The department’s ACS student affiliates’ chapter was this year’s recipient of the Green Chemistry award. This accolade was given in addition to their chapter being named an outstanding chapter for the third year running – a feat that few others nationally can claim. In making the award, which was accepted at the 2013 National meeting in San Diego, the ACS cited their involvement in education and outreach on green issues both on campus and in the community. Related to this, the department has been working closely with ACS and Beyond Benign on national metrics for the assessment of green chemistry initiatives for the curriculum and research laboratories. The department has been named as one of the initial group of signatories of the Green Commitment (GC). This select group of 20 departments across the nation will share best practice in the field, as national guidelines are developed for all universities to adopt via the ACS committee on professional training.