Campus Sustainability Month 2020

Campus Sustainability Month 2020

Kent State University is proud to participate in Campus Sustainability Month throughout October. This annual event, hosted by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), celebrates higher education sustainability achievements while raising awareness of the value of sustainability in higher education. During Campus Sustainability Month, institutions around the world engage and inspire incoming students and other campus stakeholders to become leaders for sustainability and celebrate successes.

To celebrate and kick off a new year of sustainability advancements, we are hosting or are promoting the sustainability-related events occurring during October at Kent State University listed below. 

We hope you will join as we celebrate our sustainability successes during #CampusSustainabilityMonth and throughout the rest of the year!

VIEW AASHE'S CAMPUS SUSTAINABILITY MONTH INFO

Join us for a celebration of Campus Sustainability Month events at Kent State University! With your ideas, support and involvement, campus sustainability advancements will continue throughout the year! 

2020 Kent State University Campus Sustainability Month Sustainability-Related Events

Scroll down for more details

  • Bra Recycling Drive October 5 - Nov. 6
  • Wick Poetry Center & Center for Earth Ethics: Earth Stanza Poem
  • Project Green Challenge
  • Earth Challenge 2020
  • Environmental Science and Design Research Initiative October Events
  • Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative Fall 2020 Friday Lunch Lectures
  • Recreational Services events
  • Kent State of Well-being free online meditation
  • Kent State of Well-being Koru Mindfulness 
  • Volunteer with Kent State Votes
  • Honors College: Career Conversations Scientific Research Oct. 8
  • Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship:  Entrepreneurship Speaker Series Jens Molbak, “Tri-Sector Innovation: A Transformative Strategy for Collaborative Entrepreneurship.” Oct. 21
  • Student Multicultural Center Kent Talks Equal Representation in the Media Oct. 21
  • Career Exploration and Development: Public Health Virtual Career Fair Oct. 29

Sustainability Conferences/ Related Events

KSU CAMPUS SUSTAINABILITY MONTH BINGO GAME

 

KSU CSM Bingo Card

8th Annual Bra Recycling Drive

Kent State University’s Office of Sustainability and the Women’s Center are hosting a bra recycling drive from Oct. 5 through Nov. 6, to collect reusable or worn-out bras and reduce the number of textiles in landfills. Bras that are in good condition will be donated to the Phyllis Zumkehr County Clothing Center, and worn-out bras will be recycled. 

BRA RECYCLING DRIVE DROP-OFF LOCATIONS

Wick Poetry Center & Center for Earth Ethics: Earth Stanza Poem

The first Earth Day was organized 50 years ago on April 22, 1970, giving birth to the modern environmental movement and engaging more than 190 countries and a billion people worldwide in environmental advocacy. On the occasion of this important anniversary, we have launched Earth Stanzas, eight poems that engage the beauty, depth, and interconnectedness of the Earth and invite readers to respond with their own poetic voice. We also invite readers to use the Wick Poetry Center’s Emerge™ application to create digital erasure poetry from a pool of unusual primary source texts related to the environmental issues. This project was launched by the Wick Poetry Center, in Kent State University’s College of Arts and Sciences, and the Center for Earth Ethics at Union Theological Seminary.

SHARE YOUR VOICE: CONTRIBUTE TO COMMUNITY POEM, CREATE AN EMERGE POEM AND MORE!

Project Green Challenge

Starting on October 1, Project Green Challenge (PGC) will inform, inspire and we hope mobilize high school, college, and grad school students globally. This powerful and diverse call to action, particularly during the time of COVID-19, features 30 days of environmentally themed challenges. We hope to touch lives, shift mindsets and equip students with knowledge, resources and mentorship to lead the change on campuses and communities across the globe.

