When William Judson Boone founded The College of Idaho in 1891, he envisioned a school that could educate future leaders to use their heads, hearts, and hands to shape a better earth. Dr. Boone’s passion was the natural world; he practiced botany. He desired to educate the whole person.
The College of Idaho offers several academic and extracurricular opportunities for students interested in studying or exploring the environment.
Student Organizations
- TERRA: The Environmental Resource and Recreation Association
- Outdoor Program: The mission of The College of Idaho Outdoor Program is to provide access to outdoor activities that will foster the development of friendships in the campus community and educate and promote outdoor recreation. Supported by ASCI (student government), OP offers classes, workshops, trips and outdoor equipment rentals for student recreational use.
- Campus Quality Committee
Academic Programs: Environmental Studies
The Environmental Studies Program at The College of Idaho complements the College’s mission of promoting lifelong learning, personal development, and community leadership through offering students an education in the complex relationships among natural systems and human cultures. The interdisciplinary program encourages students to question their own cultural and environmental attitudes and examine these values in their lives and work. In addition, the program provides students the necessary skills to think critically, obtain and analyze data, speak and write effectively about the environment, and actively engage in their communities.
Sustainability Stewards Program
The Campus Sustainability Steward is a student leadership position charged with educating the campus and wider community about sustainability, maintaining the College’s organic garden, and planning initiatives to improve overall environmental sustainability. The Stewards regularly organize outreach projects for the community and frequently work together with other local and on-campus environmental groups.
Sustainability Council
The Sustainability Council at The College of Idaho strives to encourage environmental efforts through providing:
- Leadership to local and college communities by developing and establishing environmentally friendly and socially responsible practices;
- Education about sustainable practices that connects the community with resources and information;
- Actions to carry out visible programming, sustainability initiatives and service projects;
- Direction to leaders, educators, and policy-makers at the local and state level.
Recycling on Campus
In 2010, the College launched a comprehensive single-stream recycling program. Plastics, aluminum, cardboard, and paper can all be deposited into a single bin. Blue recycling bins are located throughout the campus.
Maintenance and Operations
The Maintenance and Operations Department is responsible for maintaining grounds and facilities at the College. Wherever possible, M & O employs earth-friendly and sustainable practices, including green cleaning products, energy-efficient lighting, and re-use and recycling of materials.