Sustainability Month: October 2025 Calendar
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Fridays, 12-3:00 pm.
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Volunteer at the SAP! We are eager to accommodate group volunteer days for your class, fraternity, sorority, or club (maximum of 10 visitors per group). Contact [email protected] for more information. Important information for volunteers: -Please wear closed toed shoes and long pants -No dogs or other pets are allowed at the SAP -There is no wifi available at the SAP, so please plan accordingly -Watch this training video before your first shift |
More info on our website!
GVSU Sustainable Agriculture Project |
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All Month |
Annual Energy Competition Each year the campus residence halls compete to save the most energy! Each building will be competing against their own 3-year average. The building on North and South that has the greatest reduction in energy will be crowned the winner and get a prize for their community. This competition is part of a broader campaign to encourage behavior change in students. |
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Wednesday, October 1st 10 am - 2:00 pm |
GVSU SAP Farm Stand We invite you to meet and support our students by purchasing produce that they’ve grown at the Sustainable Agriculture Project. |
GVSU Allendale Campus Clocktower |
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Thursday, October 2nd 5:15-7:15pm |
Student Solutions Summit The Student Solutions Summit is a fast-paced, student-led forum where Lakers turn problems into projects. The Summit opens with a brief panel of student leaders to set the stage, then moves into small, themed tables (academics, campus life, affordability, dining & transportation, facilities & sustainability, technology/access). Each table is facilitated by Senators who help you workshop ideas, identify stakeholders, and lock in clear next steps. All students are welcomeno experience required. Come with an idea or just your perspective; leave with an action plan to improve the Laker experience. Food provided. |
Kirkhof Room 2204 |
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Friday, October 3rd 2-4:00pm |
Drop in days of service Drop-in Days of Service are on-campus opportunities for students to "drop in" and complete service projects for service hours. At these days of service, students will learn more about different Nonprofit Organizations and how they help the community around Grand Valley. |
KC Thornapple Room 0058 |
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Friday, October 3rd 4-6:00 pm |
Harvest Party Please join the Farm Club and the Office of Sustainability Practices as we celebrate this season’s harvest with games, music, and food at the Sustainable Agriculture Project. A thrift swap will also take place! If you would like to bring a dish please use this link to sign up. Volunteer hours are from 1-4:00pm and we will eat and celebrate between 4-6:00pm. |
GVSU Sustainable Agriculture Project 4539 Luce St. |
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Friday, October 3rd 1:30 - 4:30pm |
Bike Shop Breakdown Every Friday, release some stress by helping the bike shop breakdown and recycle the inventory of junk bikes. This volunteer opportunity is also a great introduction to basic bike maintenance; learning how to fix it by learning how to take it apart. No experience necessary. Tools provided. |
Ravines Center |
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Saturday, October 4th 10:00 am - 2:00pm |
Barbara Kindschi Greenhouse Family Weekend Open House Visit the beautiful plant collection located in the Barbara Kindschi Greenhouse. Located on the second floor of the Kindschi Hall of Science, room 2241. Free plants for the first 200 visitors! |
Room 2241 Kindschi Hall of Science |
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Saturday, October 4th 11:00am - 2:00pm |
Create Your Own Accordion Book Check out Stories Reimagined: Artistic Narrative in the Digital Age in the art gallery (PAC 1121) and then create your own story with us! Make and fill your own unique accordion book to take home, or make your book with us and fill it later. |
Haas Performing Arts Center Lobby |
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Saturday, October 4th 4-7:00pm |
Zero Waste Football Game Grand Valley State University Football vs Davenport - Wear Laker Blue |
GVSU Football Stadium |
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Wednesday, October 8th 10 am - 2:00 pm |
GVSU SAP Farm Stand We invite you to meet and support our students by purchasing produce that they’ve grown at the Sustainable Agriculture Project. |
GVSU Allendale Campus Clocktower |
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Wednesday, October 8th 1-4:00pm |
Families & Politics Workshop (INT 100/201 Approved) This interactive workshop offers insights into why family differences over politics are uniquely challenging and invites you to consider common roles that family members play in political conversations. Join to learn strategies and skills for handling family political differences in constructive ways. |
Library Multi-Purpose Room (LIB 030) |
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Wednesday, October 8th 7:30pm |
SAP Movie Night Enjoy watching The Bee Movie at the SAP! The movie will take place outside so dress warm, bring a blanket, and don't forget bug spray! |
GVSU Sustainable Agriculture Project 4539 Luce St. |
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Thursday, October 9th 10:00am - 1:00pm |
Seedball Workshop Join the SAP farm manager in Kirkhof to make one or two native seed soil balls. These seed balls, or "seed bombs" allow us to easily sow disturbed areas at the SAP with native seeds that will provide habitat for pollinators and other wildlife! All participants will receive GVSU swag as a thank you. |
Kirkhof Center Lobby |
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Friday, October 10th 11:30am -1:00 pm 7-8:30pm |
