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Green Graduation

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.

  • 10 points earns a green cord to wear at graduation and a Green Graduation Certificate, which students may share or add to their LinkedIn profile.

  • 20 points earns a green cord, medallion, and Green Graduation Certificate.

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 Office of Sustainability 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 article or column (Daily Beacon or another publication).

Multiple-Use Opportunities
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 sustainability-related distinguished lecture or a Lunch and Learn event.
  • Attend a professional, sustainability-related career or college fair.
  • Earn a sustainability-related certificate.
  • Attend a sustainability-related event (Earth Day Festival, Arbor Day Celebration, Pollinator Party, etc.)
3-Point Opportunities

(Each activity may be counted once.)

  • Participate in a sustainability-related program (e.g. Volunteer Forester Program, Master Gardener Program, etc.).
  • 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.
  • Personal Sustainability Reflection (~250 words)
    • In a brief reflection, describe the sustainable practices you have incorporated into your daily life during your time at UT.
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.

FAQs

Yes! Green Graduation points may be earned throughout your undergraduate career at UT. Students are encouraged to begin tracking their activities as early as possible and submit their application during the semester they expect to graduate.

Green Graduation is designed to recognize a variety of sustainability-related experiences. To encourage a well-rounded engagement with sustainability, no more than half of the required points may come from service-learning activities. Students are encouraged to combine volunteer experiences with coursework, leadership, research, internships, events, and other opportunities.

No. Students may earn a maximum of 5 points in the job, internship, and research category, regardless of the number of qualifying experiences completed. Additional experiences may be included in the “Additional Contributions or Suggestions” section of the application.

Students should be prepared to provide details about their activities, such as event names, dates, organizations, courses, awards, or other relevant information. Additional documentation may be requested if needed during the review process.

We recognize that sustainability experiences can take many forms. If you have participated in a sustainability-related activity that is not included in the point categories, please describe it in the “Additional Contributions or Suggestions” section of the application. The Office of Sustainability will review these submissions on a case-by-case basis.

Fall 2026 form opening soon.