Sustainability Citizen
Incorporate sustainable practices and principles into your daily life on and off campus through learning modules, events, community engagements and more.
Students who complete the Sustainability Citizen tier of the Pathways program receive official recognition on their co-curricular record. The program is offered by CECCS in partnership with the tri-campus Sustainability Offices.
WHAT’S ON THIS PAGE
Citizen Tier Benefits
Customize your experience, including with off-campus community service
Participate in a diverse range of activities from the Tri-Campus Sustainability Calendar
Connect with peers and join student groups and campaigns
Open to all students across the three campuses
Get involved and help advance sustainability at U of T and beyond
Apply your skills and knowledge in new ways outside the classroom
Meet Our Sustainability Citizens
I think this program really helped me understand and unlock my passion for the environment and sustainability. By hearing from a multitude of different perspectives about what exactly sustainability and environmental justice means, I am better able to grasp the multidisciplinary problem that the climate crises poses.”
The event I enjoyed the most during my participation in the Sustainability Citizen Program was ‘Walk and Learn’, a land-based learning walk at High Park. Through this hands-on learning opportunity, I gained a deeper understanding of Indigenous ways of connecting with nature and celebrating their relationship with the land.”
Amidst all of the fear and climate anxiety in the world, there is also so much to be excited for – there are bold new ideas and many people who truly care, this program helps expose you to this world of hope so you can become a part of it!”
Attending sustainability events over the past few months has solidified my commitment to sustainable living. I acknowledge the magnitude of the environmental challenges we face, but it was truly inspiring to witness so many individuals actively working towards solutions. I hope to contribute by becoming more mindful of my consumption habits, supporting local and sustainable food systems and actively participating in community initiatives that promote environmental stewardship.”
This program has shown me that small, consistent actions—when combined with a collective effort—can lead to meaningful change, and I aim to live by this principle moving forward.
Citizen Recognition Requirements
Earn 10 credits to receive Sustainability Citizen CCR (Co-curricular Record) recognition.
Complete the Intro Module (1 credit) on Quercus to get started. This module introduces sustainability using the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Earn 8 credits by participating in eligible activities, including:
- Events
- Community service or student group campaigns
- Student group executive roles
- Conferences
- UTM Global Sustainability Modules (available to UTM students only)
Submit your participation for validation in Folio
Finish with the Final Reflection (1 credit) to complete the program.
Citizen Credit Allocation
| Activity | Credits |
|---|---|
Sustainability Event | 1 credit each |
| Participate in Community or Student Group Campaign | 5 hours = 2 credits |
| 1-day Sustainability Conference | 2 credits |
| Multi-day Sustainability Conference | 3 credits |
| UTM Sustainability Module | 1 credit each |
Get Started
Visit Folio to enrol in the Sustainability Citizen Program
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can participate in the Sustainability Citizen Program?
Who can participate in the Sustainability Citizen Program?
Any student at U of T across the tri-campus.
What is the timeline for completing the Sustainability Citizen Program?
What is the timeline for completing the Sustainability Citizen Program?
You can enroll and complete the Sustainability Citizen Program from the first day as a student at U of T and have until graduation to complete it. We encourage you to continue participating in sustainability-related activities even after you complete the program!
How can I enroll in the Introduction Module?
How can I enroll in the Introduction Module?
You can access the Introduction Module here on Quercus. Once you have enrolled and completed the module, take a screenshot of the grades page where your name is visible and upload it to the Sustainability Citizen Program on Folio as per the below screen shots.
First click on the dark blue Sustainability Citizen Introduction Module tab.
Then click the lighter blue Questionnaire tab. Click on the Submit ‘Sustainability Citizen Program – Sustainability Citizen Introductory Module’ link.
Confirm you completed the Intro Module by clicking yes, uploading your screen shot of your quiz results, and click the Submit button.
Can I complete all the requirements just from one activity category to complete all the additional 8 credits?
Can I complete all the requirements just from one activity category to complete all the additional 8 credits?
Yes. For example, if you are a member of a sustainability-related club and complete 20 or more volunteer hours (5 hours for every 2 credits, 20 hours for 8 credits total), you are eligible to receive 8 credits. Alternatively, you can also receive 8 credits by participating in various sustainability events, conferences, community service, etc.
Adapt the program requirements across the various categories to suit your interests and co-curricular activities!
Does paid work (e.g. work-study position) count towards the additional 8 credits?
Does paid work (e.g. work-study position) count towards the additional 8 credits?
No, only unpaid volunteer work can count towards the program.
Do activities completed online count towards the additional 8 credits?
Do activities completed online count towards the additional 8 credits?
Yes.
Do activities completed off-campus and/or with non-U of T affiliated groups count towards the additional 8 credits?
Do activities completed off-campus and/or with non-U of T affiliated groups count towards the additional 8 credits?
Yes. However, we encourage students to find opportunities on-campus to help build a community of sustainability change agents during their time at U of T.
What kind of documentation do I need to provide to show that I have attended a certain sustainability-related activity?
What kind of documentation do I need to provide to show that I have attended a certain sustainability-related activity?
Complete the forms on Folio for the relevant activity category after you have participated.
Where can I find the Final Reflection Module?
Where can I find the Final Reflection Module?
The final reflection module will be accessible on Folio once you have completed 9 credits.
Got a question?
Email the CECCS Secretariat for support.