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  2. Walkability Audit Training Information Packet

    Associated Project(s): 
    Walkability Study

    Hello all,

     

    Thank you so much for helping out with data collection for the Walkability Audit project. As you all already know, the primary objective of this project is to conduct a thorough analysis of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) campus sidewalk network. Two surveys will be used to assess the walkway infrastructure on campus:

    1. Walkability Audit questionnaire: Assesses the general walkability of the map blocks
    2. Deficiency Reporting survey: Identifies specific deficiencies within a map block

     

    This project will help us identify the areas that are good for walking and areas that require attention. Data collected from this study will create a prioritization list of sidewalk preservation and improvement projects that will subsequently be used to create a Campus Walking Master Plan.

     

    All volunteers are required to fill out this form (https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/461765201) by Monday, November 1, 2021 12:00 PM for your preferred (3 preferences for each training) date and time for the

    • Virtual Training sessions (1 virtual training required) via Zoom
    • In-Person Test Data Collection training sessions (1-test data collection is required, more encouraged) at Illini Union and F&S (1501 S. Oak St., Champaign, IL)

     

    Please see attached the Walkability Audit Volunteer Training Manual. I recommend that you all go through this document before the training sessions. We will go over the training manual during the virtual training and answer any question you many have there. During the test data collection training, we will walk around a block and test the surveys.

     

    All volunteers will use their smart phones to collect data. So make sure that your phones are fully charged because the ArcGIS Survey123 app will use your current location and it will drain your battery. You all need to download the ArcGIS Survey123 app:

    1. For android users: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.esri.survey123
    2. For iOS users: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/arcgis-survey123/id993015031

     

    Once downloaded, you will all use the same F&S Data Collector login for this study! Once you have downloaded the app,

    • Click on “Sign in using ArcGIS Online”
    • On the next screen, use the following login information
      • Username: FandSDataCollector
      • Password: 2022UIwalk
    • On the Top-right corner of the screen, click on the initials
    • Click on Download Surveys
      • Download the 2021 UI Campus Deficiency Reporting survey
      • Download the 2021 UI Campus Walkability Audit survey

     

    I have divided all the volunteers in teams of fours (our own Fantastic 4s!) and assigned map blocks that each team has to cover. I will send more details about the teams and your assignments in a separate email (to the teams) in a bit. You can begin collecting data after you have completed both of the training sessions. I want this data by before the Fall break (Saturday, November 20, 2021).

     

    I highly appreciate your time and effort! Your help is invaluable to us and this project will have a real long-term impact on the University! Thank you,

    Sarthak

     

    Sarthak Prasad

    Sustainable Transportation Assistant

    Facilities & Services

    University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

    Phone: 217-300-9575

    Email: sprasad9 at illinois.edu

     

  7. Use The Bin Pledge Temporary Tattoo Order

    Associated Project(s): 
    Zero Waste Messaging Campaign

    Order information for Use The Bin Pledge:

    • Website: https://www.temporarytattoos.com/product/?pid=custom-tattoo-regular-M
    • Dimensions: 2.0 x 2.0 inches
    • Quantity: 1000 (as per the original conversation)
    • White Option: Either "Flood White" or "Spot White"
      • To my understanding, "Flood White" would have a white square as the temporary tattoo. If we did "Spot White", I believe it would just be the text and the bin, with the white only being in the recycling logo and bottles.
    • Request "Digital Proof Required"
      • No additional price associated with this. But it would delay the shipment by 1-2 days.
    • Unit Cost: $0.15/tattoo
    • Total Cost: $149.75
    • Shipping: First Class USPS (Free)
    • Design: I've attached the digital rendering of the design to this email again!
    Attached Files: 

  8. Walkability Audit: Group meeting before training sessions begin

    Associated Project(s): 
    Walkability Study

    On Tuesday October 26, 2021, all members involved in the Walkability Audit project met to discuss the Final draft of the Walkability Audit Training manual. The Training Manual covers the following sections:

    1. Objective of the project, introduction and timeline

    2. Map of the campus divided into larger map blocks and smaller mini blocks

    3. Volunteer assignment

    4. Directions to perform the audit

    5. Detailed steps to download and use the ArcGIS survey 123 App.

    6. Instructions for '2021 UI Campus Walkability audit survey' (General questionnaire of 40 questions with explanation and diagrams)

    7. Instructions for '2021 UI Campus Deficiency reporting survey' ( Specific questionnaire detailing deficiencies under 8 categories)

     

    Previous comments/suggestions for both the surveys were taken into account and incorporated in order to create the final list of questions for the surveys. (Please see attached pdf) During the meeting, Stacey brought up the possibility of having a multiple choice option for the Deficiency reporting survey since there is a possibility of encountering more than 1 deficiency at the same location. However, due to the inability of the ArcGIS survey 123 app to register more than one deficiency per submission, we had to move forward with the previously decided 1 deficiency per submission option. 

