Progress 04/01/18 to 09/30/22
Outputs
Target Audience:During this reporting period, 17 undergraduate students were directly reached by this program. 14 students completed the introductory course (UCF 300) and 3 students completed the capstone class (UCF 410) in the spring of 2022. In addition, over 100 undergraduates and community members have become aware of this developing program through outreach efforts including the campus' collegiate arborist training program spring of 2022, forest health classes, guest lectures and advising. Over 100 community members and urban and community forestry professionals were made aware of the new certificate program through online presentations and other outreach, for example as a part of TreeWeek. Changes/Problems:During this time period we received a second no-cost extension for the following reasons: Delayed administrative progress on approving the certificate: Since this certificate was officially approved spring 2021, having a 6-month extension on the grant period would allow us to cover the funding of the program coordinator through the first full year of the approved program (and the summer after) Challenge in facilitating anticipated student internships: Given COVID-related policies of potential internship sponsors, it has been challenging to connect students (and the funds available to support this) to internship opportunities. This additional extension also gave us time to assess the success of the current program. This was conducted in the summer of 2022, in accordance with the university's guidelines for program assessment, and was submitted to the university for further review (pending). In addition, the second no-cost extension allowed the certificate's program coordinator to work through the academic semester (spring 2022) which would otherwise have bene interrupted by the end of funding date (midway through the semester). During this time, Ellen Crocker and Chris Sass continued in the roles of certificate co-directors. Nic Williamson continued in the role of program coordinator, taught the introductory class, advertised the program, attracted students, and communicated across those involved in advising the program. In addition, Lexington, KY city arborist Heather Wilson successfully took over instruction of the capstone class during this period (from Chris Sass) and brought new components such as partnership with the city on completing the student project. Funding for her position was provided through the Department of Landscape Architecture and reflects their deep commitment to the success of the Urban and Community Forestry Certificate Program. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Training: Undergraduate introductory course updated (return from COVID restrictions) and taught (UCF 300). Undergraduate capstone developed and taught (UCF 410). How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?We have shared regular updates with the Department of Forestry and the university's Urban Forestry Initiative working group. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
As we wrap up this funding, we can reflect on the progress made in the development of an Undergraduate Certificate Program in Urban and Community Forestry at the University of Kentucky. After years of planning, submissions, and approval processes, in 2021, university-level approval was awarded for the Urban and Community Forestry Certificate program. It is now an official undergraduate certificate at the university and counts as an official professional elective for several majors (e.g. Forestry, natural resources). Each year, it draws additional students from a range of backgrounds. Core Urban and Community Courses were again taught in this period, including the introductory class(UCF 300, spring 2022, Urban and Community Forestry,) and the capstone class (UCF 410, spring 2022, Capstone in Urban and Community Forestry). Combined, these courses engaged students from a range of majors and evaluations from courses were very positive. As a part of the introductory course, students gained a background in core subject matter, met a wide range of professionals, and completed a multi-stage tree inventory project. As a part of the capstone class, students completed a service-learningtree project, designing and implementing a new park in our town to address stormwater issues. To further share information about this certificate program and attract new students, we added updates to the website (https://ucf.ca.uky.edu/) during this reporting period, an updated course plan. Working with the Office of the Associate Dean for Instruction in the College of Agriculture we developed several new graphics to promote the certificate including a flyer and several stand-up posters. We also conducted a program assessment of the certificate in the summer of 2022, using the guidelines of the University to assess academic programs. This involved comparing the stated learning objectives of the programs with major outputs of the courses to determine a baseline for what students are learning (and if this is aligned with the goals of the certificate). While the program assessment we completed is still under review, in general, we feel that it meets our objectives will having room to improve. During this period, we also began working on a plan forward for more sustainable funding for this program. In particular, we are seeking support for part-time instructor salary for the two core classes. Based on the experiences of other similar programs, we feel that we will be able to develop partnerships to support thisin the next several years.
