Master Gardener Program FAQ Updates 2022
Why the change?
The Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener Program implemented a revision of the program on January 1, 2022. This change addressed Extension’s new staffing model and adoption of UW-Madison Policy and Procedures; additionally, it addresses known program confusion, addresses participant diversity, and improves program delivery.
Status quo was not an option. Alternative options for program delivery, similar to 4-H, would require more bureaucracy (MOUs), staff resources, and would limit or reduce volunteer activity options in communities. The MOU process would have been unmanageable. Therefore the third-parties approach is the best approach we have, allowing county educators to tap into volunteers to do Extension outreach, gives associations the freedom they desire, and gives individuals the opportunity to self-determine their volunteer activities.
These guidelines are here to protect you and the participants.
This is not a unique model we adopted. The Wisconsin Extension Master Naturalist program successfully operates this way. This allows Master Gardeners to continue volunteering where they want at most organizations in the community with gardening and education activities appropriate for the Master Gardener Program. This option gives Master Gardeners more freedom and flexibility to volunteer in their community.
Benefits of the change….
This change provides the greatest flexibility and autonomy (of the various options considered) to Master Gardeners as they seek meaningful volunteer service opportunities with organizations that provide a public benefit in their communities.
- The changes in relationships between the Master Gardener and the organization will provide a more streamlined process as they serve through an organization. This greatly expands the ability for Master Gardeners to volunteer at organizations and removes delays in the former approval process for any Master Gardener volunteer activity.
- It creates uniform, statewide policy pertaining to how Master Gardeners operate in the program.
- It puts the program in compliance with UW-Madison policies and procedures and allows for statewide participation regardless of Extension staffing levels.
- By recognizing the organization, the changes incorporate best practices in volunteer development by clearly defining who a Master Gardener is volunteering for and understanding their responsibilities.
The Master Gardener Program Model
PLEASE NOTE: If you have trouble accessing any of the links to Onboarding below, please contact the Extension Wisconsin Master Gardener Program and a team member will help you sort it out. wimastergardener@extension.wisc.edu.
What do I need to do (as a Master Gardener) in 2022?
Do I need to complete annual enrollment?
Is there a deadline to complete Onboarding-Lite?
What is the difference between Onboarding and Onboarding-Lite?
Where do I find help for my UW NetID and username for the Online Reporting System?
How will I enter my hours in the Online Reporting System (ORS)?
What is an appropriate organization to volunteer for?
Are associations considered an appropriate organization?
Is Extension an appropriate organization that I can volunteer for?
How will organizations be approved?
How are projects led in the future?
Do associations need to coordinate projects?
What activities count for volunteer hours?
What counts for continuing education?
Will I be limited to where I can volunteer in the state?
How does someone become a Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener?
How do individuals reenter the Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener program?
How do I become a Certified Master Gardener?
What is the Honored Participation Level?
How do Master Gardeners represent themselves in the community?
Should I wear my MG name badge?
Can I continue to wear my Master Gardener t-shirt that has the old MG leaf logo on it?
Does the University provide liability protection to Master Gardeners?
Can the Growing and Caring for Plants in Wisconsin: Foundations in Gardening Class be audited?
Is there a plan to resume the monthly Coordinator Calls that Mike Maddox used to have?
Must you be a member of an association?
Is there an annual dues requirement?
Do associations still need to limit membership to vetted Extension volunteers?
Can I use Extension factsheets when I am volunteering for another organization?
In 2022, what are the required hours to remain Certified?
Is the State office still doing Lifetime Milestone Recognition?
Why so many new rules?
The program previously consisted of written and unwritten rules that differed between county to county. We now have written those rules down for the first time and implemented them on a statewide basis. What may seem “new” to you may be because your county didn’t have a rule on it. Now, we have a uniform “rules of the road” for all Master Gardeners to follow and to be clear on what counts (and what doesn’t) for the program.
Where can I find updates related to the changes in the Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener Program?
- Any communications related to changes can be found here.
What do I need to do (as a Master Gardener) in 2022?
- Accept new Terms and Conditions (this includes the Code of Ethics) for 2022, by logging into ORS. Please make sure your information is updated in the ORS.
- Complete the updated Onboarding-Lite 2022. This is in the Canvas Classroom. Look for the email that was sent on 1-6-22 notifying that it is available. It came from wimastergardener@extension.wisc.edu.
- The above items must be completed before you conduct any volunteer hours you are going to count toward the program.
- As a Master Gardener, you are the volunteer of the organization in which you are providing volunteer service. Know and follow established program guidelines and policies of the organizations in which you provide community service.
Do I need to complete annual enrollment?