Through conscious living, informed consumption, and individual and collective action, PGC participants are challenged to envision and work toward the healthy, just, and thriving planet they want to live in. Each day during the month of October, a uniquely themed challenge will be delivered to registered PGC participants by email at 6 am Pacific Time. Each challenge will be live for 24 hours inviting participants to complete actions and upload deliverables to acquire points. At the end of the 30 days, up to 16 PGC Finalists are selected and will join Turning Green for a two-day Zoom finals on Nov. 21 & 22. An in-person three-day PGC Finals will take place in San Francisco during Earth Month, April 2021 (pending state and local COVID-19 restrictions). Each finalist will have a chance at winning a $5,000 Green Award based on completing a Climate Action Project that they develop.

PROJECT GREEN CHALLENGE

Earth Challenge 2020

Earth Challenge 2020 Is the World’s Largest Coordinated Citizen Science Campaign. Together We Can Advance Research & Action on Global Issues Like Climate Change.

Beginning in April 2020, Earth Challenge 2020 helps engage millions of people while integrating billions of data points from new and ongoing citizen science projects. Right now we are trying to understand how insect populations like bees are changing. Collect data on bees today, or support research on air quality, plastics, and food security anytime!

In citizen science, public volunteers contribute to scientific research. Earth Challenge 2020 seeks to become the world’s largest coordinated citizen science campaign by developing a new mobile application for data collection, and a platform for global citizen science data. Through the mobile app, Earth Challenge 2020 empowers people around the world to monitor threats to environmental and human health in their communities. After sharing data, people can take action to drive policy change. A new open data platform will make it easier for researchers around the world to find and access high-quality information, and use citizen science data for international policy assessments like the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Earth Challenge 2020 is a global partnership coordinated by Earth Day Network, the Wilson Center, and the U.S. Department of State.

EARTH CHALLENGE 2020

Kent State of Well-being Free Online Meditation

Are you feeling stressed out from all the recent adjustments you’ve had to make this semester? Is news about the coronavirus pandemic leaving you anxious?

Kent State of Well-being, Kent State University’s healthy campus initiative, is hosting free facilitated online meditation sessions each weekday. Meditation sessions last 30 minutes and are open to all members of the Kent State community. There is no obligation to attend. You can choose when you decide to participate.

Fall 2020 Schedule

  • Mondays from 7-7:30 p.m.
  • Tuesdays from 4-4:30 p.m.
  • Wednesdays from 1-1:30 p.m.
  • Thursdays from 4:30-5 p.m.
  • Fridays from noon-12:30 p.m.

REGISTER FOR A MEDITATION SESSION

KENT STATE OF WELL-BEING MEDITATION

Kent State of Well-being Koru Mindfulness

Discover how to incorporate mindfulness skills and meditation into your life to better manage stress during a free, four-week, 75-minute mindfulness class at Kent State University. Kent State of Well-being, a university-level initiative to promote health and wellness, is offering Kent State faculty, staff and students the opportunity to learn Koru Mindfulness, an evidence-based training specifically designed for emerging adults.

KENT STATE OF WELL-BEING KORU MINDFULNESS

OCTOBER CLASSES:

Koru Basic: Thursday Evening Class -- Virtual
Oct. 1, 8, 15 and 22 (5-6:15 p.m.)
Register here

Koru Basic: Tuesday Afternoon Class -- Virtual
Oct. 20, 27, and Nov. 3 and 10 (12:30-1:45 p.m.)
Register here

Koru 2.0: Wednesday Evening Class -- Virtual (Must have completed Koru Basic to enroll)
Oct. 7, 14, 21 and 28 (5-6:15 p.m.)
Register here

Volunteer with Kent State Votes

This year, we’re going to help every single Kent State student vote.

Using the Campus Canvass strategy, Kent State Votes will use texting and social media to make contact with student peers. Whether on-campus or not, Kent State Votes sustained messaging will make it easier for students to register, understand ballot requirements, and actually vote.

VOLUNTEER FORM

ABOUT KENT STATE VOTES

Oct. 1: Recreational Services Stand-Up Paddleboarding Wingfoot Lake
6-8 p.m.

Our experienced instructors will give a brief lesson on how to stand up paddleboard (SUP) and then you will have the unique opportunity to SUP on a beautiful lake. Pre-registration is required.

Online Registration

RECREATIONAL SERVICES

Oct. 3: Recreational Services Hike and River Stand-Up Paddleboard
2-4:30 p.m.