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Progress 04/01/21 to 03/31/22
Outputs
Target Audience:During this reporting period, 33 undergraduate students were directly reached by this program.14 students completed the introductory course (UCF 300) and 3 students completed the capstone class (UCF 410) in the spring of 2022. 12 students completed the introductory course (UCF 300) and 4 students took thecapstone class in urban and community forestry (UCF 410)in the spring of 2021. 3 students completed the undergraduate certificate in spring 2021 and another cohort of 3 complete the certificate in May 2022. In addition, two students were funded to complete aninternships in urban and community forestry in the summer of 2021. Over 60 undergraduates and community members have become aware of this developing program through outreach efforts including the campus' collegiate arborist training program spring of 2021 and 2022 and forest health classes. Over 100 community members and urban and community forestry professionals were made aware of the new certificate program through online presentations and other outreach, for example as a part of TreeWeek. Changes/Problems:During this time period we received a second no-cost extension for the following reasons: · Delayed administrative progress on approving the certificate: Since this certificate was officially approved spring 2021, having a 6-month extension on the grant period would allow us to cover the funding of the program coordinator through the first full year of the approved program (and the summer after) · Challenge in facilitating anticipated student internships: Given COVID-related policies of potential internship sponsors, it has been challenging to connect students (and the funds available to support this) to internship opportunities. This additional extension will also give us time to assess the success of the current program, which after spring 2022 will have two cohorts of graduates and a larger base of alumni to survey regarding strengths of the program and recommendations for future growth. In addition, the second no-cost extension allowed the certificate's program coordinator to work through the academic semester (spring 2022) which would otherwise have bene interrupted by the end of funding date (midway through the semester). During this time, Ellen Crocker and Chris Sass continued in the roles of certificate co-directors. Nic Williamson continued in the role of program coordinator, taught the introductory class, advertised the program, attracted students, and communicated across those involved in advising the program. In addition, Lexington, KY city arborist Heather Wilson successfully took over instruction of the capstone class during this period (from Chris Sass) and brought new components to better engage students and meet COVID-related restrictions. Funding for her position was provided through the Department of Landscape Architecture and reflects their deep commitment to the success of the Urban and Community Forestry Certificate Program. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Training: Undergraduate introductory course updated (with COVID restrictions in place) and taught twice (UCF 300). Undergraduate capstone developed and taught twice (UCF 410). Professional development: 2 undergraduate students completed internships in urban and community forestry in the summer of 2021. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?We have shared regular updates with the university's Urban Forestry Initiative working group. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Another cohort of students will have completed the certificate program. We will prepare a report to the university on progress regarding key student learning outcome achievement in the certificate program
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
As we wrap up this fourth year of funding, we can reflect on the progress made in the development of an Undergraduate Certificate Program in Urban and Community Forestry at the University of Kentucky. During 2021, university-level approval was awarded for the Urban and Community Forestry Certificate program and it is now an official undergraduate certificate. Core Urban and Community Courses were again taught in this period, including the introductory class (UCF 300, spring 2021 and spring 2022, Urban and Community Forestry,) and the capstone class (UCF 410, spring 2021 and spring 2022, Capstone in Urban and Community Forestry). Combined, these courses engaged students from a range of majors and evaluations from courses were very positive. As a part of the introductory course, students gained a background in core subject matter, met a wide range of professionals, and completed a multi-stage tree inventory project. As a part of the capstone class, students completed a service-learning landscape architecture tree project. To further share information about this certificate program and attract new students, we added updates to the website (https://ucf.ca.uky.edu/) during this reporting period, an updated course plan. Working with the Office of the Associate Dean for Instruction in the College of Agriculture we developed several new graphics to promote the certificate including a flyer and several stand-up posters.
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Progress 04/01/20 to 03/31/21
Outputs
Target Audience:During this reporting period, 22 undergraduate students (majoring in Natural Resources, Landscape Architecture, Forestry, and other areas) and two graduate students (majoring in urban design) were directly reached by this program. 4 students completed the capstone course (UCF 410) in spring 2020. 5 students completed the introductory course (UCF 300) in the fall of 2020. 12 students completed the introductory course (UCF 300) in the spring of 2021. 3 students took thecapstone class in urban and community forestry (UCF 410) in spring 2021. Two students were funded to completeinternships in urban and community forestry. 4 students completed the undergraduate certificate in spring 2020 and another cohort of 3 are anticipated to complete the certificate in May 2021. In addition, over 25 undergraduates have become aware of this developing program through outreach efforts including the campus' collegiate arborist training program 2020. Over 100 community members and urban and community forestry professionals were made aware of the new certificate program through online presentations and other outreach, for example as a part of TreeWeek 2020. Changes/Problems:The university-level review of our certificate program took longer than expected, in part due to COVID-related delays. As a part of the review, the university requested we make the certificate more flexible and less structured in-terms of many different pathways, each with their own class lists. To meet this, we made several significant changes to the structure of the certificate that we believe will make it easier to manage over time without detracting from the mission of the program. In particular: Removing formal pathway structure: