Please email sustain@uccs.edu for approval and confirmation of your appointment date and time. You will be required to wear a mask and take the “return to campus” training on the CU Portal. Both campus and community members will be required to take this self-assessment before visiting the UCCS campus.

For more information about UCCS guidelines on the impacts of COVID-19, please visit this website: https://covid19.uccs.edu/

The PIPs Reward mobile app program returns to UCCS August 15, 2020. In its second year, PIPs allows students to earn ‘positive impact points’ for various actions that support them as well-rounded students. Actions focus on the entire person and supports their wellness in all areas, such as academic, mental, social, community, physical and more.

UCCS students are encouraged to earn actions by engaging in their UCCS community through events, trainings, classes, and everyday habits. The PIPs earn actions encourage students to try new things and help set healthy habits.

Last year, the program saw over 1,700 UCCS students participate. Over 85 students committed their PIPs for School and earned scholarships for this fall 2020 semester. When asked, 72% of the PIPs users were introduced to something new on campus and 35% of PIPs users were connected with someone new because of the app.

Luke Petersen (top left)

Major/program:

Bachelor of Letters, Arts, and Sciences in Geography and Environmental Studies

History in Sustainability Office:

I have worked as a Sustainability Assistant since June 2019.

Favorite memory from working in the office:

When I got my GAF project approved for a bathouse behind the Sustainability Demonstration House.

One thing you’ll miss about UCCS:

The people and the atmosphere!

A piece of advice for other/future student:

Be a part of something you are passionate about. Take a leap in that direction and you will end up in amazing places.

Margo Pengilly (top right)

Major/program:

Bachelor of Innovation in Business Administration and a Minor in Sustainable Development

History in Sustainability Office:

I have worked as a Sustainability Assistant for the Office of Sustainability for 1.5 years (it felt longer though!).

Favorite memory from working in the office:

It's hard to pick, but my favorite memory from working at the office has to be the day that we were setting up for the Sustainability Winter Mixer. The energy in the office was so light and fun that day and we were all excited to host the event that evening. The only issue is that we needed to finish setting the breeze path in front of the house. So we were all outside doing yard work leading up to the event and Mauricio had his speaker playing music (as usual). Soon enough we were all dancing around the yard laughing and making the best of setting a breeze path (which isn't very fun, unless you're with fun people).

One thing you’ll miss about UCCS:

Getting to work in such a fun, inviting office everyday.

A piece of advice for other/future student:

Get involved, don't be afraid to meet new people, go to events, join a club. The people you meet and the friends you make will be what creates your "college experience", whatever that may be. Working on campus is a great way to meet people and make connections throughout the entire campus. Also, don't be too hard on yourself, chances are everyone else feels exactly like you do, and it's okay to not be your best all of the time. Soak it all in and do as many new things as you can because it will go by much faster than you think- I promise!

Alex Jobe (bottom left)

Major/program:

Master of Public Administration, School of Public Affairs

History in Sustainability Office:

Green Action Fund Project Coordinator since June/July 2019.

Favorite memory from working in the office:

Sharing meals together in a home-like environment (or maybe the cupcake decorating team-builder!)

One thing you’ll miss about UCCS:

Talking about current events with my classmates over a beer at Clyde's. It's an amazing time to meet people from tons of different career paths and discuss your classes, the news, etc. Some of my most impactful coursework is best remembered by the conversations after.

A piece of advice for other/future student:

Don't rush, slow down. Enjoy your time in your program. Go to speaker events, go to music events at the Ent center. Go for the full experience, not just the degree. If you live off campus, don't always rush to get home. Work in the library, at Clyde's, see who you might meet. Don't work so much and take so many classes you don't feel like you have the time to have one of those long conversations. I found new favorite artists (Gabby Moreno!), long-term friends, and a lot of de-stressing in those times.

Morgan Lavender (bottom right)

Major/program:

Master of Sciences in Health Promotion

History in Sustainability Office:

Practicum student and PIPs intern for 2020 Spring semester.

Favorite memory from working in the office:

Our weekly Teams Check-Ins

One thing you’ll miss about UCCS:

The tight-knit community and campus leaders who are true advocates for students

A piece of advice for other/future student:

This is the time to make mistakes, grow - so BREATHE and create space for challenges! Surround yourself with people who trust you and push you to do things outside of your comfort zone - this community will help you unlock your potential!

The yard will soon feature native and low-water plants, a habitat for local wildlife and a self-guided educational tour. With a renovated yard, students, faculty, staff and the community can learn how to integrate their home landscapes into the existing Pinyon-Juniper Woodland to Semi-desert Shrubland ecosystems of Colorado Springs through aesthetically pleasing and functional ideas.