Join UC3 - Second Nature

Faculty, researchers, and staff of UC3 member institutions have the opportunity to accelerate climate action efforts on campus, in their communities, and as a global coalition by connecting with counterparts from peer institutions, sharing knowledge and best practices, and collaborating on the development of new resources that help scale action beyond what individual universities can achieve on their own. Additionally, UC3 members have access to exclusive UC3 events, and senior leadership can use the UC3 to connect with other UC3 presidents, chancellors, or rectors for high-visibility and high-leverage events, as well as government leaders, business CEOs, and other executives that share a commitment to addressing the global climate challenge.

Already a UC3 Member?

Are you a faculty member, researcher, or staff person at one of the 23 UC3 institutions? Get involved and access your benefits. Contact [email protected]g to get started.

Get Involved in UC3

Is your institution a leading research institution not currently involved in UC3? Review the benefits and eligibility requirements below.

Climate Leadership Network Benefits

As a part of UC3, members are also connected to Second Nature’s Climate Leadership Network and have access to all of the climate services offered to members by the organization, including:

Catalyst Grants

Access to external grant funding that supports campus climate goals and extends the impact of climate action efforts like the Climate Solutions Acceleration Fund

Resources and Tools

Free tools and resources provided by Second Nature staff to help universities meet their climate goals like the Solution Center, guidance on resilience assessment and planning, and Internal Carbon Pricing Toolkit

Expert Advice

Access to Second Nature staff for assistance with climate action planning

Network Engagement

Opportunities to participate in additional working groups on critical climate action topics like climate resilience and carbon offsets

Climate Leadership Summit

Access for university presidents, chancellors, or rectors to the presidents-only track at the Higher Education Climate Leadership Summit

Recognition and Events

Increased visibility of campus climate action through leadership opportunities in international activities like the United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP) and Second Nature’s recognitions and awards, which resonate with university donors and alumni.

Eligibility Criteria

Leading research universities are eligible to join UC3 if the following criteria are met:

The university president/chancellor/rector has pledged to reduce their university’s institutional carbon footprint, and their commitment is consistent with objectives of the Paris Agreement and the Under2 MOU for subnational climate leaders
The university is a leading research institution as designated by the R1 classification (Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education) or equivalent classification/ranking
Acknowledgment of support and participation from the president, chancellor, or rector’s office and the designation of university liaisons that can support regular engagement with UC3
Designated liaisons are able to participate in regular UC3 events and encourage broader engagement in other Coalition activities by other members of the university

Process

Membership is open to any university that is interested in furthering climate action in the higher education sector, agrees to support the Coalition’s Mission Statement, and can fulfill the eligibility requirements.
The steering committee will evaluate the eligibility of universities that express interest in joining the coalition and approve those that clearly meet all requirements.
Once a university is deemed eligible the Leadership Lead institution’s president or chancellor will extend a written invitation that includes instructions on how to formally accept the invitation.

Want to Join?

If you are a faculty, researcher, or staff member at a current UC3 institution and would like to engage, please contact us.