UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND
MASTER GARDENER PROGRAM
POLICY
Last updated February 29, 2016
- 2 - Prologue
In the land-grant university tradition, the mission of the University of Rhode Island (URI) Cooperative Extension (herein referred to as ‘Extension’) is to deliver research-based knowledge to the people of Rhode Island to enable informed decision-making about critical economic, social and environmental issues. URI Extension draws upon campus wide expertise, as well as the research findings of
universities throughout the nation, to create and deliver high-quality educational programs focused on topics of high importance to the state. Topics addressed by URI Extension currently include, but are not limited to, aquaculture and fisheries; sustainable agriculture; food safety and nutrition; youth and family development; community economic development; natural resources and the environment; and
landscape horticulture.
The URI Master Gardener Program is an important element within the URI Extension portfolio. The
mission of the URI Master Gardener Program is to educate citizens in environmentally-sound gardening practices through the dissemination of factual, research-based information. Utilizing
the train-the-trainer model, this program allows URI Extension to multiply its impact by training
volunteers in the most up-to-date knowledge in the area of landscape horticulture and engaging them in public education activities. The work of URI Master Gardener Program volunteers allows URI Extension to remain inclusive in program delivery by effectively reaching out to diverse groups with useful
information, while ensuring access to lifelong learning opportunities. All URI Extension staff members and activities are overseen by the Associate Director of Extension and the Dean of the College of the Environment and Life Sciences (CELS). The URI Master Gardener Program is housed within the URI Extension Outreach Center, a branch of URI Extension (see figure at right). The Master Gardener Program is facilitated by the URI Extension staff member serving in the role of “State Program Leader.” The State Program Leader maintains responsibility for the fulfillment of the program mission, as well as all aspects of Master
Gardener volunteer initial certification and annual certification. This policy guidance document provides basic information
related to the effective functioning of the URI Master Gardener Program, with a goal of clarifying responsibilities of URI Extension staff and volunteers. To ensure the program’s mission is achieved, URI assumes responsibility for (a) initial certification of URI Master Gardener volunteers and (b) for their annual certification. This includes the core training, continuing education and designation of approved volunteer service activities. The University also assumes responsibility for other related issues as described within this policy document, which may be amended over time as necessary.
Glossary of Terms and Acronyms
URI: University of Rhode Island
CELS: College of the Environment and Life Sciences Extension: Cooperative Extension
MGP: Master Gardener Program
MGP Council: The group of volunteer leaders who serve as coordinators of various aspects of the URI Master Gardener Program, under the direction of the State Program Leader.
MGP volunteer corps: The body of trained URI Master Gardener volunteers who serve as educators on behalf of URI Extension.
- 3 - Table of Contents 1.0 INITIAL CERTIFICATION Requirements 1.1 Core Training 1.2 50-hour Internship
1.3 URI Extension Volunteer Agreement 2.0 ANNUAL CERTIFICATION
Requirements
2.1 Volunteer Service
2.1.1 Direct Education Service 2.1.2 Support Service
2.2 Continuing Education
2.3 URI Extension Volunteer Agreement 3.0 VOLUNTEER STATUS CATEGORIES
3.1 Active Extension Master Gardener Volunteers 3.2 Emeritus Extension Master Gardener Volunteers 3.3 Hall of Fame Extension Master Gardener Volunteers 3.4 Honorary Extension Master Gardener Volunteers 3.5 Inactive Extension Master Gardener Volunteers
3.5.1 Leaves of Absence 3.5.2 Separation from Program 4.0 VOLUNTEER GUIDELINES
4.1 Volunteer Conduct 4.2 Volunteer Dismissal 4.3 Volunteer Transfers 4.4 Volunteer Instructors
- 4 - 1.0 INITIAL CERTIFICATION
To achieve the title of “URI Master Gardener,” volunteers must successfully complete the URI Master Gardener Program Core Training and a 50-hour volunteer internship focused on
approved “direct education service.” The purpose of the internship is to apply and expand upon the knowledge gained in the Core Training, gain experience teaching members of the public, and to become fully immersed in activities that directly address the mission of the URI Master Gardener Program.