This trip will be held locally on the Cuyahoga River. Meet at Middlebury Bridge and hike on the Hike and Bike Trail to Tannery Park. Then hop on SUP and paddle back. Pre-registration is required.

Online Registration

RECREATIONAL SERVICES

Oct. 4: Recreational Services 2020 Virtual Bowman Cup 5K Run/Walk
12-8 p.m.

This year we have gone virtual! Join us for the 2020 Virtual Bowman Cup 5k Walk/Run the week of Oct. 4 - 10, 2020. The race, named after fedora-loving former Kent State University President Dr. George Bowman, will take place during Kent State University Spirit Week.

Additional information online

RECREATIONAL SERVICES

Oct. 4: Recreational Services Stand Up Paddle-Boarding Wingfoot Lake
1-3 p.m.

Experienced instructors will give a brief lesson on how to stand up paddle-board (SUP) and then you will have the unique opportunity to SUP on a beautiful lake. Pre-registration is required.

Online Registration

RECREATIONAL SERVICES

Oct. 6: Recreational Services Introduction to Climbing Clinic
5:30-8 p.m.

This two-and-a-half-hour program covers the basics of indoor climbing. Limit 4 participants.
Pre-registration is required.

Online Registration

RECREATIONAL SERVICES

Oct. 8: Honors College: Career Conversations Scientific Research
4-5 p.m.

Over 50 alumni from across the globe will be participating in this fall's 3rd annual Career Conversations series. These conversations will be virtual and bring Kent State students and alumni volunteers together via Google Meet. Further details, the full schedule and links to join the conversations can be found here – https://www.kent.edu/honors/CareerConversations2020

Each session will feature alumni panelists from the same industry sharing information and advice about their field in a casual Q&A setting. The virtual format will give alumni the unique chance to show off their work space and discuss how the pandemic has affected their industry.

Students can join and leave sessions as their schedule allows. All students, faculty and staff are welcome to attend (not just Honors)! 

Scientific Research

Conversation Link
  • Dr. Jessica Maisano, Research Associate, The University of Texas at Austin
  • Harlee Rush, PhD Student, Kent State University
  • Dr. Ann Stankiewicz, Senior Study Management Leader, Roche Diagnostics Operations

HONORS COLLEGE CAREER CONVERSATIONS

Oct. 9: ESDRI Biology Seminar: Ariane Peralta, East Carolina University, "Consequences and considerations of multiple stressors on wetland soil microbiomes"
12 p.m.

Biology Seminar, 12 noon, Link to attend in Blackboard Collaborate

Abstract: Humans continue to manipulate ecosystems in ways that disrupt microbiomes in coupled human and natural systems. Subsequent modifications to the hydrologic cycle and addition of nutrients from human enterprises cause dramatic shifts in terrestrial and aquatic microbial communities, ultimately influencing flows of carbon and nutrients through land, water, and the atmosphere. Research in the Peralta lab examines the extent to which climate and human-induced environmental change influence microbial community structure and function. This seminar will highlight ongoing research examining how hydrology, nutrient enrichment, and plant inputs affect microbial community structure and function. Accounting for variability associated with the microbial response to environmental change can reduce uncertainty in predicting ecosystem function in support of climate change mitigation.

SUBSCRIBE TO ESDRI EMAILS

Oct. 9: CUDC Sabrina Dorsainvil, Director of Civic Design, Boston Mayor’s Office of New Urban Mechanics
12 p.m.

This fall the CUDC is excited to continue to celebrate our 20th anniversary by holding a series of free and open to the public virtual programs that bring local and national experts to our community. We invite you to join us for each conversation. 

Sabrina Dorsainvil, Director of Civic Design, Boston Mayor’s Office of New Urban Mechanics

RSVP

CUDC FRIDAY LUNCH LECTURES

Oct. 16: ESDRI Biology Seminar: Sasha Reed, USGS Southwest Biological Science Center "Dryland Responses to change: a biogeochemical perspective"
12 p.m.

