Support Graduating Students at UTD

Student Government’s Green Initiative Committee is seeking $1,500 to establish a Graduation Gown Closet of 100 Undergraduate Cap and Gown sets to rent to students, allowing more students to walk at commencement and reduce single-use plastic gown waste.  

Our Impact 

The issue of sustainability relating to graduation gowns is two-fold. First, students unable to afford the expensive regalia are unable to walk their graduation. Second, gowns are made of plastic and are often worn only once and thrown out, contributing to landfill growth. Through this program, students will be able to borrow a graduation gown for their commencement ceremony and then return it so it may be used the following year upon undergoing sustainable dry cleaning.  

Upon reaching our goal, Student Government will match the amount earned to purchase graduation gowns to kick-off the program. Our goal is to purchase 100 gowns. Any leftover money will go towards cleaning the gowns after next spring’s graduation. This program will run on a donation-based model, encouraging graduates to donate their gowns to the program after wearing it. 

This program will allow more students to walk their commencement upon graduation and ensure that cost is not a burden. Additionally, this program will reduce a huge amount of waste from single-use graduation gowns. 

About Student Government’s Green Initiative Committee 

The mission of the Student Government is to ensure that UT Dallas is fully committed to serving the collective interests of the student body. In this capacity, we serve as the official student voice to UT Dallas administration, the UT System Board of Regents and other governmental entities. The Student Government seeks to enhance spirit, protect University traditions and support all students and student organizations in their academic and community-directed endeavors. Student Government is divided into the following committees: Student Affairs, Legislative Affairs, Communications, Residential Student Affairs, Graduate and International Affairs, Green Initiative and Diversity, Equity, and Belonging.  

According to Article V, Section 9 of Student Government’s Bylaws, the duty and responsibility of  the Green Initiative Committee is to “work proactively on issues related to sustainability on campus.” The Committee is chaired by Alisa Model and consists of the following members: Ayed Abusaad, Harrison Ashford, Ben Barnet, Paolo Cabrera, Mariam Lafi, Ziyan Raboodi, Kaelen Raible and Sneha Sharma. This team of undergraduate students is committed to being an agent of change in ensuring that the University prioritizes sustainability and the wellbeing of all students.  

Check out the work we’re doing on Instagram (@utdsg) and LinkedIn (@UTD Student Government)!