Previously, we anticipated having 4 distinct pathways for this certificate, different combinations of courses that could be taken to fit the diverse interests of students we planned to attract including 1) trees and tree health, 2) green infrastructure, planning, and design, 3) environmental education, and 4) trees and human health and wellness. However, as our university moves to a new system of certificate management, this format is no longer be possible and would have necessitated 4 separate certificates. To avoid this, we made the pathways informal. While they will continue to be used in advising students based on their interests and career goals, they will not be core to the framework of certificate approval. Shorter list of elective classes: Another request by the university approval committee was to shorten the list of approved elective courses for the certificate to both aid in administration as well as increase cohesiveness of students in the certificate. To accommodate this, we made the list of suggested courses shorter but also added a clear pathway through which students can substitute additional classes of interest as needed. Given COVID restrictions, fall 2020 and spring 2021 featured hybrid teaching approach (lectures online, lab/studio in-person) and some related changes to better fit this format. However, the general nature remained consistent. With COVID, there were also fewer in-person events to use to share information about this program with students and the community. In the next reporting period, we look forward to being able to do more in-person programming in addition to continuing with online programming. During this time, Nic Williamson continued in the role of program coordinator, taught the introductory class, advertised the program, attracted students, and communicated across those involved in advising the program. Mr. Williamson successfully took over instruction of the introductory class during this period (from Dr. Crocker) and brought new components to better engage students and meet COVID-related restrictions. One significant change made during this time to UCF300 was to move it from fall semester to spring semester to better meet student schedules and attract more students. Already, this approach has proven successful with much higher enrollment this year. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Training: Undergraduate introductory course updated (with COVID restrictions in place) and taught twice (UCF 300). Undergraduate capstone develope and taught twice (UCF 410). Professional development: 2 undergraduate students completed internships in urban and community forestry (conducting work related to landscape architecture and outreach). How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?We have shared regular updates with the university's Urban Forestry Initiative working group. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Attract a diverse range of students to the certificate by increasing outreach and engagement of undergraduate advisors for different majors. Another cohort of students will be ready to complete the certificate program. Develop and implement a clear plan for recruiting and advising students in the certificate program going forward.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
During the third year of funding, we made great progress in the development of an Undergraduate Certificate Program in Urban and Community Forestry at the University of Kentucky. In addition to offeringthe introductory class twice (fall 2020 and spring 2021, Urban and Community Forestry, UCF 300, first taught in 2018), we offered the capstone class of this program twice in spring 2020 and 2021 (UCF 410, Capstone in Urban and Community Forestry). Combined, these courses engaged students from a range of majors and evaluations from courses were very positive. As a part of the introductory course, students gained a background in core subject matter, met a wide range of professionals, and completed a multi-stage tree inventory project. As a part of the capstone class, students completed a service-learning landscape architecture tree project. In addition, we submitted the proposal for a new undergraduate certificate and received approval from the college level. (University level approval was awarded immediately following this reporting period). To further share information about this certificate program and attract new students, we added updates to the website (https://ucf.ca.uky.edu/) during this reporting period, including a new video summary created by UCF certificate alumni. We presented this video to several different student groups and will use it going forward in our recruiting.
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Progress 04/01/19 to 03/31/20
Outputs
Target Audience:Eight undergraduate students (5 majoring in Natural Resources, 3 majoring in Landscape Architecture) and one graduate student majoring in Environmental Design) were directly reached by this program during this reporting period. Three students completed the introductory course (Urban and Community Forestry) in the fall of 2019. Five students took thenew class in urban and community forestry at the University of Kentucky taught spring 2020 (Capstone in Urban and Community Forestry). One student was funded to complete aninternship in urban and community forestry in the summer of 2019. In addition, over 200 undergraduates have become aware of this developing program through outreach efforts, including a new campus tree climbing event that was piloted in fall 2019. Over 500 community members and urban and community forestry professionals were made aware of the new certificate program through presentations and other outreach. Changes/Problems:Crocker (PI) accepted a faculty position that started shortly before this reporting year, resulting in a change in her responsibilities and decreased time to devote as program coordinator of this undergraduate certificate program. However, given that her faculty position is at the same institution and same department as her previous postdoctoral position, she is able to carry on in leadership as the program co-director and a faculty of record. Sass (co-PI) has also taken on a leadership role as co-director of the program and Williamson was hired to take over the role of program coordinator, teaching the introductory class in the future, advertising the program, attracting students, and communicating across those involved. Because of transitions during this time, progress was more delayed than anticipated. With this new leadership in place we feel confident going forward. However, we plan to request a one-year no-cost Extension to accommodate these unanticipated delaysin this program. Fewer students enrolled in the introductory class in fall 2019 than anticipated due to scheduling conflicts which have been resolved. In addition, a switch to online teaching in spring of 2020 due to COVID-19 changed certain aspects of the capstone class. However, the general nature remained consistent and students were able to complete their work despite this unexpected development. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Training: New undergraduate course created and taught (Capstone in Urban and Community Forestry), previously developed undergraduate course taught a second time (Urban and Community Forestry). Professional development: 1 undergraduate student completed an internship in urban and community forestry, 3 certificate-affiliated faculty and staff attended an international conference on education in arboriculture and urban forestry to share progress and learn from other programs nationally. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Presented progress on the certificate at the Arboriculture & Urban Forestry Educators Symposium at the Morton Arboretum in May 2019. Presented progress on the certificate to a wide range of student and professional groups. Have shared regular updates with the university's Urban Forestry Initiative working group. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Formalize the certificate with university approval. Attract a diverse range of students to the certificate by increasing outreach and engagement of undergraduate advisors for different majors. Another cohort of students will be ready to complete the certificate program. Develop and implement a clear plan for recruiting and advising students in the certificate program going forward.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
During the second year of this grant proposal, we made great progress in the development of an Undergraduate Certificate Program in Urban and Community forestry at the University of Kentucky. In addition to again offering and fine-tuning the introductory class (Urban and Community Forestry, first taught in 2018), we developed and taught a new undergraduate course to be a cornerstone of this certificate (Capstone in Urban and Community Forestry). Combined, these courses engaged students from a range of majors and evaluations from courses were very positive. As a part of the introductory course, students gained a background in core subject matter, met a wide range of professionals, and completed a multi-stage tree inventory working with nearby neighborhoods. As a part of the capstone class, students completed a service-learning landscape architecture tree project. In addition, we finalized all paperwork necessary for the official proposal of a new undergraduate certificate program and submitted this certificate to the university. This involved completing a list of all approved classes in the certificate and prerequisites for each that is publicly posted on our website. This was approved at the college level and has since advanced to the university level, with approval of the overall programanticipated in summer of 2020. This will allow 4 students to officially complete the certificate (based on their previous coursework) in summer 2020. During this time period, we hired a program coordinator, Nic Williamson, to teach the introductory class in the future, advertise the program, attract students, and communicate across those involved in advising the program. To further share information about this certificate program and attract new students, we created a website (https://ucf.ca.uky.edu/) during this reporting period with core information. We presented this certificate to several different student groups and will use it going forward in our advising.
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Progress 04/01/18 to 03/31/19
Outputs
Target Audience:14 undergraduate students (7 majoring in Natural Resources and 7 majoring in Landscape Architecture) were directly reached by this program during this reporting period through the development and teaching of a new class in urban and community forestry at the University of Kentucky (Introduction to Urban and Community Forestry). In addition over 100 undergraduates have become aware of this developing certificate program through outreach efforts. Over 70 community members attended the final poster presentation for the class and students worked with representatives from several nearby neighborhoods to complete a class project, further expanding the audiences reached by this project. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Training: New undergraduate course created and taught (Introduction to Urban and Community Forestry), on the books again for fall of 2019. Professional development: Leadership development of postdoctoral scholar coordinating certificate effects (has transitioned to faculty position in same institution and will continue to develop this program). How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Hosted a community invited public forum on tree inventories in the fall of 2018, featuring presentations of class projects from new introductory class (~70 people attended). Have also shared monthly updates on the certificate development with the city's Urban Forestry Initiative (stakeholder group). Plan to present progress at upcoming conference on urban forestry education, May 2019. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Teach a second semester of the Introduction to Urban and Community Forestry Course (incorperating feedback from last year) and attract a diverse range of students, fall 2019 Develop and teach new Capstone in Urban and Community Forestry, spring 2020 Receive formal university approval for new courses (currently taught as experimental courses) and overall certificate, fall 2019 Graduate first cohort of certificate students, spring 2020 Advertise new certificate program broadly to university undergraduate students, continuous
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
During the first year of this grant proposal we have made great progress in the development of this undergraduate certificate program in urban and community forestry at the University of Kentucky. We developed and taught a new undergraduate course to be a cornerstone of this certificate (Introduction to Urban and Community Forestry), reaching 14 undergraduate students, 7 majoring in Natural Resources and 7 majoring in Landscape Architecture.As a part of the class students gained a background in core subject matter, met a wide range of professionals, and completed a multi-stage tree inventory working with nearby neighborhoods and sharing their findings.Evaluations from this course were very positive. In addition, we have developed a list of courses suitable as elective coursework for the certificate by engaging a broad range of departments across campus and gaining their support for inclusion in this program. We are currently finalizing the paperwork process to formally submit this certificate to the university and, to facilitate this, have received letters of support from the included departments who have all voted favorably on the matter. We are also working to develop a second required course (Capstone in Urban and Community Forestry) that will be taught in 2020. Both classes and the certificate program overall are being prepared to submit to the university for approval.
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