University of Connecticut
EN-9: Staff Professional Development

Green Office Certification Program: Every fall and spring semester, a notice is sent out in the employee newsletter advertising their opportunity to apply to become a "Green Office". The staff in offices that opt to participate in the certification learn about a variety of ways to be more sustainable in their workspace. Annually, the Office of Sustainability hosts a Green Office Certification Program breakfast for staff and faculty. The purpose is to recruit new Green Office certification participants and to educate employees on sustainable practices in the UConn workplace. During the breakfast they receive a sustainable buffet (courtesy of UConn Dining Services) and learn about ways that they can continue to improve the sustainability of their work space. In addition, members ask questions and engage in lively discussions about what steps UConn can continue taking to become more sustainable. http://ecohusky.uconn.edu/green-office-certification-program/https://ecohusky.uconn.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/2041/2017/01/Engagement-GOCP-guidelines-2014.pdf Additionally, custodial trainings are held both annually and for newly hired employees. The training covers topics such as recycling and waste diversion, and educates employees about sustainable initiatives on campus. Trainings for administrative professionals are held annually. These trainings aim to improve awareness about sustainability at UConn and are open to 100% of administrative professionals on campus. All employees are mandated to participate in diversity training programs within six months of hire at UConn. These programs emphasize social sustainability both in and outside of the University. The Work/Life Expo is an annual event in which campus groups come together to educate staff members about issues surrounding health, social, and environmental sustainability. The Office of Sustainability has a presence at this event and uses this platform to train staff attendees on proper recycling habits and to educate about sustainability initiatives on campus as a whole. A large portion of the UConn workforce attends this event each year.

UConn is a long-time member of AASHE, Second Nature, the NECSC and the CT Campus Sustainability Coalition, and has played a leadership role in several of these organizations. Many staff in several departments are listed as contacts for one or more of these associations. Rich Miller, OS Director, is current chair of AASHE's Board of Directors, and UConn's former President Herbst is a member of Second Nature's Climate Leadership Steering Committee. Additionally, UConn’s new President Thomas Katsouleas worked as an advisory board member of the Yamuna River Project. Many UConn staff in multiple departments participate in sustainability-related training at the AASHE conference, at the NECSC conference, and at seminars and webinars sponsored by these and other organizations, like the Green Sports Alliance, SCUP and NACUBO. Professional development is well-supported by UConn and the University reimburses travel and registration expenses for all of the above-listed programs.

https://equity.uconn.edu/diversity-awareness-training/ https://studentaffairs.uconn.edu/2019/10/01/work-life-expo-tomorrow-10-2/