Fall 2025 Opening Convocation

The University of the District of Columbia (UDC) hosts their Fall 2025 Opening Convocation on Thursday, Sept. 18, at 10 a.m. in the Theater of the Arts on the Van Ness campus. 

This year’s convocation holds special significance as we celebrate 175 years of UDC’s legacy of turning potential into power. The event marks the formal launch of the academic year — a moment to reflect, inspire and honor our shared commitment to education and public service. 

We look forward to commemorating this milestone together. 

Attend in person or virtually.

The Possibilities are Endless with UDC-CAUSES | Create, Cultivate, and Communicate 

UDC-CAUSES is committed to shaping tomorrow’s future by servicing the community and educating students to live sustainable lives. UDC-CAUSES offers endless possibilities, including five bachelor's degrees (i.e., Architecture, Community Health Sciences, Nutrition, RN to BSN, Urban Sustainability), Professional Science Master's Degrees, and a PhD in Urban Leadership and Entrepreneurship. The College also offers community-based programs for people of all ages to help meet UDC’s fundamental charge to serve as the District’s land-grant institution. UDC-CAUSES creates life-changing transformation through initiatives focused on science, technology, engineering, and agriculture, empowers students, and generates research that fosters growth and economic well-being. Every school term, UDC-CAUSES connects students with residents, partnering organizations, and local communities to combat urban challenges in Washington, D.C. 

UDC-CAUSES invites families to tour its urban food hubs, analysis labs, and research farms, which are sustainable pathways to healthier urban lifestyles. Through its programs, UDC-CAUSES bridges D.C. wards by advancing agriculture, community health sciences, water security and management, nutrition education, and farmers' markets. In addition, UDC-CAUSES produces a diverse roster of year-round youth programs in collaboration with our partners: local employers, public institutions, government agencies, and non-profit organizations.   

Our objective is simple: to create and maintain profound change by continuing to deliver hands-on learning experiences connecting today’s societies for sustainable development. Students in UDC-CAUSES learn and conduct research studies in hydroponic and aquaponic labs, urban food hubs, rooftop green spaces, and communal, friendly classrooms throughout Washington, D.C. But that is not the only thing that makes CAUSES unique. The College is demographically diverse, geographically connected, and committed to building healthier cities and healthier people in partnership with organizations like Pepco, DC Public Schools, the Department of Energy and Environment, and Genesys Works. This holistic approach will create a better tomorrow for generations to come. Explore UDC-CAUSES' fundamental outcomes online. 

Fall 2025 | Solar for All (SFA) | Protecting the Environment 

The SFA Scholarship Fund is an innovative legacy project that will benefit the University and its students. This initiative positions UDC as an affordable educational institution presenting a model of public higher education that exemplifies the benefits of clean energy through academic learning and sustainable growth. This is the first of its kind in higher education, enabling the university to reduce its carbon footprint while providing financial support to students through nature-based solutions.   

Current UDC students must visit Scholarship Universe to apply for the SFA scholarship and be matched to other opportunities that best suit their goals and objectives. 

UDC is diligently fighting food injustice, one market at a time. Our farmers markets in Wards 3, 5, 7, and 8 feature several local farmers and small businesses delivering memorable food and cultural experiences worldwide. Each location uniquely offers something for the entire family to enjoy. Fresh produce, world cuisine, art, live performances, horseback riding, certified farmer demonstrations, and educational field days are just a few of the fantastic experiences available at the markets.

Farmers Market Locations: 

Lamond Riggs

Location: 5171 South Dakota Ave NE

Days/Hours of Operation: The market operates on Fridays from 4 pm - 8 pm connecting consumers to fresh seasonal produce and goods.

Van Ness

Location: 4200 Connecticut Ave NW (in front of the Student Center building). 

Days/Hours of Operation: The market opened on April 19th and will continue through December 6th from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturdays. 

East Capitol Urban Farm 

Location: 5929 E Capitol St SE 

Days/Hours of Operation: Market is open year-round and every other Saturday, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. (weather dependent). The market opened on April 12th and will continue through December 20th.

*Interested in becoming a vendor or performing at one of our markets, contact Andrew.Blunk@udc.edu.

Welcome to the College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability, & Environmental Sciences (CAUSES) of the University of the District of Columbia (UDC). UDC-CAUSES was formed in 2010 as the University’s land-grant college.

We engage in applied teaching and research that helps to improve the quality of life and economic opportunity for residents of the District of Columbia and others around the world through traditional academic degrees and through non-degree, non-credit bearing, skills-building programs, such as green infrastructure and urban agriculture.

UDC-CAUSES is unique in its organizational structure and its mission: an interdisciplinary college where academic programs such as architecture, urban sustainability, health education, nutrition and dietetics, and nursing train a forward-thinking generation of professionals who will ensure that the world has “Healthy Cities–Healthy People.” The College houses the only doctoral-level program in the nation that focuses on urban leadership and entrepreneurship.

For more information or inquiries, feel free to contact us at causes@udc.edu.

Socially Active? Stay Connected!

About the University of the District of Columbia 

As an HBCU, an urban land-grant institution, and the only public university in the nation’s capital, the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) is committed to a broad mission of education, research, and community service. Established by abolitionist Myrtilla Miner in 1851, the University offers Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees, along with a host of workforce development and continuing education certifications for student success, professional growth, and economic advancement. The University is comprised of the College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences; College of Arts and Sciences; School of Business and Public Administration; School of Engineering and Applied Sciences; UDC Community College; and the UDC David A. Clarke School of Law. To learn more, visit www.udc.edu.

The University of the District of Columbia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. Minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The University prohibits discrimination or harassment against any person on the basis of the actual or perceived actual race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, marital status, personal appearance, genetic information, familial status, source of income, status as a victim of an intrafamily offense, place of residence or business, or status as a covered veteran, as provided for and to the extent required by District and Federal statutes and regulations. For a full version of the University’s EO Policy Statement, please visit: http://www.udc.edu/equal_opportunity.The University of the District of Columbia is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 1007 North Orange Street, 4th Floor, MB #166, Wilmington, DE 19801, 267-284-5011.

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.