Welcome to Issue 4 of our Fall Newsletter

The CAM-Unity Connection newsletter is your connection to happenings in our residential communities. Whether you are new to campus or returning to our communities, we want to continue keeping you informed as part of our Ramily.

Trash bags are for Trash only!

Did you know it matters how you store and transport your waste? When plastic trash bags are used to hold your recyclables and compost, that bag contaminates the waste stream shown in the photo below. If contamination happens, entire bins of recycling and compost must be thrown out. 

Go zero waste today by selecting ReusePass in the Grubhub app to get your next to-go order served in a reusable container! Reuse Pass is a container rent-and-return program available at Durrell, RAMwich, and Pitkin St. Eatery. Opt in for a sustainable, reusable container for your next meal and save a single-use to-go box from the landfill! After use, the containers may be dropped off for cleaning at any designated drop boxes.

Why choose ReUse Pass?

The ReUse Pass program helps to reduce waste, water and emissions on campus by reducing the number of take-out containers used by residents at the dining commons. Below are some statistics on the impact the ReUse program has had on CSU’s campus since its inception in Spring 2023.

Impact

• 142,308 gallons of water saved
• 20,594 tons of waste diverted
• 148,232 lbs of GHG emissions saved
• 223,362 containers saved

The fall season is here with shorter days and cooler nights. It’s a good time to remember a few important safety tips:

• Be extra cautious during early morning and evening hours when visibility is reduced. Cyclists need to use bike lights, and bright clothing is recommended. Drivers need to avoid distractions and not park in bike lanes.
• Be sure to always close blinds and curtains when changing or sleeping, and take notice of individuals lingering near windows, doors, or private areas without reason.
• Do not let unknown individuals tailgate behind you when you access a locked door.
• Use well-lit pathways when walking, when possible, and take advantage of the Safe Walk program.
• Plan safe transportation to and from parties or events and stay with trusted friends when out.
• Practice good self-care habits, manage academic stress, and reach out to CSU Health Network if you need.
• Remember, Colorado weather can be unpredictable, so check weather reports and be prepared by dressing in layers.
• Don't overload circuits with multiple heating devices, and keep heaters away from walls and other possibly combustible materials.
• In an emergency, do not hesitate to call or text 911.
• Report any suspicious behavior to police immediately via call or text to 911.

Operating from The Office of Student Leadership, Involvement and Community Engagement (SLiCE), Rams Against Hunger offers a menu of services that support students, faculty, and staff experiencing food insecurity. Services include a food pantry, a meal-swipe program, pocket pantries, and in-person assistance with navigating federal aid eligibility. This multi-pronged approach acknowledges the broad scope of the issue and seeks to normalize this difficult conversation for the individuals affected, as well as for the institution as a whole. Our hope in providing these services is to ensure that basic needs need not be overlooked at the expense of a degree. By reducing the stigma around food insecurity and meeting student, staff, and faculty needs in a way that affirms dignity, we hope to live out the creed that Rams really do take care of Rams.

Rams Against Hunger Food Pantry at the General Services building at 1251 Mason Street
Fall 2025 hours of operation are:

Mondays: 2:00 – 5:00 pm

Tuesdays: 9:00 am – noon

Wednesdays: 2:00 – 5:00 pm

Thursdays: 2:00– 5:00 pm

Fridays: CLOSED

*Bring your CSU ID and bags

Pocket Pantries
In partnership with ASCSU, Rams Against Hunger offers a limited selection of food items to all members of the Ram community at the following Pocket Pantry locations:

• Lory Student Center- level 200 – ASCSU Plaza-side entrance
  • Please “swipe” your CSU ID to enter the Pocket Pantry doors
• University Housing – Aggie Village Family Apartments
  • Aggie Village Family Center – 501 West Prospect St, Building 24
• University Housing – University Village Center Apartments
  • 1600 West Plum, Building 24.
• CRC Kitchens
  • Lory Student Center, Levels 200 & 300
• Fostering Success/Student Achievement
  • Stadium, Collaborative for Student Success, access through the lobby
• CSU Health Network
  • 2nd Floor, hallway by Business Services
• Adult Learner and Veteran Services
  • Lory Student Center

Ram Food Recovery is a program that supports CSU students and employees experiencing food insecurity by sending text alerts for food leftover from catered events within Housing & Dining Services. If a catered event has any food leftover at the end of the event, catering staff send a text alert to subscribers with date, time, and location of food pick-up. Participants generally have a 30 minute window for food pick-up.

Anyone with a CSU ID is welcome to sign up for text alerts for these meals. 

TILT Tutoring is free, peer-to-peer tutoring for 20+ of some of CSU's largest courses. TILT tutoring attendees earned an 8% total grade increase compared to their classmates who did not attend. 

With Ram Pride, Your Author: Ben Rottersman Coordinator of Residential Curriculum and Assessment for Housing & Dining Services. 

You may identify acronyms in this newsletter or around campus that you may not understand. To help you out, visit our CSU acronym finder!