Requirements
1.1 Core Training
This semester-long course is offered to accepted applicants who have demonstrated a desire to learn and share their knowledge with their peers. Successful completion of the course is based on policies set forth in the syllabus.
1.2 50-hour Internship
The 50-hour internship must be completed on approved direct education service activities within two years of taking the Core Training course. Refer to the listing of direct educational service activities in Volgistics. For a definition of direct education service activities, refer to Section 2.1.1 of the MGP Policy and Operations Guidance.
1.3 URI Extension Volunteer Agreement
URI Extension Master Gardener volunteers are required to sign a URI Extension Volunteer Agreement (Appendix 1) annually. This agreement covers risk
acknowledgement, insurance, emergency medical treatment, liability waiver and indemnification, client-volunteer interaction, pest control recommendations, and volunteer conduct. This document is required to be signed annually and placed on record in order for URI Extension volunteers to begin service in a given year. Volunteers engaged in service activities involving youth (under 18 years of age) as clients must complete a Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) state background check through the State of Rhode Island Attorney General’s office prior to engaging in
volunteer service with youth. BCIs are processed and paid for through the URI Extension Outreach Center.
- 5 - 2.0 ANNUAL CERTIFICATION
To preserve the integrity and quality of the URI Master Gardener Program, volunteers who have completed the Core Training and a 50-hour internship are required to earn recertification
annually, herein referred to as “annual certification.” The purpose of the annual certification requirement is to ensure that URI Master Gardener volunteers are:
1. Maintaining, enhancing and expanding their level of knowledge; and
2. Actively extending the knowledge they gain through their training and volunteer service to the public.
There are three required components to earn “annual certification” as a URI Extension Master Gardener volunteer: completing a minimum number of service and continuing education hours, and signing a volunteer agreement annually.
Requirements
2.1 Volunteer Service
There are two categories of volunteer service: direct education and support. These activities are clearly marked and categorized in Volgistics for all URI Master Gardener Program-approved activities. To earn annual certification, twenty (20) hours of volunteer service on approved projects must be completed within the given calendar year. Of the twenty (20) hours of volunteer service required annually, ten (10) hours must be earned through service on “direct education service” projects outlined in Section 2.1.1 of this document. These (10) hours of direct education service are included in the twenty (20)- hour annual recertification requirement.
2.1.1 Direct Education Service
URI Extension Master Gardener volunteers engaged in activities that have the potential to directly increase knowledge, change attitudes or change behaviors of residents in ways that promote environmentally-sound gardening, serving as:
Community Project Volunteers serve as in-garden/on-site educators at MGP demonstration gardens, restoration projects, etc. All approved community project gardens and sites should be actively used as teaching and
demonstration tools, with appropriate signage and supporting materials. Demonstration gardens and restoration projects serving as community
projects require basic upkeep and maintenance in order to be effectively used in educational outreach. Thus, garden maintenance and upkeep activities qualify for direct education service if work in the garden supports an educational project or program, and if garden maintenance and upkeep activities are not the major focus of activity in the garden.
o In order to qualify for URI Extension Master Gardener volunteer hours, all URI Master Gardener Program community projects must:
Adhere to applicable URI Extension policies and procedures; Be approved by the State Program Leader;
Report results to the State Program Leader on an annual and/or as needed basis for federal reporting and marketing purposes.
School Garden Mentors assist schools in reaching their gardening goals, provide year-to-year gardening continuity, and serve as the conduit to resources available to the school through URI Extension.
- 6 - 2.0 ANNUAL CERTIFICATION (continued)
2.1.1 Direct Education Service (continued)
Hotline and Email Service Volunteers receive gardening questions and provide high-quality recommendations to the general public through the URI Extension Outreach Center.
Kiosk Volunteers receive gardening questions and provide high-quality recommendations to the general public at community outreach events, farmer’s markets, etc.
