Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 47.67
Liaison Tony Gillund
Submission Date May 9, 2017
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

The Ohio State University at Mansfield
IN-25: Innovation B

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.00 / 1.00 Norman Jones
Associate Dean
English
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Name or title of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
Ecolab Boardwalk and Classroom Space

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 Grant and Mary Milliron Research Wetlands and Classroom was constructed as an area for environmental studies, research, and community engagement activities at The Ohio State University at Mansfield. By taking advantage of the natural assets of the site, the Research Wetlands and Classroom increases the ability of the faculty to engage students with course material in the environment.

To expand the learning and research opportunities, substantial additions were made to the campus space. A series of boardwalks and stations for students to perform research were completed in April 2016. The boardwalks are located on constructed wetlands rather than natural wetlands, allowing students to engage with the feature without damaging a delicate natural ecology. To be inclusive of all students' needs, the boardwalks are designed to be handicap accessible. Moreover, an outdoor hillside classroom was created by placing sandstone in theatre-style seating on a slope with a limestone pad for the lecture area; it can comfortably accommodate 25-40 students and offers WiFi capability. The space also features educational signage along the boardwalk with information about wetlands' plants and animals.

The innovative use of the Ohio State Mansfield’s site has enriched the environmental, social, and economic components of the campus and Mansfield community.


Which of the following impact areas does the innovation most closely relate to? (select up to three):
Research
Campus Enagement
Buildings

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:
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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.