Program Policies

Program Component

In order to receive the Certificate of Completion, students must:

  1. Attend all 6 class sessions
  2. Complete a student project
  3. Complete the assigned class readings

For additional information, see Syllabus and Program Basics.

Starting The Program

There are no prerequisites to enroll in the program, and there is no formal application process. Students can enter the program at any time, however it is recommended that students start at the beginning of a new program cycle, either in January or in July.

Program Period

Students have one year in which to complete all of the program requirements. Each student's program period begins in the month that he or she first enrolls to take classes, and ends 12 months later. Students who do not complete all of the requirements within the one year period must retake all of the class sessions.

Program Certificate

To be awarded the Certificate of Completion, students must attend all class sessions and receive a passing evaluation on their student project.

Students who have completed all of the program requirements must request and submit the Application for Award of Certificate, available from the Program Director. Certificates will be issued in January and July. Students who complete all of the requirements will earn a "Sustainable Landscape Accredited Professional" designation, and may use the program logo on their company materials.

Program Registration

Students register and pay for each program class individually (see list below).

  1. Ecological Principles
  2. Site Assessment & Development
  3. Soil Resources
  4. Water Resources
  5. Plants & Plant Communities
  6. Sustainable Solutions to Landscape Maintenance & Infrastructure
  7. Student Project

Registration can be completed online, by phone at (707) 664-2394, or by mail (after printing and filling out the application form). Students will need to obtain the class catalogue number and other registration information in order to complete the registration form; this information is available by selecting "current courses" on left side menu.

Student Project

The objective of the student project is to demonstrate the student's understanding and integration of the concepts covered in the program. Projects should focus on current and actual situations as much as possible, and should entail a minimum of 40 hours of individual work. Team projects are encouraged, however they must reflect a sum total effort equivalent to a minimum of 40 hours per team member. Student projects will be due at the July and December class session, or may be submitted for review prior to the end of the one-year program period.

For additional information, see the student project guidelines.

Project categories include:

  • Design
  • Construction
  • Policy
  • Research
  • Education
  • Civic Engagement
  • Product Development
  • Economic Analysis

Submission of a written project report of 8-12 pages in length is required. The required length does not include any drawings, photographs, or appendices. A printed and electronic version of the report must be submitted.

Reading Materials

There will be assigned readings for all class sessions drawn from a class reader. The Class Reader is available from the Program Director, and the cost is approximately $40-50.

Submission of a written project report of 8-12 pages in length is required. The required length does not include any drawings, photographs, or appendices. A printed and electronic version of the report must be submitted.

Reading Materials:

There will be assigned readings for all class sessions drawn from a class reader. The Class Reader is available from the Program Director, and the cost is approximately $40-50.