Intro to Indoor Climbing For GVSU students and staff who would like a more formal and private introduction to the equipment and techniques involved in indoor rock climbing. in 90 minutes this hands-on, small-group workshop will transform participants from having no knowledge about climbing to being able to recognize the different styles of climbing, choose appropriate gear for it, plan an appropriate path, and understand the fundamentals of efficient movement. (Morning and evening sessions) |
Climbing Center |
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Friday, October 10th 1:30 - 4:30pm |
Bike Shop Breakdown Every Friday, release some stress by helping the bike shop breakdown and recycle the inventory of junk bikes. This volunteer opportunity is also a great introduction to basic bike maintenance; learning how to fix it by learning how to take it apart. No experience necessary. Tools provided. |
Ravines Center |
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Saturday, October 11th 8:00 am - 3:00 pm |
Make a Difference Day Make A Difference Day is an annual day of service where students are transported to local community non-profits to participate in service activities. For more information and to sign-up, visit https://www.gvsu.edu/service/make-a-difference-day-37.htm. |
Kirkhof Center Grand River Room |
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Tuesday, October 14th 1:30 - 2:30pm |
Maria Gambino: Artist Talk & Walk Maria will discuss the themes & motivations of her artwork then participants are welcomed to go on a walk with Maria to the site where she is working outside near Calder Art Center on a permanent outdoor installation. Contact/Questions: [email protected] |
Padnos Student Gallery (CAC) |
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October 14-16th
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Global Climate Change Week The need for robust adaptation strategies to alleviate human vulnerability must be balanced and coordinated with climate change mitigation and sustainable development priorities. Global Climate Change Week (GCCW) aims to encourage academic communities – including faculty, students, and professional staff at universities and their local municipalities – to contribute more to ensuring that these needs are met. |
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Wednesday, October 15th 10 am - 2:00 pm |
GVSU SAP Farm Stand We invite you to meet and support our students by purchasing produce that they’ve grown at the Sustainable Agriculture Project. |
GVSU Allendale Campus Clocktower |
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Wednesday, October 15th 1-4:00pm |
GVSU Student Mental Health Summit: Belonging as Resilience This event brings together faculty, students, and staff to explore strategies for enhancing mental health support on campus. |
Kirkhof Grand River Room |
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Friday, October 17th 1:30 - 4:30pm |
Bike Shop Breakdown Every Friday, release some stress by helping the bike shop breakdown and recycle the inventory of junk bikes. This volunteer opportunity is also a great introduction to basic bike maintenance; learning how to fix it by learning how to take it apart. No experience necessary. Tools provided. |
Ravines Center |
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October 17-18th |
The 2025 Great Lakes History Conference: "Climate, Environment, Psyche, & History" This year's conference, "Climate, Environment, Psyche, & History", brings together experts from many fields to explore how people and societies experience and respond to both natural and human-made disasters. Link for Schedule |
Devos Campus Regency Room |
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October 19th-21st |
Fall Break We hope you take this time to rest, recharge, and enjoy the season. Whether you’re traveling, spending time outdoors, or cozying up at home, remember small sustainable choices like carpooling, reusing, and unplugging can make a big impact. Wishing you an amazing break! |
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Wednesday, October 22nd 10 am - 2:00 pm |
GVSU SAP Farm Stand We invite you to meet and support our students by purchasing produce that they’ve grown at the Sustainable Agriculture Project. |
GVSU Allendale Campus Clocktower |
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Wednesday, October 22nd 10:30am - 1:00pm |
Halloween Costume Swap Donate your gently used costumes or props and earn a swap ticket to pick out a new piece then or later! Refresh your look, save money, and keep costumes out of the landfill! |
GVSU Allendale Campus Clocktower |
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Thursday, October 23rd 6-7:00pm
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Unnatural Causes (INT 100/201 Approved) A documentary series that explores the effects of social factors on health and health care in the United States. It focuses specifically on race, socioeconomic standing, geography, and gender in its examination of well-being and longevity among Americans, attempting to answer the question, "Is inequality making us sick?". The Unnatural Causes series includes seven short documentaries (one each week) followed by instructor-led discussion and application of concepts among participants. |
Kirkhof Center Room 2270 |
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Friday, October 24th 1:30 - 4:30pm |
Bike Shop Breakdown Every Friday, release some stress by helping the bike shop breakdown and recycle the inventory of junk bikes. This volunteer opportunity is also a great introduction to basic bike maintenance; learning how to fix it by learning how to take it apart. No experience necessary. Tools provided. |
Ravines Center |
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Friday, October 24th 7-9:00pm |
Pumpkin Painting Get into the spooky spirit with AOD for a night of pumpkin painting, mocktails, snacks, and all the Halloween treats you can handle! Whether you're an artist or just in it for the candy, come hang out, get creative, and enjoy a chill night of fall fun. Costumes optional, good vibes guaranteed! |
Kirkhof Fusion (Lower Level) |
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Saturday, October 25th 2-4:00pm |