Soil pH Testing Volunteers receive soil samples and questions and provide soil pH amendment recommendations to the general public at community outreach events, farmer’s markets, etc.
Public Presentation Instructors deliver educational workshops; includes the time it takes to research, prepare and deliver the presentation.
Writers contribute educational content to a publication intended for the general public, which may include an Extension publication, newspaper or blog; includes the time needed to research and write the article. All content must be approved by a URI Extension staff member prior to printing.
Educational Event Planners are involved in facilitating and staffing approved educational opportunities for the public including community events,
conferences or seminar series.
Other activities approved by the State Program Leader.
2.1.2 Support Service
Support services are those volunteer service activities not focused on
educational outreach, but which help to support the mission of the URI Extension Master Gardener Program, including:
Core Training mentors: provide one-one-one or group support to volunteer interns enrolled in the annual URI Master Gardener Program core training;
Financial support: i.e., plant sale, soliciting event sponsors;
Program leadership: includes service as a MGP Council member, committee chair or committee member;
University property support: general assistance with garden and landscape areas on-campus and at URI Agricultural Experiment Station properties;
Greenhouse operations: ornamental, vegetable and poinsettia projects, unless otherwise noted by Greenhouse Manager or State Program Leader.
Other activities: as approved by the State Program Leader.
2.2 Continuing Education
To earn annual certification, ten (10) hours of continuing education must be completed within the given calendar year.
Eligible continuing education opportunities are determined by the State Program Leader and found on the URI Master Gardener calendar of events. Continuing education hours are exclusive to the year in which they are earned. Attendance at an approved
educational event counts hour for hour for time spent in educational sessions. For example, if you attend a conference and sit in on three one-hour sessions, you earn three continuing education hours.
- 7 - 2.0 ANNUAL CERTIFICATION (continued)
2.2 Continuing Education (continued)
You may not earn hours for travel time to and from approved educational events.
Requests for special consideration of programs not explicitly listed on the calendar must be made to the State Program Leader via email prior to attending the program in
question.
The purpose of continuing education is to deepen and enhance knowledge related to research-based gardening techniques, enabling URI Extension Master Gardener volunteers to be most effective in their volunteer service. When planning continuing education courses, note that enrichment classes offered through the URI Master Gardener Program shall not exceed 30% of courses offered annually. Enrichment courses are those related to horticulture but not directly relevant to increasing the science-based knowledge of a URI Extension Master Gardener.
2.3 URI Extension Volunteer Agreement
URI Extension Master Gardener volunteers are required to sign a URI Extension Volunteer Agreement (Appendix 1) annually. This agreement covers risk
acknowledgement, insurance, emergency medical treatment, liability waiver and
indemnification, client-volunteer interaction, pest control recommendations and volunteer conduct. This document is required to be signed annually and placed on record in order for URI Extension Master Gardener volunteers to begin service in a given year.
Volunteers engaged in service activities involving youth (under 18 years of age) as clients must complete a Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) state background check through the State of Rhode Island Attorney General’s office prior to engaging in
volunteer service with youth. BCIs are processed and paid for through the URI Extension Outreach Center.
3.0 VOLUNTEER STATUS CATEGORIES
3.1 Active Extension Master Gardener Volunteers
Active Extension volunteers are those individuals who have completed the following annual certification requirements between January 1 and December 31 of the given year:
1. (20) hours of volunteer service, (10) of which are earned through service on direct education service projects outlined in Section 2.1.1 of this document; 2. (10) hours of continuing education within the given calendar year; and 3. Signed the URI Extension Volunteer Agreement in Appendix 1 of this
document.
3.2 Emeritus Extension Master Gardener Volunteers
Emeritus Extension volunteers are those individuals who: 1. Have reached 1,000 volunteer service hours;
2. Cannot meet the annual certification requirements outlined in Section 3.1 in the given calendar year; and
3. Have applied for and been granted emeritus status through communication with the State Program Leader.
- 8 - 3.0 VOLUNTEER STATUS CATEGORIES (cont’d)
3.2 Emeritus Extension Master Gardener Volunteers (continued)
Volunteers who become Emeritus Extension volunteers may attend URI Master Gardener Program meetings, and are encouraged to continue to attend continuing education opportunities to keep their knowledge up to date. A volunteer with emeritus status may volunteer at or lead a URI Master Gardener project only if their educational requirements are up to date.