There will be no Annual Enrollment Period like in previous years, however, you still need to Accept new Terms and Conditions (this includes the Code of Ethics) for 2022, by logging into ORS.
2022 Onboarding-Lite
- NOW Available!
- Due to significant updates to the program, you are required to complete 2022 Onboarding-Lite before you start volunteering. You can claim 5 hours of continuing education. We estimate that it may take you less time than this.
- Onboarding-Lite is in the Canvas Classroom. Look for the email sent on 1-6-22 notifying it is available. It came from wimastergardener@extension.wisc.edu.
Is there a deadline to complete Onboarding-Lite?
- Onboarding-Lite is to be completed before any volunteer service or continuing education can be counted.
- We encourage everyone to not wait and to complete Onboarding-Lite as soon as possible to completely understand 2022 policies and guidelines.
What is the difference between Onboarding and Onboarding-Lite?
Please think of “Onboarding” and “Onboarding-Lite” as the Handbook for being an Extension Master Gardener.
Onboarding provides:
- An orientation to Extension and the Extension Master Gardener Program.
- An explanation of what counts for continuing education and volunteer activities.
- Guidelines on eligible organizations where volunteer activities may be conducted.
- An opportunity to create an account in the online reporting system.
- The state-wide horticulture exam.
Individuals who register for Onboarding may report 10 hours of continuing education.
Onboarding-Lite is the same as Onboarding but the following are removed as you have already completed this.
- An opportunity to create an account in the online reporting system.
- The state-wide horticulture exam.
Individuals completing Onboarding-Lite may report 5 hours of continuing education in 2022.
Requesting a Canvas NetID
- A NetID is required to access the Canvas Classroom (where Onboarding Lite is, as well as other MG Program courses and information).
- Note: This is not the same as your ORS username and password.
- If you don’t have a NetID or can’t find it in your email, use this form to request it to be resent to you.
- More Canvas information and netID help.
Online Reporting System (ORS)
- As of Feb. 1 the ORS is ONLY available to log in and accept new Terms and Conditions (this includes the Code of Ethics) for 2022.
- The ORS is unavailable to enter any hours. The Program needs time to transition the ORS to a new format. We anticipate that you will be able to log into the ORS to report 2022 hours during starting the week of March 14.
- The ORS login page will let you know when it will be online again. You also will be notified through email when it is available. In the meantime, please keep track of your hours to be entered at a later date.
Where do I find help for my UW NetID and username for the Online Reporting System?
We created an FAQ to help with the most common questions related to both systems.
How will I enter my hours in the Online Reporting System (ORS)?
- Master Gardeners record their time in the ORS by organization and activity, not by project.The ORS will not list projects in 2022.
- When you are entering your hours into the ORS if you do not see your organization listed, you will need to “ask for a new organization to be added,” at which point you will be prompted for contact information about the organization. It will be reviewed by staff before it is entered into the ORS.
What is an appropriate organization to volunteer for?
- You must first be a volunteer of an organization for your volunteer service to count towards MG hours.
- More information on appropriate organizations is provided in Digging Deeper, Organizations in Onboarding [Canvas netID required].
Are associations considered an appropriate organization?
- If they meet the criteria of an appropriate organization.
- More information on appropriate organizations is provided in Digging Deeper, Organizations in Onboarding [Canvas netID required].
Is Extension an appropriate organization that I can volunteer for?
- Yes, but Extension opportunities in the future will be very specific. Extension staff will communicate when these are available. Otherwise, you will need to assume you are a volunteer of another organization.
- The Extension Volunteer Enrollment process must be completed prior to volunteering for any Extension activities. You will receive an Extension Volunteer acceptance letter to confirm this role.
- This is not the same as acceptance of the Terms and Conditions (Code of Ethics) for the Extension Master Gardener Program.
- Extension staff must request the addition of any UW-Madison entity to be added to the ORS. If you volunteer for Extension you will be informed how to report your hours.
How will organizations be approved?
- There is no formal approval process. You will need to use the criteria provided above and in Digging Deeper, Organizations in Onboarding [Canvas netID required], to determine if the organization you are volunteering for is appropriate.
- You may request organizations to be entered by logging into ORS and submitting the required information. Requests are not automatic and require staff approval. Please allow time for them to appear in the system.
- The following information is required:
- Organization name, mailing address, and website (if available)
- Organization staff contact name and title, phone number, and email
Criminal Background Checks
- Master Gardeners must follow the requirements of the organization they choose to volunteer for. This may include a CBC through that organization.
How are projects led in the future?
- We are moving away from “projects”(where you volunteer) to organizations (who you volunteer for). The ORS will not list projects in 2022.