    Training sessions will be held next week, everyday from Nov 1- Nov 6 (Virtual training sessions and in-person training sessions) for 1 hour each. These sessions are for the volunteers to understand how to use the ArcGIS survey 123 app and the nuances of the questions included in the audit for both the surveys. The deadline for the volunteers to complete the data collection is 20th Nov 2021.

     

  9. Coordinated Rainwater Management Brainstorming Meeting

    Associated Project(s): 
    Build Resilience with Our Local Community
    Rainwater Management Plans

    10/25/2021 11:00 am

    Present: Brent Lewis, Betsy Liggett, Lisa Merrifield, Stacy Gloss

    Updates from Stacy:

    • Resilience team identified a next step on the iCAP objective review slides: “Resilience team to recommend campus to initiate an engineered rainwater master plan”
    • NGICP training for 4 F&S staff submitted to SSC as step-1 application
    • Stacy attended the GI conference Oct 20

    Updates from Lisa and Betsy:

    • Extension receiving funds to create state-wide GI reporting platform, working with NCSA
    • Lisa is hiring an Academic Hourly intern to work through summer 2022 for the biodiversity plan - this work is complementary to coordinated rainwater management plans and so this staff person may be able to work on planning objectives for coordinated rainwater management plans.
    • Lisa is recruiting someone with planning / engineering background to work on GI or biodiversity this summer.

    Coordinated Rainwater Plan

    We discussed the fit for Extension to be involved in coordinating rainwater management plans for our urbanized areas and campus. We brainstormed ideas on how coordination can take place, who should be involved, and started thinking about special topics to address.

    Green Infrastructure Mapping

    Work together with Extension and NCSA on the GI platform for Illinois. This work is starting soon.

    Next Steps

    • Follow up and plan to meet in December or January.   
    • Define rainwater management plan 
    • Define objectives for a rainwater management plan
    • Describe process for achieving those objectives
    • Attend planning meetings with Extension on GI platform & mapping

     

  10. Weekly Update: Slow week; Outside event with Urbana Parks District; Kid's Bike Giveaway

    Associated Project(s): 
    Campus Bike Center

    All, Slower week as per usual with the coming of fall. We’re still mostly sold out of bikes as the ones we have been getting in are finicky and in need of uncommon parts.

    Last week, I tentatively set up an outside event for the spring with the Urbana Parks District. More details as that event develops.

    This week we’ll also get to planning for our participation/role in this winter’s Kid’s Bike Giveaway. We’ve certainly got the bikes for it!

    The numbers:

    Visitors: 32
    Sales: $366
    Memberships: 6 for $180
    Tires/tubes: 8 for $35

    Thanks!

    Jacob Benjamin
    Campus Bike Center Coordinator

  13. Engagement iCAP Team Meeting

    Associated Project(s): 
    Sustainability Engagement and Outreach
    Engagement iCAP Team

    On Monday, October 25, the Engagement iCAP Team met to synthesize the themes of sustainability engagement discussed at the team's previous meeting. The four major working themes include: Awareness & Purpose, Technology & Visibility, Culture & Practicality, and Connection & Relationships. Moving forward, the team will break into sub-committees to pursue each of these themes. Meeting minutes attached.

    Attached Files: 

  15. Pilot for National Green Infrastructure Certification Program for University Operations

    Associated Project(s): 
    Student Sustainability Committee (SSC)
    Implement Resilient Landscape Strategy

    A SSC Fall Step 1 Application was submitted on October 15, 2021 to support F&S staff to receive National Green Infrastructure Certification Program (NGICP) training. If funded, four F&S staff or designees will receive the NGICP training from Parkland College’s NGICP program between January 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023.

     

    National Green Infrastructure Certification Program ONLINE (https://parkland.augusoft.net/index.cfm?method=course.classinformation&coursenumber=WBT-906)

    ID : 11479   

    « back to classes page

    Become certified. Be the solution. Be a leader in managing your natural water assets in a sustainable way. Help shape the future landscape of Illinois and beyond! Green infrastructure (GI) has become a critical component and the standard of comprehensive stormwater management. GI is a cost-effective approach to managing stormwater and requires skilled and certified individuals. Landscaping, city planning, public works, and stormwater managing can all benefit from the knowledge and skills to ensure GI projects are installed and maintained properly to support long-term performance and a positive impact on communities.

