Miami University has many ways to experience nature, through hiking trails and local parks. In addition, there are also many clubs and organizations that can connect the outdoors to academic interests.
Humanitarian Youth Preparation for Electronics Education (HYPE)
Reduce, reuse, recycle. HYPE club members follow this mantra by refurbishing old computers and donating them to those in need. These computers would normally be recycled, but HYPE is able to give them a longer lifespan. They collect donations from King Library, Farmer School of Business and faculty around campus. They donate the computers locally and internationally. The club has donated to countries such as Senegal, India, Albania, Poland, Ukraine and Laos.
Luke Macenski, junior computer engineering major and president of HYPE, said anyone can be involved because they offer meetings dedicated to teaching new members how to refurbish the computers.
“We try to be as inviting and open as we possibly can be so anyone no matter their major no matter their interests or skill level can join and be a valuable member of our team,” Macenski said.
Interested students can connect with HYPE at Mega Fair on Sunday, Aug. 30, or on Miami Central.
Students for Sustainable Development
Students for Sustainable Development is a subset of Miami University’s Governmental Relations Network that trains students to be consultants who help Oxford businesses become 513 Green certified. The 513 Green program aims to encourage five core categories: sustainable actions, waste diversion, transportation and air quality, water conservation and energy conservation. Businesses located in Hamilton County or Oxford can become certified through a point system and must earn 45 points overall with at least two points achieved in each of the five categories. The organization started when Alex Miller, director of sustainability, connected with Mary Cropenbaker, a Miami graduate who started the 513 Green Certification.
Cassie Cannon, a junior majoring in public administration, geographic informational science and sustainable development with a co-major in sustainability, is a founding member of Students for Sustainable Development and a current student consultant.
Cannon said the club is a great way to create new connections and educate local business owners on sustainability. Student consultants meet with the businesses and go over sustainable goals, whether it is carpooling or waste reduction, to meet the 513 Green requirements.
“I really like talking with people and sharing information on how to be sustainable,” Cannon said. “I feel like sometimes people hear that word or and then think it's like a push and pull like they’re gonna lose something in their business if they have to do this to save energy but it's not like that at all. It can work in tandem, which I think is really cool.”
Any interested students can fill out an interest form at mega fair and meet with Sustainability Director Alex Miller to start training to consult.
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Coalition to Represent Oxford Wildlife (CROW)
CROW is a community-led initiative with roots at the Miami University Audubon Society that focuses on the environmental issues with the new arena on Cook Field.
Michelle Baker, a senior biology and environmental science major, is the president of Miami Audubon Society and founder of CROW. She knew many students were upset about the arena being built on Cook Field and wanted to gather students to look at potential threats to the environment the building design might present. The group looked at the window design and how it would affect bird conservation. They also looked at protecting other wildlife and what building designs would best protect the natural areas.
Baker said that all students are welcome to join the conversation and bring their ideas to CROW. While it is not an official Miami club, it is a great way to get involved with other students and discuss environmental issues on campus.
“This is meant to be a space for students who care about whatever impacts or implications this new construction could have,” Baker said. “It’s a space for them to be heard and for us to come together and unite. So we’re one unified voice pushing for a more sustainable arena.”
Interested students are encouraged to email Baker at bakerme6@miamioh.edu or talk to the Audubon Society at Mega Fair.
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