3.3 Hall of Fame Extension Master Gardener Volunteers
Volunteers who complete and record one thousand volunteer hours on approved service projects are considered “Hall of Fame” Extension Master Gardener volunteers. “Hall of Fame” Extension Master Gardener volunteers are distinguished as such by the URI Master Gardener Program. To remain certified, they must continue to complete the requirements listed under Section 3.1 in a given calendar year.
3.4 Honorary Extension Master Gardener Volunteers
Individuals who have exhibited dedication and service toward the educational mission of the URI Master Gardener Program through involvement with approved projects may be awarded “Honorary URI Extension Master Gardener” status by the URI Master Gardener Program in absence of initial certification.
3.5 Inactive Extension Master Gardener Volunteers
Inactive Extension Master Gardener volunteers are individuals who have not completed all of the requirements listed under Section 3.1 in a given calendar year.
3.5.1 Leaves of Absence
If a URI Extension Master Gardener volunteer is unable to maintain annual certification, they may request a leave of absence from the program for up to five years by contacting the State Program Leader. After an absence of fewer than five years, the volunteer will be permitted to resume service as a URI Master Gardener by notifying the State Program Leader. Other volunteers wishing to reactivate their certification after an extended absence of:
1. 5-10 years will be required to audit select Core Training classes as determined by the State Program Leader free of charge;
2. More than 10 years will be required to complete the URI Master Gardener Program core training for a reduced (50%) registration fee.
3.5.2 Separation from Program
If a URI Extension Master Gardener volunteer has not met the requirements for annual certification between January 1 and December 31 in a given year, or if an Intern has not completed their 50-hour internship within two years of completing the core training, they will be placed in a probationary category and given (12) months to complete their annual/initial certification requirements. If the volunteer or intern fails to complete certification requirements by the end of the (12) month probationary period, the volunteer or intern will be archived in Volgistics for one year from the date of separation, then released from URI Master Gardener Program records entirely. Once a volunteer becomes “separated” from the program, they are required to retake the URI Master Gardener Program core training and complete a 50-hour internship to reengage as a URI Extension Master Gardener volunteer.
- 9 - 4.0 URI EXTENSION MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEER GUIDELINES
4.1 Volunteer Conduct
Individuals serving in the role of volunteer as associated with any program of URI Extension accept responsibility to represent URI with dignity and pride and to conduct themselves as positive role models for program participants and the public. URI Extension Master Gardener volunteers must agree to adhere to standards of behavior when engaged in assigned volunteer activities through the URI Master Gardener Program outlined in Appendix 1 of this document.
4.2 Volunteer Dismissal
URI Extension Master Gardeners are expected to comply with the URI Extension Volunteer Agreement (Appendix 1). The URI Extension Code of Conduct is signed by the volunteer upon application to the URI Master Gardener Program and again each year. The MGP Council may handle disagreements and alleged code of conduct violations initially; however, once an issue is brought to URI Extension staff for
assistance, the policy below will apply. All volunteer dismissals will be administered by the University, following the procedure outlined below:
First Offense:
Any URI Extension Master Gardener volunteer may bring a conduct issue to a URI Extension staff member. The URI Extension Associate Director will gather information from both sides, usually by meeting with all affected parties including the volunteer leadership, as appropriate, and will keep records of these
meetings. After considering all available information, the URI Extension Associate Director will decide how to address the issue, first attempting to resolve interpersonal conflicts through mediation, training, project reassignment or other non-punitive actions. If a volunteer’s behavior is found to be
unacceptable or not in the best interests of URI Extension, a variety of steps may be taken depending on the nature of the offense. For example, the volunteer in question may receive a verbal or written warning, be placed on probation, suspended or be asked to leave the program. A volunteer action plan may be devised to clearly define acceptable behavior moving forward.
