Graduation Green Cords

The Office of Sustainability and Environmental Programs advisory committee is recognizing graduating seniors who have gone above and beyond in expanding efforts, increasing participation and furthering the College’s goals related to sustainability and the environment by awarding them with a green cord to be worn for Commencement ceremonies. Green cords showcase students’ accomplishments and contributions in supporting the College’s commitment to sustainability.

How do students qualify to be a green cord recipient? 

Students must submit a written reflection (1 page or less) during their senior year describing how they have met at least two standards from different categories listed below. Students are not limited to the examples listed; they may choose to reflect on other activities that demonstrate environmental service and leadership, especially those at the intersection of sustainability and social justice. Reflection statements for 2024 graduates should be sent to Liz Fulton (fultone@lafayette.edu) by April 5, 2024, for review by a representative from the OoS and ES&S. The list of green cord recipients will be announced at the May meeting of the ES&S advisory committee.

Graduates have the option of keeping their green cord as a memento or donating it back to the environmental programs to be reused for future students.

CATEGORY	EXAMPLES
Academic	Completion of research or internship focused on sustainability or environmental issues. Presentation of environmental work for a community or academic audience EVST or EVSC major
Leadership	Sustainability and/or Environmental Justice leadership position (e.g., clubs, organizations, ASB) Helped host a sustainability/ justice focused event  Initiate environment-related activities or organizations that involve multiple parties, disciplines, or functions across the college Demonstrates outstanding leadership in the sustainability community Implements or supports initiatives that advance the Climate Action Plan Made a lasting positive impact on the Lafayette campus through their work related to environmental issues.
Service	Served as an EcoRep, LaFarm Student Employee, or SFL Compost Student Manager  Volunteered with a sustainability related organization  Volunteered with LaFFCo at LaFarm, VIC Veggie Stand, and/or UGI at EUF Participated in a sustainability-related alternative break experience or POSP Participated in Green Move In or Green Move Out
Personal Commitment	Makes a personal and public commitment to carrying forward values aligned with sustainability, environmental justice, and stewardship beyond time at Lafayette
Lifestyle	Applies values of sustainability, justice, environmental stewardship, and living within environmental bounds to daily life, including but not limited to: Consumption habits (food, fuel, electricity) Purchasing habits Activism Engagement with natural world