American University
ER-3: Sustainability in New Student Orientation

American University begins educating students about sustainability as soon as they arrive on campus. The Office of Sustainability trains student orientation leaders on campus sustainability during the summer. The Office of New Student Programs (NSP) reviews AU's sustainability practices during new student orientation and suggests practical ways students can be more sustainable both on and off campus. NSP distributes a USB drive containing orientation materials that were previously provided as printed fliers and brochures. They also reuse orientation name badge holders. In past years, NSP has partnered with Whole Foods Market to provide incoming students with reusable grocery bags. In addition to NSP's efforts, the Office of Sustainability staffs a table during orientation to provide incoming students with information and opportunities about how to participate in sustainability activities at AU. Students entering AU for the 2012-2013 school year had the option of attending the Sustainable Campus Sustainable City "Explore DC" Program during the university's "Welcome Week" prior to the start of classes. The two-day program included a campus sustainability tour, a presentation on sustainability at AU, a craft project to make solar powered battery chargers, storm drain labeling with the District Department of the Environment, a presentation on urban forestry in D.C. from a local nonprofit, and a guided tree walk. Twenty students enrolled in the program for fall 2012.

Information regarding the Sustainable Campus, Sustainable City program can be found in the AU Welcome Weeks brochure, available online: https://www.american.edu/ocl/orientation/upload/Welcome-Week-Mailing.pdf