    Certification increases your competitiveness in the job market and provides a pathway to higher-paying positions. Benefits of certifying in NGICP:

    • Expansion of your skills and knowledge of building, inspecting, and maintaining GI systems
    • Greater awareness of GI career opportunities
    • Proof of your commitment to supporting sustainable performance of GI practices
    • Exposure to employers looking to hire skilled GI workers through the NGICP Certification Database


    In addition to online course work, you will meet for required LIVE online discussions 11:30 AM-1:30 PM CST, Thursdays, January 6-27. You must complete 100% of the online course modules and assignments to be eligible for the certification exam. No make-up sessions are available. 

    While Parkland College provides the NGICP training, EnviroCert International, Inc. (ECI) administers the computer-based certification exam at Prometric Testing Centers or through online remote proctoring. Registration for the exam will occur through ECI, visit their site for details. The fee for the NGICP exam is $150.

    Attached Files: 

  17. Energy Education grant program

    Associated Project(s): 
    Seek External Grant Funding for Implementation

    https://www.constellation.com/community/e2-energy-to-educate.html

    Through the E2 Energy to EducateSM grant program, Constellation offers students in grades 6-12 and college opportunities to experience problem-solving today’s and tomorrow’s energy challenges. Grant funds support projects designed to enhance students’ understanding of science and technology, and inspire them to think differently about energy.

  18. EV Procurement Law in Illinois

    Associated Project(s): 
    Electric Vehicle (EV) Task Force
    Use Electric Vehicles (EV)
    Fleet Replacement Plans

    EO 2108, ELECTRIC VEHICLE PROCUREMENT. The executive order provides that the state shall: (1) develop and implement a program for procurement of electric and other low emission or zero emission vehicles for state purposes; (2) establish a State Fleet Working Group convened by the Department of Central Management Services and composed of representatives from the Department of Transportation, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, and the Illinois Commerce Commission; (3) set forth the responsibilities of the working group; (4) direct the Department of Central Management Services, in conjunction with other state agencies, to develop a plan to install electric vehicle chargers on state property; and (5) direct the Illinois State Board of Education to collaborate with the Department of Transportation and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to develop tools and provide information to assist school districts in assessing the benefits and costs of zero emission bus options when replacing school buses. The executive order became effective 22 APR 21.

    https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=2108&GAID=16&DocTypeID=EO&SessionID=110&GA=102

    https://www2.illinois.gov/Pages/Executive-Orders/ExecutiveOrder2021-08.a...

  19. Walkability Audit: Week 9 meeting

    Associated Project(s): 
    Walkability Study

    On Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, Oct 19, 22, 23, 2021, Sutapa and Sarthak met to work on the Training Manual for the Walkability Audit. 

    The training manual is designed for the volunteers to understand the project better before starting their audits next week. The training manual entails the following sections (more details included in the attached word doc):

    1. Introduction to the Project

    2. Maps of the site of intervention

    3. Directions for volunteers

    4. Understanding the Walkability Audit questionnaire- Each question explained with figures for key concepts

    5. Understanding the Deficiency Reporting questionnaire- Categories of deficiencies with an example of how to collect data

    The draft manual has been sent to everyone involved in the project for their perusal before finally sending it to the volunteers.

    Volunteer list has also been processed. They have been divided into teams and assigned map blocks to audit. The list of teams along with the training manual will be sent to all the volunteers shortly after 26th Oct ( Tuesday's meeting).

  20. Vision Zero - Final report presentation by Ray and Jacob + meeting recording

    Associated Project(s): 
    Vision Zero
    Campus Transportation Advisory Committee (CTAC)

    Dr. Ray Benekohal and Jacob Mathew met with Stacey DeLorenzo, Sarthak Prasad, and Stacy Gloss, and they presented the findings from their Vision Zero project in 2020-21. They collected information on campus locations with

    1. Potential problems
    2. Near misses
    3. Collisions

    They received more than 500 responses, of which nearly 475 were on campus. They analyzed the crash report data from IDOT from 2014-18, and they also organized two focus group studies.

    Please see attached the final presentation and the full report. See the full report from this study online at: https://uofi.box.com/s/zyuqv8p11tleiuqzsvwge3utsuuutipp

    See the meeting recording (45 minute presentation) here: https://uofi.box.com/s/wjybgfpjdz1nyl6hahw09utub8162ynd

    See the preliminary report shared during CTAC Fall 2020 presentation

    Attached Files: 

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