Additional Offenses:
If the volunteer continues to demonstrate unacceptable behavior, the URI Extension Associate Director will take the next step in carrying out a graduated system of disciplinary actions (e.g., warning, probation, suspension or
termination). Any action beyond a verbal warning will be documented in writing and sent to the volunteer. A copy of all such documentation will be held in the office of the URI Extension Associate Director. All documented actions against the volunteer will include reason(s) for the action, a description of (and timeframe for) the expected future behavior of the volunteer, and articulation of
consequences that will occur if the volunteer does not comply. If dismissal is warranted, the letter will include the reason(s) for dismissal and the effective date of termination of URI Master Gardener certification.
- 10 - 4.0 URI EXTENSION MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEER GUIDELINES (cont’d)
4.3 Volunteer Transfers
We encourage and welcome Master Gardeners certified in other states to participate in the URI Master Gardener Program. To transfer affiliation from another state to the URI Master Gardener Program, the following documentation should be provided to the State Program Leader:
1. Letter of recommendation from State Program Leader at institution where initial certification was earned; and
2. Evidence of participation in horticultural service activities as a certified Master Gardener.
The above documentation will be reviewed by the State Program Leader; and one of the following recommendations will be made:
1. If the transfer Master Gardener is current with their continuing education and service requirements or has participated in a Master Gardener Program in the past ten years, they may be asked to audit select core training classes as determined by the URI State Program Leader; or
2. If the transfer Master Gardener has not fulfilled their continuing education or service requirements for over 10 years, they will be asked to complete the full URI Master Gardener Program core training and pay a reduced (50%) registration fee.
URI Extension Master Gardener volunteers who intend to transfer to a Master Gardener program in another state should first contact the State Program Leader in the state they will transfer to for requirements.
4.4 Volunteer Instructors
Educational program fees support time spent by URI Extension staff researching, developing and publicizing educational programs offered through URI Extension; staff are present at all programs where fees are charged. When a URI Extension Master Gardener volunteer is invited to offer instruction based specifically on their volunteer experience, the program fee is adjusted to reflect that the portion of the session taught by a trained URI Extension volunteer is offered free of charge. When a URI Extension Master Gardener volunteer is hired as a content ‘expert’ based on their credentials outside of their URI Extension Master Gardener volunteer designation, that individual does not receive volunteer or continuing education hours towards their volunteer
certification for the instruction they provide, nor are they permitted to use their volunteer title (i.e., “URI Master Gardener,” “URI Master Composter”) to describe their affiliation to URI Extension.
- 11 - URI Extension Volunteer Agreement
For value received, and upon signing and submitting this Volunteer Acknowledgement and Waiver, I confirm that I wish to participate in the University of Rhode Island (“the University”) Master Gardener Program as a volunteer in contribution to the Program’s mission to educate RI citizens in environmentally-sound gardening practices through the dissemination of factual, research-based information. I confirm and acknowledge that my services are voluntarily offered and are rendered as a University non-compensated volunteer to assist with the general activities and programs associated with the University. I agree to abide by the University of Rhode Island policies and procedures, as well as all state, federal, and local laws. I also understand that since my services at URI are voluntary, either the University or I may terminate them at any time, with or without cause. I understand that the term of this agreement is applicable during a one year period.
University Department Using Volunteer Services: URI Extension
Department Dean Requesting Services: Dr. Deborah Sheely, Associate Director, URI Extension
Phone: 401-874-2240
Email: [email protected]
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Please initial the following to indicate your agreement.
Risk Acknowledgement:
____ I understand that my Volunteer participation and any travel associated with it could involve risk of bodily injury, property damage, or death, and I accept and fully understand these risks. I acknowledge that it is the responsibility of each Volunteer to participate only in those activities of which he/she is physically capable, including the use and operation of garden tools and power equipment, and understand that I may decline to do any of these activities at any time.
