Get to know the Sustainable Systems Management Club

What are some goals SSM Club strives to achieve?

SSM Club connects students majoring in Sustainable Systems Management and other like-minded peers for meetings, events, tours, and more. We strive to make every meeting engaging, so SSM students can network with peers and the community, and have a good time doing it!

What are the requirements for joining the SSM Club?

Anyone interested in SSM and its activities is welcome to join the club. Feel free to drop by to connect, participate in fun events, and ask questions about our personal experiences on all four SSM tracks.

What got you involved in the SSM Club?

My SSM orientation professor introduced us to the club, and I’ve been attending ever since. Our major is already a hidden gem at the University of Minnesota, so informing SSM students about the club is a great way to get involved.

How would you describe the community this group fosters?

The community is committed to making a change in the world and is eager to acquire the tools to do so. By connecting with the community and participating in events that broaden our knowledge, we can prepare students for current and post-graduate opportunities. I also love how our community welcomes and engages with new attendees; I know the feeling of going to a new club and feeling alienated, but we make sure that doesn’t happen here.

What events or traditions does the club participate in?

Our meetings include touring labs and programs, hearing presentations from faculty, and also low-key events like watching movies and going on walks together. We have a traditional fundraiser where we start with succulents and sell them to raise money for the club, which we plan to do over the next year. We use feedback from the community, along with outreach, to guide the types of events we host. Please feel free to share your recommendations with us!

What are your favorite parts about being a member of the SSM Club?

My favorite part about the club is the passion for sustainability within it, which keeps our members—and me —coming back. Every event and meeting is designed to be impactful, mainly because they are derived from the genuine interests and aspirations of our members. It’s also a great place to make new friends within the major! 

SSM Club encompasses many different specializations; what are some ways that the club touches on those topics?

SSM has four specializations: 

1. building science and technology, 

2. corporate sustainability systems, 

3. energy systems, and 

4. sustainable products business management. 

Although they are all connected via sustainability, there are apparent differences between them. Our club is mindful of the varied interests within our group. We plan events that span a range of topics, including home electric training, trash auditing, dairy and milk research building tours, and presentations from professionals in our field. These events stem from student suggestions, meaning that member interests are directly reflected in what the SSM Club hosts. Our varied tracks are exactly why student feedback is emphasized and encouraged, as we can constantly improve our club’s offerings.

Does the SSM Club get involved with other organizations at the U of M or outside of school?

We have connections with the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering outreach team, and we are determined to work with the Food and Bioproducts Engineering Organization TAPPI Student Chapter to co-host an event. 

Anything else you'd like to add? 

The SSM Club is “for students, by students,” where members of our major or interested parties can connect outside the classroom. Being close-knit with your peers is the best way to connect and network, allowing you to discover opportunities you wouldn’t have known about otherwise. Additionally, becoming an officer or active member in your major’s club looks great on your resume! Feel free to see what our club has to offer by joining our GroupMe and following our Instagram.