Biology Seminar, 12 noon, Check ESDRI email the week of the talk for link to attend remotely

SUBSCRIBE TO ESDRI EMAILS

Oct. 16: ESDRI Geology Colloquium Joe Ortiz, Kent State University  Geology Department
1:15 p.m.

Geology Colloquium, 1:15 pm, Check email the week of the talk for link to attend remotely

SUBSCRIBE TO ESDRI EMAILS

Oct. 16: CUDC Quardean Lewis-Allen, Founder and CEO of Made in Brownsville/ Youth Design Center
12 p.m.

This Fall the CUDC is excited to continue to celebrate our 20th anniversary by holding a series of free and open to the public virtual programs that bring local and national experts to our community. We invite you to join us for each conversation. 

Oct. 16: Quardean Lewis-Allen, Founder and CEO of Made in Brownsville/ Youth Design Center 

RSVP

CUDC FRIDAY LUNCH LECTURES

 

Oct. 21: Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship Speaker Series: Jens Molbak  "Tri-Sector Innovation: A Transformative Strategy for Collaborative Entrepreneurship"
7 p.m.

The fall 2020 Michael D. Solomon Entrepreneurship Speaker Series featuring Jens Molbak, CEO/founder of NewImpact, will take place virtually via Microsoft Teams on Wednesday, October 21. Molbak will present, “Tri-Sector Innovation: A Transformative Strategy for Collaborative Entrepreneurship.” The talk will begin at 7 p.m.

REGISTER

Oct. 21: Kent Talks Equal Representation in the Media
6-8 p.m.

Join the Leadership Center and Student Multicultural Center in a conversation about how we got to this point of contention, where we can go from here, and what has shaped the beliefs that we hold.

KENT TALKS EQUAL REPRESENTATION IN THE MEDIA

Oct. 23: ESDRI Geology Colloquium Allyson Tessin, Kent State University  Geology Department
1:15 p.m.

Geology Colloquium, 1:15 p.m. Check email the week of the talk for link to attend remotely.

SUBSCRIBE TO ESDRI EMAILS

Oct. 23: CUDC Nina Rappaport and Robert N. Lane, Editors of The Design of Urban Manufacturing
12 p.m.

This Fall the CUDC is excited to continue to celebrate our 20th anniversary by holding a series of free and open to the public virtual programs that bring local and national experts to our community. We invite you to join us for each conversation. 

Oct. 23rd: Nina Rappaport and Robert N. Lane, Editors of The Design of Urban Manufacturing

RSVP

CUDC FRIDAY LUNCH LECTURES

Oct. 26: Recreational Services Introduction to Climbing Clinic
5:30-8 p.m.

This two-and-a-half hour program covers the basics of indoor climbing. Limit 4 participants.
Pre-registration is required.

Online Registration

RECREATIONAL SERVICES

Oct. 29: Career Exploration and Development: Public Health Virtual Career Fair
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Registration via the link is required. This event will take place in Handshake.

The Public Health Career Fair is taking place on Thursday, Oct. 29 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. EST. This event will take place 100% virtually in Handshake and will allow you to connect with employers through 1-on-1 video sessions and group video sessions to learn about a variety of employment opportunities!

The Public Health Career Fair is open to ALL Kent State students and alumni of all campuses seeking:

  • Full-time, part-time and internship opportunities

  • Graduate program information

  • Industry information

  • Networking contacts

Registration is REQUIRED to participate in the fair. To register, click HERE.

Oct. 30: ESDRI Geology Colloquium Jeremy Williams, Kent State University Geology Department
1:15 p.m.

Geology Colloquium, 1:15 p.m. Check email the week of the talk for link to attend remotely

SUBSCRIBE TO ESDRI EMAILS

Oct. 30: CUDC LAND AS RESOURCE — New Models for Thriving with the Land
12 p.m.

This fall the CUDC is excited to continue to celebrate our 20th anniversary by holding a series of free and open to the public virtual programs that bring local and national experts to our community. We invite you to join us for each conversation. 

