Clean Campus Movement

A student-led initiative at the University of Waterloo

A cleaner campus starts with all of us.

We're building a culture of shared responsibility, gratitude and pride in the spaces we all use, and saying thank you to the people who care for them every day.

Thank a custodian Learn more

About us

More than a cleanup. A way of caring for campus.

The Clean Campus Movement encourages students, faculty, staff and neighbours to take ownership of the places we share, to be mindful of how we use them, and to recognize the people who keep our campus clean, safe and welcoming.

Meaningful change doesn't come from one big event. It comes from everyday actions, collective participation and mutual respect. Our work complements the dedicated university staff who look after campus. It never replaces them.

01

Responsibility

Taking ownership of the shared spaces we move through every day.

02

Appreciation

Recognizing and thanking the people who maintain our campus.

03

Stewardship

Actively contributing to a cleaner, greener, more welcoming environment.

04

Community

Building a culture where everyone feels responsible for their surroundings.

Ongoing

Staff appreciation

Say thank you to the people who keep campus running.

Custodial staff are often the first on campus each morning and the last to leave, and a lot of their work goes unseen. We're collecting thank-you notes from students, faculty and staff to deliver to the custodial team. A few honest sentences are enough.

  1. Write a note. Handwritten or typed. Say what you've noticed or appreciated.
  2. Send it our way. Drop it off at [DROP-OFF LOCATION] or send it online.
  3. We deliver it. We pass every note to the custodial team in person.
Send a thank-you note Ask a question

Not sure what to write?

Thank you for keeping our building warm, tidy and welcoming. It makes a real difference to my day.

Get involved

There's a place for you here, whatever your time or experience.

You don't need experience, and you don't need much time. A thank-you note, an hour with a group of friends, or an idea passed along all count. Choose whichever of these feels right and we'll take it from there.

Volunteer with us

Tell us you're interested and we'll let you know about upcoming ways to help, from writing notes to lending a hand at events. Say as much or as little as you like about your availability.

Register your interest

Join the organizing team

Help plan campaigns, spread the word, design materials or build relationships with staff and partners. We're happy to match you with something that suits your skills.

Ask about joining

Student groups and clubs

Bring your club, team or residence floor along. Groups can write a batch of thank-you notes together or collaborate with us on something of their own.

Collaborate with us

Departments and partners

If you represent a university department or community organization, we'd welcome the chance to work alongside facilities and custodial staff on projects that matter to them.

Start a conversation

Contact

Questions, ideas, or want to help?

Students, staff, clubs and departments are all welcome. Even a small contribution matters, so reach out however suits you.