GVSU Environmental and Sustainability Studies Program

06/02/2026

Have you heard of the Waffle House Index?

The Waffle House Index is an informal metric used by emergency officials to assess the severity of a natural disaster. The restaurant chain is famous for it’s disaster preparedness.
Learn more about the Index and investigate natural disasters and the inequities they create in ENS 347.

ENS 347 “Disasters and Social Inequity” is a hybrid course taught by Dr. Malik Raymond this upcoming Fall 2026 semester.
The course meets on Monday’s from 1:30-2:45pm and fulfils Global Perspectives credits. Add it to your schedule today!

04/14/2026

Attention ENS Students... still looking for an internship this summer? Look no further. Spots are limited.

04/13/2026

In celebration of our 2026 Call for Art theme, “Collective Courage,” we invite you to a free virtual poetry workshop designed to help you manage climate anxiety and explore solidarity through the power of words.

This 90-minute session, led by Eileen Boekestein, is a space for both reflection and creation. Eileen is an environmental educator and communicator who specializes in connecting people to their place and region. During the workshop, she will share a presentation on navigating climate feelings and the importance of hope, interspersed with selected poems to listen to and reflect upon.

You will be guided through a series of creative prompts- similar to our Summit art prompts- asking how it feels to speak out when climate action is restricted or where you find visions of a resilient future. While the workshop is rooted in poetry, you are welcome to respond in any art medium that feels right to you. There will be dedicated time for writing and an opportunity to share your work with the group if you wish.

This workshop is a perfect opportunity to try out a new artistic medium or refine a piece for our 2026 Call for Art. All workshop participants are encouraged to submit their creations to be considered for exhibition at the Summit on June 12th. Selected artists receive a free ticket to the Summit, the chance to win cash prizes up to $250, and more!

Join us to find your voice, process your grief, and lean into the collective courage needed for our movement. Link to register in the comments!

04/03/2026

Let's go!

04/03/2026

Ready to go with the Sustainability Showcase! Join us today in the Grand River Room of KC from 10 to 2. GVSU School of Interdisciplinary Studies Grand Valley State University

04/01/2026

03/30/2026

The Michigan League of Conservation Voters is actively looking for candidates for the summer and fall internship programs in the Grand Rapids area.

These intern openings are within the Our Water Activist program at MLCV. It's a 14-week cohort focused on community organizing and advocacy on environmental issues. The position is 15 hours a week paid by a stipend of $2,400. Candidates who apply by 8:00 am on Monday, April 6th from ENS at GVSU will be prioritized for interviews.

We protect Michigan’s air, land, water by activating voters to elect and hold accountable public officials who fight for an environment that sustains the health and well-being of us all.

03/30/2026

Are you interested in working for EGLE?

Join us on Thursday, April 2nd from 6-7pm with EGLE’s recruiter for an inside look at launching a meaningful career in environmental protection—complete with expert guidance on job searching and navigating the government hiring process.

Questions? Email: [email protected]

03/30/2026

The semi-annual Sustainability Showcase is live. View dozens of student projects virtually or in person Friday in Kirkhof Center Grand River Room from 10 to 2.

https://www.gvsu.edu/ens/wintershowcase

03/27/2026

Walk out for sustainability and climate action on Thursday, April 9th from 1pm-2pm at the Clocktower on Allendale's campus. Join us in voicing our concerns that GVSU is not treating the threat of climate change and ecological collapse as what it is - the most pressing and threatening challenge of our time. Student speakers will present their concerns, share their vision of GVSU as a leader for environmental sustainability in Michigan, and inspire the student body to action. Want to help? Read the list of student concerns and demands and sign your name in support. Then join us on Thursday, April 9th from 1pm-2pm at the Clocktower on Allendale's campus.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1d455Dr1OtZQ3AfHdQKQrRIOS-xifU4l2DJBoV9emc2s/edit?usp=sharing