Sustainability at Purchase

What is Green Fee?

Green Fee, a council comprised of students, faculty and staff, is a Purchase Student Government Association (PSGA) committee and is charged with allocating an annual budget for green project proposals. Council members meet weekly during the academic year to vote on project proposals and help to guide the sustainability efforts of the PSGA to advance sustainability on campus. The committee is chaired by the Student Sustainability Coordinator and is advised by the Campus Sustainability Coordinator.

The purpose of the fund (annual amount varies year to year) is to give the campus community an opportunity and resources to help make Purchase a more sustainable campus through innovative, meaningful and thought-provoking ideas. Many student-initiated projects have had great success and have become permanent green aspects of the college, such as an on-campus composter, a native species garden, and a student-run thrift store.

How is the Green Fee funded?

The Green Fee Fund sustains through annual Mandatory Student Activities Fees (MSAF). MSAF, first established in 1957, provides funding for all extracurricular activities on SUNY campuses statewide. At Purchase College the MSAF is currently $125.00 per student per semester which funds all activities facilitated by the PSGA.

Every two years, the student body at each state-operated campus of the State University of New York shall determine by a vote whether student activity programs shall be supported by either voluntary or mandatory student fees.

How can I get involved?

Members of the campus community (students, faculty, staff) are encouraged to attend any meetings to give and receive insight on current green initiatives and projects. Please contact the Student Sustainability Coordinator (ASHLEY-P.FRIEDMAN@purchase.edu) for additional information on meeting times and locations and how to become a member of the council. 

Who can apply?

Any member of the campus community, including students, faculty and staff!

How do you apply for funding?

By emailing the PSGA Finance Coordinator,  any member of the campus community can submit a proposal by providing a description of their project, the benefits and an itemized budget. The project proposal must explain how it contributes to understanding campus sustainability challenges or advance sustainability on campus. The funds are allocated and must be used within the academic year with required monthly updates until completion.