Student life
Highlights
SEJF
The Sustainability, Equity, and Justice Fund (SEJF) was created in 2005 (then called the Green Energy Fee) to help advance campus-based sustainability initiatives. In 2010, the fund began offering grants to support student-centered projects that positively impact campus sustainability; this grant program is now the main focus of SEJF. In 2024-2025 alone, SEJF awarded $116,120 in grant funding; these projects addressed a variety of topics, such as: reproductive justice, outdoor gear lending, community events, and on-campus infrastructure improvements. The amazing work this program does is made possible through a $9 fee that most WWU students pay each quarter. If you are interested in learning more about past projects or applying for a grant, visit the SEJF website.
Applied Learning Programs
Western offers multiple applied learning programs. The Sustainability Pathways program is offered through the College of the Environment and provides students with a chance to engage in hands-on learning in rural areas of North-Central Washington. The Climate Leadership Certificate (CLC) is a two-year program, run by SEI. CLC provides students with opportunities to acquire the skills and knowledge needed for the critical work of protecting the climate. Both programs offer paid summer practicums, including roles in the Methow Valley and Whatcom County where students from both programs have a chance to work with community groups and exchange skills and knowledge.
L.E.A.D.
The Learning, Environment, Action, Discovery (L.E.A.D.) program is a student-led restoration program, which has been operating at Western for over 30 years. L.E.A.D. regularly hosts work parties and provides unique learning experiences for Western students. One notable project L.E.A.D. has been working on lately is the Miyawaki Method Mini-Forest located on the north side of campus. This project utilizes the Miyawaki method of afforestation which focuses on planting native species densely together. This leads to the forest growing rapidly and becoming self-sustaining in 2-3 years.
Did You Know?
Some Ways Students can get Involved in Sustainability Work on and off Campus
Western’s student body deeply values and prioritizes sustainability. As a result, Western has a wide array of sustainability focused clubs/groups/opportunities.