Green Graduation recognizes undergraduate students for their commitment to sustainability during their time at the University of Tennessee. By completing various sustainability-related tasks, students can earn points toward receiving a green cord and a medallion to wear at graduation, celebrating their dedication to making a positive environmental impact.
All About Points
Students earn points by completing sustainability-related activities during their time at UT.
Important Point Limits
Service-Learning Points:
No more than half of your required points may come from service-learning activities.
- A maximum of 5 service-learning points may count toward earning the green cord.
- A maximum of 10 service-learning points may count toward earning the medallion and cord.
Single-Use vs. Multiple-Use Activities
- All activities may only be counted once, even if you complete similar experiences multiple times, unless otherwise specified.
- Some categories are designated as multiple-use, allowing you to earn points more than once within that category, up to a stated maximum.
Track Your Points
To help you track your progress, we provide a points tracking sheet for personal use. This document allows you to log completed activities as you go.
You will still need to submit your points through the official Green Graduation application form when you are ready to apply.
Downloadable Green Graduation Points Tracker
Earning Points
1-Point Opportunities
Service-Learning Opportunities (1 point each)
You may only earn up to half of the required points through service hours, which means a maximum of 5 points can count toward receiving a cord and a maximum of 10 points can count toward receiving both a cord and a medallion.
- Volunteer with the Sustainability Department or a sustainability-related event
Single-Use Opportunities (1 point each)
Each activity below may only be counted once total, regardless of how many times you complete it.
- Be an active member of a sustainability-related organization on campus
- Write or be featured in a sustainability-related blog or column (Daily Beacon or another publication)
Multiple-Use Opportunities (1 point per item, up to 3 uses per opportunity)
Each activity below may be counted up to three times, earning 1 point per completed experience. A maximum of 3 points may be earned per opportunity, even if you participate more than three times.
- Attend a sustainability conference or symposium
- Attend a Lunch and Learn event hosted by the Department of Geography and Sustainability
- Attend a sustainability-related career event or college fair
- Earn a sustainability-related certificate
3-Point Opportunities
(Each activity may be counted once.)
- Participate in a sustainability-related program (e.g. the Volunteer Forester Program or the UT Gardens Master Gardener Program)
- Serve as an officer for a sustainability-related student organization on campus
- Submit and present a Green Fee proposal
- Present at a sustainability conference, symposium, or exhibition
- Author or co-author a sustainability-related research article
5-Point Opportunities
(Each activity may be counted once.)
- Complete a sustainability or sustainability-related course at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville
- Worked or currently work in a sustainability-related job, internship, or research position (for at least one semester)
- Complete a sustainability or sustainability-related study abroad program
- Receive a sustainability-related award
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Spring 2026 form closes May 1st.