American University
EN-2: 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 including energy, waste, and green living during the summer and participates in training for Residence Assistants. The Office of Sustainability also hosts a table during orientations for incoming first year students, transfer students, and graduate students in fall and spring semester to provide incoming students with information and opportunities about how to participate in sustainability activities at AU. The Office of Sustainability also partners with Orientation and Zero Waste to ensure campus events during orientation are zero waste. Student sustainability educators are present at all orientation events to answer questions about sustainability and zero waste. The Office of New Student Programs (NSP) introduces 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. The Explore DC orientation program engages about 700 first year students in issues of sustainability and social justice within the larger DC community.