Insurance:
____ I understand that my services and participation are rendered as a Volunteer in a non-employee capacity, therefore employee benefits such as health insurance cannot be offered, and workers compensation is not applicable. I acknowledge that any accident insurance coverage that the University may carry applicable to Volunteers would be secondary and excess to all other applicable insurance policies, including, but not limited to any health care and auto insurance coverage’s I may have. I acknowledge that I am responsible for obtaining and sustaining my own health and auto insurance coverage’s. In addition, I understand that Campus Health Services and the Campus Student Insurance plan are only available to active, eligible full time and international students.
Emergency Medical Treatment:
____ Should I become injured or ill during my Volunteer activities, I hereby grant the University full authority to obtain emergency medical services for me at their discretion, or if I am unable to; and I accept responsibility for any related costs thereof, and release the University and their related staff, representatives or host organizations from liability for such decisions.
Liability Waiver and Indemnification:
____ Furthermore, in consideration of the opportunity afforded me, with full knowledge and appreciation of the risks involved, I hereby agree to indemnify, release and hold harmless; University of RI, State of RI, RI Board of Education, their faculty, staff, trustees, officers, representatives, agents, and host organizations from all form and manner of risks inherent or relating to such activities, and I waive all claims and demands of any nature arising from my volunteer participation, campus access and related travel. I agree and understand that this liability waiver and indemnification will extend beyond the dates of this agreement.
- 12 - URI Extension Volunteer Agreement
Client-Volunteer Interaction Requirement
____ I understand that as a URI Extension Volunteer, I am instructed to work in pairs and avoid situations working one-on-one with any client (member of the public).
____ I understand that I am required to have a completed Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) state background check through the RI Office of the Attorney General on file with URI Extension and updated every three years in order to work with youth clients under 18 years of age.
URI Extension Volunteer Code of Conduct
Individuals serving in the role of volunteer as associated with any program of URI Extension accept responsibility to represent URI with dignity and pride and to conduct themselves as a positive role model for program participants and the public. I agree to adhere to the following standards of behavior when engaged in assigned volunteer activities through the URI Master Gardener Program:
1. Adhere to URI, and if applicable, the host organization’s rules, policies and guidelines that relate to volunteer activity and the program he or she serves;
2. Accept supervision, guidance and support from URI Extension staff; respect and uphold the rights and dignity of all URI Extension staff, fellow volunteers and all individuals who participate in URI programs recognizing that people’s values, beliefs, customs and strengths differ;
3. Execute URI business in an ethical manner;
4. Preserve the confidentiality of information (and sign confidentiality agreement if required by my volunteer role) about program participants and URI internal affairs that’ve been entrusted to me; 5. Refrain from using my URI volunteer status for personal or business financial gain;
6. Fulfill my assigned volunteer duties, including completion of required records or reports, in a timely manner;
7. Comply with the pest control recommendations policies outlined herein;
8. Participate in required training programs and use the recommended policies and procedures; 9. Encourage participation of, and respect for, individuals of diverse backgrounds, cultures and
perspectives;
10. Refrain from the use of alcohol, drugs and inappropriate language on URI property and URI Master Gardener-approved project property;
11. Commit no illegal or abusive acts;
12. Report all unsafe conditions and accidents to URI Extension staff as soon as possible;
13. Limit use of URI Master Gardener email addresses to URI Master Gardener Program business only; refrain from sending emails that include harassing or offensive messages, or chain letters.
Failure to adhere to the code of conduct is cause for immediate dismissal from all duties and privileges of a URI Extension Master Gardener volunteer.
I hereby acknowledge that I have had the opportunity to review this form and have it reviewed by legal counsel if necessary. I understand the foregoing, and hereby agree to be bound by same.
Volunteer Name: _____________________________ Email: _________________________________ Address: ______________________________________ City: _____________________ State: _____ Volunteer/Guardian Signature: ___________________________________________ Date: _________ Emergency Contact Name and Phone Number: ____________________________________________
