| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 83.12 |
| Liaison | Patrick McKee |
| Submission Date | Nov. 16, 2023 |
University of Connecticut
IN-50: Innovation D
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
0.50 / 0.50 |
Patrick
McKee Senior Sustainability Program Manager Office of Sustainability |
Name or title of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
A brief description of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome that outlines how credit criteria are met and any positive measurable outcomes associated with the innovation:
The very first class tree planting occurred 126 years ago in 1897. The event was used to commemorate the graduating class as they left their roots at UConn and entered the world. The initiative was then on and off based on the desire of the graduating class. The University’s longtime class tree tradition trailed off at one point in the 20th century, but was revived with the Class of 2019 and has continued each year since, even during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when classes and most University operations were remote.
Since 2019, the initiative has been revived with much support from students. The revival is attributed to the Arboretum Committee, the Office of Sustainability, Facilities Operations, and the Undergraduate Student Government. In 2022, to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the first class tree planting, the Arboretum Committee and the Office of Sustainability tied Green Ribbons on all the class trees that indicated what graduating class they are honoring. Additionally, UConn's Tree Warden developed a class tree map that people can refer to when strolling around campus.
The class tree planting ceremony is how UConn celebrates Arbor Day for the Tree Campus USA certification that the university completes. The ceremony is open to the public and it is an opportunity to help landscaping plant the actual tree. At the ceremony, speeches are done by the Tree Warden and the Office of Sustainability Intern who led the Tree Campus USA application that highlight the symbolism of this event in addition to recognizing all the work put into this collaboration.
As part of this initiative, there has been retroactive class tree replacement and recovery.
A letter of affirmation from an individual with relevant expertise or a press release or publication featuring the innovation :
The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.