Student Sustainability Fee Committee
(1)e23b28a4-1216-4f5c-b686-bf86701e5afb.jpg?sfvrsn=baba63c7_13 "Student volunteer working in greenhouse")
The CMU Student Sustainability Fee Committee is a committee of up to seven students, elected by the student body, who oversee the allocation of the optional $5 Student Sustainability Fee. The committee’s primary responsibilities are to collect, consider, select, and provide funding support for campus sustainability projects proposed by CMU students.
The Committee supports CMU’s strategic goals by allocating funds to impactful projects that directly contribute to sustainable campus operations. Previously approved projects include securing access to menstrual products in CMU bathrooms, increasing the number of water bottle filling stations on campus, and campus garden improvements. Each project proposal is evaluated to ensure alignment with CMU’s sustainability goals and strategic priorities before funding approval.
Additionally, the Committee supports CMU's strategic commitment to community engagement and enhancing organizational culture by engaging students, faculty, and staff in the proposal, selection, and implementation of each project, ensuring each project reflects the CMU community's needs and priorities.
What is the Student Sustainability Fee?
CMU introduced an optional Student Sustainability Fee beginning in Fall 2024 as part of our ongoing commitment to promoting sustainability. This fee was established in response to a request from the CMU SGA. The funds collected through this fee support initiatives that advance sustainability efforts at CMU. A committee of six students has been elected by the student body to oversee the allocation of these funds. This is to ensure the money is used effectively to promote student-supported sustainability projects that will impact the CMU community.
2024-25 Student Sustainability Fee Projects
Beginning in fall of 2025, the Student Sustainability Fee Committee (SSFC) formed and worked with students across campus to identify and fund student-led sustainability projects that will benefit the campus community. In its first year, the SSFC funded 7 student-proposed projects. Many of the projects funded in the inaugural year are already complete. Two major facilities projects well under way and the campus will see the on-going impact throughout the 2025-2026 year. An overview of each project and the project status are below:
- 2025 Leadership & Sustainability Alternative Summer Break: The student volunteer group received $6,600 to support the cost of their break where they learned about sustainability within the National Parks. Status: Complete
- Menstrual Product Project: This SGA spearheaded project received $45,540 to install and supply new menstrual product dispensers in restrooms across campus for free to the campus community. Status: In Progress
- Campus Garden Improvements: Central Sustainability received $4,824.93 to support campus garden improvements such as a shed, shared tools, signage, seeds, and tarps. Status: Complete
- Pride Index Membership: Students, in partnership with the Office of LGBTQ+ & Gender Equity Programs, requested $150 in funding to support a membership to the Campus Pride Index. Status: Complete
- Water Bottle Filling Stations: Central Sustainability received $30,000 to install additional water bottle filling stations across campus. Status: In Progress
- Central Sustainability Funding: Central Sustainability received $25,508.37 in funding to support their student staffing and program supplies so they can provide sustainability programs, resources, and services to the campus community. Status: Complete
- Professional Organization Memberships: Central Sustainability received $2,250 to support CMU's membership in several national sustainabilty organizations that provide resources and support for campus-based projects. Status: Complete
- Operational Allocation for the Student Sustainability Fee Committee: The Committee allocated $371.70 for committee operations such as printing to promote proposal applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Student Sustainability Fee?
The Student Sustainability Fee is an optional $5 fee assessed during the fall and spring semesters. Students who do not wish to contribute to the Student Sustainability Fee have the option to opt out.
Do I have to pay the Student Sustainability Fee?
The Student Sustainability Fee is optional for all students. The fee applies to all students/programs except those also exempted from the current Student Services Fee. For an exemption list, please visit the Student Services Fee section of yourCMU Bulletin.Additionally any student may opt out of the Student Sustainability Fee by completing the Opt Out form. The Opt Out form opens for several weeks before classes begin each fall and spring semester and closes after the opt out deadline each semester.
What projects has the Student Sustainability Fee funded?
In its inaugural year, the Student Sustainability fee funded seven (7) projects. Each of these projects was submitted by students to improve CMU through sustainability efforts. Five of the projects are completed already and two are in progress. Some of the impacts you will see from the fee include improvements for the campus garden, additional water bottle filling stations, and free menstrual products around campus. For a complete listing of funded projects please see the Student Sustainability Fee Projects section of this webpage.
Student Sustainability Fee Committee History
The Student Sustainability Fee Committee (SSFC), started in Fall 2024, was created by students for students to implement student-proposed and -prioritized sustainability projects on campus. Please read below for a timeline of the progress on this student initiative.
March 25, 2024: The 104th Student Government Association passed SGA Joint Resolution S.2024.001, advocating for an optional $5 sustainability fee to support and advance campus sustainability efforts.
June 25, 2024: The CMU Board of Trustees approved the implementation of the requested optional Student Sustainability Fee.
August 2024: The first Student Sustainability Fee was implemented.
November 9, 2024: The first Student Sustainability Fee Committee members were elected by the student body.
December 6, 2024: The first Student Sustainability Fee Committee meeting was held in Ronan Hall.
March 19, 2025: The first Student Sustainability Fee project proposal was received.
April 7-12, 2025: The second Student Sustainability Fee Committee election was completed.
April 9, 2025: The first Student Sustainability Fee proposal was approved by the Committee.
April 22, 2025: All contacts for proposals approved by the first Student Sustainability Fee Committee were notified of their approval and projects began.
Fall 2025: The second year of the Student Sustainability Fee Committee is underway.