Philosophy in Nature: Animals/Animales (Bilingual Session) Philosophy in nature, reading passages and discussion. Journaling, watercolor painting, and hanging out in nature. |
Dreamgoats 10594 Button Rd, Belding MI 48809 |
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Sunday, October 26th 3-7:00pm |
Farmer's Olympics The SAP and the farm club invite you to join local area farmers as we compete in friendly competition to celebrate the hard work from the 2025 growing season. You can join one of the participating teams and compete in challenges like the crate stack and squash launch! This event is followed by a farmer potluck, so bring a dish to pass! |
GVSU Sustainable Agriculture Project 4539 Luce St. |
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Wednesday, October 29th 10 am - 2:00 pm |
GVSU SAP Farm Stand We invite you to meet and support our students by purchasing produce that they’ve grown at the Sustainable Agriculture Project. |
GVSU Allendale Campus Clocktower |
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Wednesday, October 29th 10:30am - 1:00pm |
Halloween Costume Swap Donate your gently used costumes or props and earn a swap ticket to pick out a new piece then or later! Refresh your look, save money, and keep costumes out of the landfill! |
GVSU Allendale Campus Clocktower |
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Wednesday, October 29th 11:00am - 1:00pm |
Get a Clue: Rare BOOks Open House Lemmen Library and Archives welcomes you to solve the mystery in the stacks. Figure out whodunit while locating clues in the rare books and archival materials on display in the stacks. Make your guess and collect some treats! |
Seidman House 4053 Calder Dr, Allendale, MI 49401 |
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Wednesday, October 29th 1:30 - 3:00pm |
Ofrendas Vivas: Celebrating Day of the Dead Learn of the importance of this holiday in Mexico and Guatemala as you enjoy delicious Mexican-style hot chocolate and Bread of the Dead (pan de muerto). There will be a small lecture, an interactive activity, and a special surprise! |
Mary Idema Pew Library Atrium |
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Friday, October 31st 1:30 - 4:30pm |
Bike Shop Breakdown Every Friday, release some stress by helping the bike shop breakdown and recycle the inventory of junk bikes. This volunteer opportunity is also a great introduction to basic bike maintenance; learning how to fix it by learning how to take it apart. No experience necessary. Tools provided. |
Ravines Center |
But every month is sustainability month at GVSU... here's a look at what's ahead in November!
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Date + Time: |
Event: |
Location: |
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Friday, November 7th 2-4:00pm |
Drop in days of service Drop-in Days of Service are on-campus opportunities for students to "drop in" and complete service projects for service hours. At these days of service, students will learn more about different Nonprofit Organizations and how they help the community around Grand Valley. |
KC Thornapple Room 0058 |
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Saturday, November 8th 2-5:00pm |
Zero Waste Football Game Grand Valley State University Football vs Michigan Tech - Homecoming (Wear Laker Blue) |
GVSU Football Stadium |
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Friday, November 14th 1:30 - 4:30pm |
Bike Shop Breakdown Every Friday, release some stress by helping the bike shop breakdown and recycle the inventory of junk bikes. This volunteer opportunity is also a great introduction to basic bike maintenance; learning how to fix it by learning how to take it apart. No experience necessary. Tools provided. |
Ravines Center |
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Saturday, November 15th 2-5:00pm |
Zero Waste Football Game Grand Valley State University Football vs Roosevelt |
GVSU Football Stadium |
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Nov 17th-22nd |
ENS Fall 2025 Sustainability Showcase Learn about the research projects, innovative designs, and assessments that students in the Environmental and Sustainability Studies (ENS) Program have been working on this semester. Starting November 17th, check out projects online anytime throughout the week and share your feedback. Then, join us on Friday, November 21st for in-person presentations and networking with community partners in Kirkhof Center's Grand River Room 2250. Refreshments provided! |
Online / Kirkhof Room 2250 |
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Thursday, November 20th 6-7:00pm |
Unnatural Causes (INT 100/201 Approved) A documentary series that explores the effects of social factors on health and health care in the United States. It focuses specifically on race, socioeconomic standing, geography, and gender in its examination of well-being and longevity among Americans, attempting to answer the question, "Is inequality making us sick?". The Unnatural Causes series includes seven short documentaries (one each week) followed by instructor-led discussion and application of concepts among participants. |
Kirkhof Center 2270 |
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Friday, November 21st 1:30 - 4:30pm |
Bike Shop Breakdown Every Friday, release some stress by helping the bike shop breakdown and recycle the inventory of junk bikes. This volunteer opportunity is also a great introduction to basic bike maintenance; learning how to fix it by learning how to take it apart. No experience necessary. Tools provided. |
Ravines Center |
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Saturday, November 22nd 2-4:00pm |
Philosophy in Nature: Wind Free public humanities series in which participants take turns reading passages from philosophers, poets, historians, theologians, scientists, etc. Two to four featured participants have five minutes to read some of their work or favorite passages on the theme. We then vote on a question to discuss and toss a community ball to encourage everyone’s input. We wrap things up with journaling, watercolor painting and/or hanging out in nature. |
GVSU Arboretum 1 Campus DR, Allendale, MI 49401 |