- By adopting this position, Extension no longer has the requirement of Master Gardener-only projects. Starting January 1, 2022, volunteer service is conducted through other organizations. It will be up to the organization which you volunteer for to determine who can volunteer and who may be overseeing the activities.
- Please remember that you must follow the requirements of the organization you choose to volunteer for. This may include behavior agreements, assumptions of risk, and other conditions of service for those organizations
- More information is provided in Digging Deeper, Volunteer Activities in Onboarding [Canvas netID required].
Do associations need to coordinate projects?
- This was never an Extension requirement.
- In the new model, community service is conducted through other organizations and the staff of that organization managing the volunteer activity.
- We don’t require project approval.
- The scope of what is “allowable” for recording in ORS is in Digging Deeper and What Counts in Onboarding [Canvas netID required]. You will record your hours by organization and activity, not by project.
What activities count for volunteer hours?
Your volunteer service is how you apply what you learn in the Master Gardener Program. We ask that you report your hours to demonstrate how you apply your knowledge and talents in your community.
- More information on appropriate activities is provided in Digging Deeper, Volunteer Activities in Onboarding [Canvas netID required].
- View At a Glance Checklist [Canvas netID required]
How can you count volunteer time for managing online communications (webpages and social media), and editing and formatting newsletters for other organizations?
Thank you for your continued questions about the Master Gardener Program. As appropropriate we will provide clarity and correction to the information in the Onboarding Materials. Recently, we reorganized a section of the Volunteer Activities → Educating others to make it more inclusive to individuals providing educational support through social media and websites. Please see that edited guidance at Onboarding –> Digging Deeper–> Volunteer Activities –> Educating Others –> Education Support for more information.
What counts for continuing education?
Continuing education keeps Master Gardeners informed, involved, and learning about unbiased University research-based horticultural and volunteer topics. We ask that you report your hours to demonstrate your personal development.
- More information on appropriate continuing education is provided in Sources of Information in Onboarding [Canvas netID required].
- View At a Glance Checklist [Canvas netID required)
Will I be limited to where I can volunteer in the state?
You can count your volunteer service throughout the state as long as the organization and activity meet the requirements in Onboarding (or Onboarding-Lite). You now have opportunities to volunteer across the state. We no longer require you to be connected to a county.
How does someone become a Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener?
- Steps for becoming a Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener are posted on our website.
How do individuals reenter the Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener program?
- General guidance is provided in What Counts, Participation Levels in Onboarding [Canvas netID required].
- Here is our specific guidance for 2022:
- Individuals who have reported hours in the last 5 years (2017-present) may return to the Master Gardener Program anytime on or after January 1, 2022 and through December 31, 2022. They will be required to complete Onboarding-Lite (no exam, no registration fee) in the Canvas Classroom. The individual must contact the Master Gardener Program during 2022. Volunteer hours conducted prior to re-activation are not eligible for reporting.
- Individuals who have NOT reported hours in the last 5 years (2016 and before) are required to register for Onboarding (includes an exam, registration fee) in order to re-enter the Master Gardener Program. Registration begins December 2021 and closes March 15, 2022. The course opens January 1, 2022, and must be completed by March 31, 2022
- All individuals will return with a participation level of Inactive. The hours reported into the ORS by December 31 will determine your participation level for the following year.
How do I become a Certified Master Gardener?
To become Certified for the following year:
- You report at least 24 hours of volunteer service and at least 10 hours of continuing education into the ORS by December 31.
- You agree to Terms and Conditions.
- We have introduced a range of hour reporting options to increase program flexibility. There are different designations, besides “Certified”, that we use to help explain the level of participation you have in the program. More information on participation levels is provided in What Counts, Participation Levels in Onboarding [Canvas netID required].
What is the Honored Participation Level?
- Honored level is one of five levels your participation can be classified as. You cannot be classified at more than one level. e.g. Honored and Certified. “Emeritus” status is a local level (i.e. Local association in some counties) designation. The Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener developed Honored status to recognize long serving members with significant accomplishments. Those with an Emeritus designation will need to apply for Honored within the Master Gardener Program.
- You need to apply for Honored Status – view Honored Status information.
How do Master Gardeners represent themselves in the community?
Before, you were automatically considered an Extension Master Gardener Volunteer and you were working on behalf of Extension. Now, you can represent yourself as credentialed by the Extension Master Gardener Program, and you’re volunteering on behalf of the organization you are volunteering for. More information on using the Master Gardener title is provided in What Counts, Using the Master Gardener Title in Onboarding [Canvas netID required].
Say, “Hi, My name is [Your Name], I’m a [Certified/Active/Honored] Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener credentialed through UW-Madison and volunteering on behalf of [ORGANIZATION’S NAME]……
Can Master Gardeners be guest speakers/presenters for local groups such as local libraries, senior centers, etc?
