Office of Sustainability (OoS)
The Office of Sustainability was created as the operational and programming facet of the Southern Miss Green Initiative.  This office is comprised of the Chief Sustainability Officer, recycling program operator, graduate assistants, and practicum students.  These individuals are charged with running the recycling program, operations, and Eco Eagle.

Vision Statement
The University of Southern Mississippi will strive to become a model of sustainable thought and practice within our state and region. Through development of ideas and programs, we will encourage healthy dialogue, forward thinking, and behaviors that instill a collective awareness and concern of how our impact affects future generations. 

Mission Statement
Our operations will function, at all times, in mindful accordance with the tenets of sustainability and we will leverage our strength as a research institution to encourage thought leadership, knowledge communities, and innovation within the realm of sustainability.

History
For many years, different departments, organizations, and individuals have championed issues and programs that had tremendous impact on the physicality of our campuses and its community.  Typically these programs experienced highs and lows as particular dynamics dictated.  In the fall of 2007 a sustainability committee of 30 plus faculty, staff, and students from every corner of our institution was formed through the initiative of Student Affairs.  On April 22, 2008, President Saunders signed the American College and University President’s Climate Commitment effectively launching the university’s formal green initiative. 

After much consideration and deliberation the administration chose to create two entities, The University Climate Commitment Council and The Office of Sustainability, in an effort to offer the greatest opportunity in addressing our institutions sustainability challenges.

ACUPCC
The American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) is a strategic effort to deal with global warming through dedication to neutralizing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing the educational outreach of higher educational institutions.  By signing this commitment, presidents of universities and colleges agree to the following:

1. Completing an emissions inventory.
2. Setting a date and provisional landmarks for becoming climate neutral within two years.
3. Take immediate steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by choosing from a list of short-term actions.
4. Integrate sustainability into the educational curriculum.
5. Make an action plan, inventory, and progress reports public.

**For more information regarding the ACUPCC please click here.

University Climate Commitment Council
The University Climate Commitment Council (UC3) is a 17-member group comprised of faculty, staff, and students on the University of Southern Mississippi campus.  The mission of this council is to oversee all campus efforts regarding sustainability and to ensure that the university is consistently in compliance with the ACUPCC.