling bins managed by Facilities Management, which employs students. In addition to saving landfill space, recycling creates jobs and conserves energy and resources needed to make new products from raw materials.

      Recycling promotes United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities & Communities) and 12 (Responsible Consumption & Production).

      To learn what you can and can’t recycle on campus, visit Millennium Recycling’s website.

   9. Sculpture Garden

      On the east side of the Warren M. Lee Center for the Fine Arts, the Sculpture Garden hosts art and garden projects, giving everyone a place to enjoy both. The garden uses the “Three Sisters” method of planting corn, beans, and squash together for the benefit of all.

      The garden supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health & Wellbeing) and 15 (Life on Land).