Oct. 30: LAND AS RESOURCE — New Models for Thriving with the Land
A conversation on The American Roundtable by teams looking at West Virginia (Merritt Chase), North Carolina and Youngstown/Warren Ohio (CUDC). Moderated by the Architectural League of New York.

RSVP

CUDC FRIDAY LUNCH LECTURES

SUSTAINABILITY CONFERENCES

Oct. 11-17: Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Geological Survey Earth Science Week

Each year during the second week of October, the ODNR Division of Geological Survey invites Ohioans to celebrate Earth Science Week. This annual celebration offers opportunities to discover the earth sciences and engage in stewardship of our planet. Earth Science Week 2020 takes place Oct. 11–17. This year's theme is "Earth Materials in Our Lives" and highlights the many ways that natural resources impact humans and the ways human activities impact these materials.

EARTH SCIENCE WEEK IN OHIO

EARTH SCIENCE WEEK

Oct. 14 and 15: Sustainable Cleveland 2020 Virtual Summit

Since 2009, Mayor Frank G. Jackson’s Sustainable Cleveland initiative has engaged more than 15,000 people from all walks of life, working together to design and develop a thriving and resilient Cleveland region. Over the past 11 years, Sustainable Cleveland has supported collaboration and action to make Cleveland a greener, cleaner place to live, work and play for all. From improved water and air quality to increases in bike infrastructure and clean energy, Sustainable Cleveland has come a long way... but we know there's more work to do.

We invite you to attend the Sustainable Cleveland 2020 Virtual Summit from Oct. 14 -15. We will celebrate the many people and organizations that have gotten us this far, and build off this foundation for even greater progress. The summit will include remarks from Mayor Frank Jackson, keynote presentations, recognition and awards, facilitated discussions on key priorities going forward, and much more. Through the 2020 Summit we will:

  • Celebrate Cleveland’s progress in sustainability since 2009.
  • Share stories of collaboration and action inspired through the SC initiative.
  • Recognize individuals, organizations, and businesses leading by example to advance sustainability in Cleveland.
  • Feature keynote presentations focused on creating a more sustainable and equitable economy.
  • Advance Cleveland Climate Action Plan priorities that require community-wide action, such as reaching 100% renewable electricity, trees, access to vibrant green space, sustainable transportation, clean water, and creating a circular economy.
  • Continue charting our collective path forward for continued engagement in sustainability and climate action.

We thank the summit sponsors not only for making this event possible but for being critical partners in sustainability.

REGISTER TODAY!

SUSTAINABLE CLEVELAND 2020 VIRTUAL SUMMIT

Oct. 15 and 16: Hands on Sustainability 2025

Guide Summit County towards its sustainable destiny! Attend Hands On Sustainability 2025, Summit County’s participatory sustainability conference. This year we discuss Air, and the challenges and opportunities of stewarding our resources to their, and our, optimal health. Festivities and keynote presentation by Miles Keogh (National Association of Clean Air Agencies) on Oct. 15 at 6 p.m.; join discussion tables and working groups on Oct. 16 via Zoom from 9-5 p.m.

Registration to attend the Oct. 16 working day, with scholarships available. Sponsored by Akron Waterways Renewed, Summit Soil & Water Conservation District, Big Love Network, the city of Akron, Bridgestone, and many community partners. #handson2025 #sustainableakron #sustainablesummit http://www.sustainability.love

Join us. Oct. 15. FREE Registration: Registration coming soon. Oct. 16 Conference: Registration coming soon.

HANDS ON SUSTAINABILITY 2025

HANDS ON SUSTAINABILITY ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Oct. 20-22: Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education Virtual Global Conference

The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education’s (AASHE’s) virtual Global Conference on Sustainability in Higher Education is the largest stage to exchange effective models, policies, research, collaborations and transformative actions that advance sustainability in higher education and surrounding communities. 

The Global Conference on Sustainability in Higher Education will deliver the same inspiring content, engaging networking opportunities, and thought-provoking keynote speakers and presenters we celebrate each year in person – now virtually produced with the opportunity for an even larger global audience of innovative professionals committed to a more sustainable future.

AASHE CONFERENCE