- Yes, as long as you give the presentation as a volunteer of another organization, such as the organization that is requesting the presentation OR your local association.
- You CANNOT conduct volunteer service as an independent person (at large).
- You may identify yourself as someone credentialed by the Extension Master Gardener Program and you’re volunteering on behalf of a specific organization. More information on using the Master Gardener title is provided in What Counts, Using the Master Gardener Title in Onboarding [Canvas netID required].
Should I wear my MG name badge?
Wear your name badge whenever you want to signal you are a credentialed Extension Master Gardener.
Can I continue to wear my Master Gardener t-shirt that has the old MG leaf logo on it?
You may continue to wear existing logo wear.
UW logos are copyright protected and approved vendors are required for any reproduction of the logo. Please await more information before requesting new branded swag.
Does the University provide liability protection to Master Gardeners?
- Master Gardeners are considered the volunteers of the organization for which they provide volunteer service. University liability protection is not attached to an individual’s participation as a Master Gardener or the title of Extension Master Gardener. Liability protection provided by the University does not extend to volunteer service performed for any other groups or organizations with which Extension Master Gardeners may volunteer.
- You may read our liability policy.
Can the Growing and Caring for Plants in Wisconsin: Foundations in Gardening Class be audited?
- No. This is not an option.
Will we notify associations of individuals who participated in Growing and Caring for Plants in Wisconsin: Foundations in Gardening or Onboarding?
- No.
- The Extension Master Gardener Program does not keep a list of associations and their contact information. Participants of Onboarding will be provided information about associations and will be encouraged to visit the WIMGA website to learn more about associations in their area. Please make sure your association information is updated on the WIMGA website.
Is there a plan to resume the monthly Coordinator Calls that Mike Maddox used to have?
We will no longer conduct these meetings moving forward. In place of these meetings we will be communicating directly to individual Master Gardeners.
Can individuals who were Master Gardeners previously, but choose not to continue to be a Master Gardener through UW, still be part of the local association?
- Extension no longer requests membership of associations to be limited to vetted Extension volunteers. Membership is up to your association and its bylaws that determine who can be a member of the association.
- These individuals must not represent themselves as Master Gardeners. See What Counts, Participation Levels in Onboarding [Canvas netID required].)
Must you be a member of an association?
You do not need to be a member of an association to be a Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener.
Is there an annual dues requirement?
The Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener program has never collected dues and will continue to not collect dues. Dues are collected by the Wisconsin Master Gardeners Association, https://www.wimga.org/.
Do associations still need to limit membership to vetted Extension volunteers?
Extension no longer requests membership to be limited to vetted Extension volunteers. WIMGA has their own policies regarding association membership. https://www.wimga.org/_files/ugd/ebc610_b25333e73d9a4fb6ae115331464687ad.pdf
Is Inactive Level Bad?
Inactive participation level is not bad at all. All it means is you did not report the minimum requirements last year. There really is no penalty for having this participation level other than not being able to say you are “Certified”. You still have access to everything so you can report volunteer hours and do your continuing education.
At the barest of minimums, please report at least 1 hour of CE and 1 hour of volunteer service each year to be “Active” the following year. You achieve Certified level when you report the minimum of 24 hours of volunteer service and 10 hours CE. If you report 0 hours two years in a row, we then interpret that as you no longer wish to continue in the program and we deactivate your accounts.
Our hope is this introduces more flexibility for us to roll with the punches that life throws at us these days, and not just “Certified” and “Uncertified” as we once did. The alternative in the old framework is that you would have had to fill out an exemption form or no longer be in the program. The table in Onboarding explains the different levels. In addition, this link provides examples of how it works.
Can I use Extension factsheets when I am volunteering for another organization?
Yes. We highly recommend using research based factsheets such as the ones that can be found on the Horticulture Program’s website https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/. Even in cases where you’re volunteering for another organization, please use Extension resources. These materials are vetted, reliable and useful when Master Gardeners work in their communities, educating others.
In 2022, what are the required hours to remain Certified?
We will return to the traditional 24 hours of volunteering and 10 hours continuing education minimums in 2022 in order to remain certified. If hours are less than the 24 hrs / 10 hours, please see Onboarding for other participation levels.
Is the State office still doing Lifetime Milestone Recognition?
Prior to the pandemic, the state office provided recognition for individuals achieving milestones of volunteer service hours reported. For example, the milestones were 100, 250, 500, 1000 hours, etc. Due to the pandemic, we waived volunteer hour requirements for both 2020 and 2021. With that, we suspended milestone recognition. In 2022, we plan to reinstate a recognition program and look to improve ways to recognize MG efforts.
