The Division of Graduate Education (DGE) oversees more than 100 doctoral and master’s programs at UCLA. It partners with graduate programs across campus to support the graduate student experience and ensure that graduate education is of the highest quality. From the New Graduate Student Welcome to the celebration of the awarding of a degree, DGE manages many milestone happenings—and here, they strive to keep sustainability in mind.
Ivy Ebuen leads the operations and external relations team for DGE. Ebuen takes care of logistics and works to keep activities green, which is critical when hosting events – especially with eight big signature engagements and about 25 smaller unit events that each draw 50 to 100 attendees.
Events can generate a large amount of waste and consume resources. Incorporating eco-friendly practices can reduce the negative impact on the environment.
Associate Dean Kristen McKinney – who came to DGE after engaging with UCLA’s Healthy Campus Initiative in her previous position – arrived in her new role wanting to work with the staff to identify areas for reducing the division’s carbon footprint.
The Doctoral Hooding Ceremony was the first event to get a sustainable makeover. A multi-page hard copy booklet containing every graduate’s information, with two versions for students and attendees, resulted in around 1,500 to 2,000 copies. Now, the division has pivoted to an electronic program and a single card (with a link to a PDF flipbook with full details) to reduce paper consumption.
Reducing single-use plastics, wherever possible, is another initiative. For catering, Ebuen requests compostable or recyclable serving ware and cups – and tries to incorporate vegetarian and vegan options (more plant-based, less meat), too, which cuts back on emissions.
DGE has also eliminated environmentally harmful balloons from events and incorporated reusable signage. Taking public transit to the division’s welcome event is encouraged by including bus route details with website event information.
The division has been moving towards greener practices in other ways, including ordering sustainable office supplies, like rechargeable batteries, and using sleep mode for computers to conserve energy.
“We’re always looking for ways to minimize our impact,” said Ebuen, with McKinney adding that UCLA Sustainability has been a great resource to reach out to for help.
Ready to get started with green changes in your department or organization? Visit the UCLA Sustainability website for actions to take.