Awards Guidelines

1. Environmental Leadership Awards may be given annually for significant contributions to the principles and objectives of UConn’s environmental policy.
2. Nominees for the award will be evaluated in each of the following categories:
   • Undergraduate Student
   • Graduate Student
   • Faculty/Administrator
   • Staff
   • UConn-Affiliated Groups (e.g., Clubs, Organizations, Centers or Institutes)
   • Alumni
   • Special Recognition/External
3. A committee of UConn’s Environmental Policy Advisory Council (EPAC) will review the nominations and recommend the winners for approval by vote of the full EPAC.
4. Nominations can be submitted by anyone for any of the award categories listed above. Self-nominations will also be accepted. Nominations for the current academic year can be submitted on-line at the EcoHusky website until March 1 annually.
5. Nominations will be considered on the basis of the Judging Criteria
6. Announcement of the annual award will be made at the EPAC meeting on or about Earth Day (April 22).
7. Recipients will be notified in advance in order to participate in an award ceremony.
   

 Criteria for Nomination

Nominees in any category must meet these three criteria:

1. Proven dedication and outstanding contributions to at least one of the principles of environmental leadership as outlined in UConn's Environmental Policy Statement and described below:

   Performance:
   Help ensure environmental compliance or improve environmental performance as it relates to the University's operational or research activities  

   Responsible Management and Growth:

   • Significantly influence or promote environmentally sustainable design and construction of UConn buildings or sustainable landscaping of UConn's grounds, or
   • Improve practices for maintaining them in order to better protect the environment, natural resources, public health and safety

   Outreach:
   Demonstrate UConn's environmental stewardship and initiative through volunteer efforts and partnerships with surrounding communities or non-profit organizations   Academics:       Advance understanding of the environment by:

   • Developing a new General Education course,
   • Implementing an environment-related curriculum enhancement, or
   • Conducting an innovative education, research or outreach program that either improves environmental literacy at UConn or demonstrates UConn's academic leadership in the area of environmental sustainability

   Conservation:

   • On UConn-owned land, or areas that may be affected by UConn's activities, conserve or restore natural resources or improve the land's habitat or ecological value; or
   • Increase UConn's use of environmentally sustainable products, materials and services (including those that are renewable, recycled, recyclable, non-toxic, or energy- or resource-efficient)

   Teamwork:       
   Achieve shared environmental goals, i.e., initiate environment-related activities or organizations that involve multiple parties, disciplines or functions across the University  

2.   Active involvement in these activities, above and beyond job-related duties

3.   Affiliation with the University either as a faculty, staff, student, campus organization, or alumni.