Every October, universities around the country focus their efforts on Sustainability. The association that guides our office, AASHE, has more information about national activities and ideas for remote participation.

On the UTRGV campuses, we're making strides towards a sustainable campus in many ways, which is represented by our diverse activity schedule for the month. Check out some of the activities happening around the school, and learn about the Sustainable Development Goal that each one contributes to!  

Month-long:

Volunteer at the UTRGV Agroecology Research Garden!

• Thursdays:  5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
• Fridays:  8:00AM - 10:00 AM

EUREC Mile-High Climb Challenge

Oct. 28 - Zombie Scavenger Hunt

Via UTRGV Rider: "UTRGV students will get the chance to search for the “cure to the zombie apocalypse” Oct. 28 at the first Zombie Scavenger Hunt hosted by Lecturer III Marianita Escamilla’s English 1301 writing class.

The event will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. and is being sponsored by the Department of Writing and Language Studies and the Student Union.

The hunt begins at the Chapel lawn on the Edinburg campus and ends at a mystery location that participants will discover through the night. 

“The whole point is to find the cure for the zombie apocalypse,” Escamilla said. “And what’s going to happen is my students are going to be stationed at different areas on campus. … We’re doing a series of riddles and activities at each spot to have people progress to the next step.”

Read more: https://www.utrgvrider.com/english-class-to-host-zombie-scavenger-hunt/

Oct. 30 - Campus Sustainability Day - Farmer's Market & Movie

Join us as we screen a documentary in the Student Union Theater at 2pm! 

Pick up some fresh, organic produce and a tasty vegetarian snack from the Environmental Awareness Club's Farmer's Market, held at the Chapel Lawn from 10:30 AM - 2PM!

Documentary Synopsis: 

"In this beautifully photographed tour de force of original thinking, Academy Award winner, Jeff Bridges shares the screen with scientists, profound thinkers and a dazzling array of Earth’s living creatures to reveal eye-opening concepts about ourselves and our past, providing fresh insights into our subconscious motivations and their unintended consequences.  

Living in the Future's Past shows how no one can predict how major changes might emerge from the spontaneous actions of the many.  How energy takes many forms as it moves through and animates everything.  How, as we come to understand our true connection to all there is, we will need to redefine our expectations, not as what we will lose, but what we might gain by preparing for something different."  - https://www.livinginthefuturespastfilm.com

October 3 - Spooky TED Talks

The Center of Excellence in STEM Education will be hosting multiple TED Talks in celebration of this spooky time of year! The following are fun ways to enhance your understanding of how mental health factors into SDG 11, Sustainable Cities and Communities. 3:30PM – 4:30PM in EMAGC 2.412 or via zoom.

• The Psychology of Evil
• Exploring the Mind of a Killer
• The Scientific Approach to the Paranormal

October 8 - Building and Creating Your Own Resume

The Center of Excellence in STEM Education will be having a  Building and Creating Your Own Resume workshop presented by our own Biology Department’s Dr. Frank Dirrigl. Understand how to translate your skills and experience into an effective resume that catch the attention of employers in the industry, and contribute to SDG 8, Decent Work and Economic Growth. 3:30PM – 4:30PM in EMAGC 2.412 or via zoom.

Oct. 8 & 10 – Employee Wellness presents “Organic Home Gardening”

The Center for Sustainable Agriculture & Rural Advancement partners with the UTRGV Office of HR to offer this workshop (for faculty only) to learn how to grow healthy, organic produce at home and learn about plants that grow well in our region. Contribute to your personal SDG #3, Good Health and Wellbeing, plus #12, Responsible Consumption and Production!

• Oct. 8: 1:30 – 3PM. ESTUN 2.418 (Palmetto room)
• Oct. 10:  1:30 – 3:30 PM BCRTZ 118 (Cortez Hall)

Oct 8 - Pops & Pics with Student Accessibility Services

Join us as we kick-off our Accessibility Awareness Month events. Enjoy snacks – popcorn and pickles – and take a selfie. Post your selfie on our #2019popsnpics for a chance to win one of two gift baskets. An accessible world is a sustainable world! Our campus upholds SDG #10, Reduced Inequalities, and #11, Sustainable Cities and Communities. 

Oct. 8 - Neuroscience Research Seminar Series: “2019 RGV Community Projects for Children with Disabilities

Speaker Dr. Stephanie Sokolosky of S&S Behavioral Consultants presents this Neuroscience Research Seminar that contributes to the body of knowledge regarding SDG #3, Good Health and Quality Education, and SDG #10, Reduced Inequalities. 

Oct. 16 - World Food Day  

We recognize that there is a lot of work to be done towards the Sustainable Development Goal #2 of “Zero Hunger.” Join us to find out what UTRGV is doing to make UTRGV a more sustainable campus in regards to SDG #2!

• Participate in our campus food insecurity research project
• Sign up for canned and other foods or bring some to share through the campus food pantry
• Learn about local food insecurity and what resources are available
• Sign up to volunteer at the food pantry and campus garden