In the spring of 2009 the students of UAF voted to have a $20 fee levied upon all students in the interest of sustainability. Chancellor Rogers matches the fee. The fee will retire in the spring semester of 2020. With over 5,000 students funding this movement, there will be enough revenue to install alternative energy systems, encourage greener purchasing, establish sustainable program and change the way we look at energy on the UAF campus.
There are nine focus areas in which student sustainability projects may be categorized. Energy and climate, transportation, education and curriculum, purchasing, waste management, sustainable design, food systems social sustainability and processes and institutions. The students support these focus areas through funding student projects annually through the RISE grant program.